Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session before Special Meeting of the House Committee of Legislative Council today (August 28):
 
Reporter: Mr Cheung, with several administrative measures taken to prevent the spread of virus during the city-wide test which is starting next week, why can’t the Government take the similar administrative measures to allow the LegCo election to happen as soon as possible and not delay for an entire year? Second question, there’s been a recent attempt by the Police to kind of change the narrative surrounding what happened on July 21 last year. In your opinion, was it really a stand-off between two groups of people who are evenly matched as mentioned by the Police, and what the authorities said, isn’t that kind of rubbing salt into the wounds of those injured in the incident?

Chief Secretary for Administration: On the first question, I think it would be wrong to link the upcoming Universal Community Testing Programme with the LegCo election which has been postponed because in terms of magnitude, scope, the number of people involved, it is of entirely different scale. Election involves a large number of people voting on the same day, and at the same time. We are talking about electioneering beforehand, plus the fact that people queuing at the voting centres, at the polling stations and all that. Now all these would not happen next week because we’re talking about a booking system. In other words, those who go to the testing centres will be controlled and regulated on a very systematic basis. And the scale of people gathering will be much, much smaller than an election. So I think it’ll be wrong in principle and in practice to compare the two.

     The second question, in fact, the Commissioner of Police yesterday explained clearly. I have nothing further to add except the point that all the evidence must be presented in court. Any prosecution must be based on facts and evidence. So it’s entirely, really, up to the court to make a decision. I’m sure, given judicial independence in Hong Kong, there will be a fair trial.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 0.00am, August 28, the CHP was investigating 13 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 4 769 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 4 768 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, three had a travel history during the incubation period.
 
     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
 
     In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. As a number of recent cases involve elderly people, the CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
 
     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
 
     "The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
 
     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
 
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
 
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

     In the light of special work arrangements for government departments and the latest development of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (August 28) that starting from Monday (August 31), licensing services and reception counters at Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices and the Marine Parks Office at CDW Building, 388 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, will provide basic and limited public services to members of the public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9.30am to noon and 2pm to 5pm, until further notice.

     The AFCD appeals to the public to use the above counter services only when in urgent need. Members of the public are encouraged to handle their licence or permit applications through email, post or fax. Relevant documents can also be put in the drop-in box at the ground floor of Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices. For detailed information and contacts, please refer to the AFCD website: www.afcd.gov.hk.

     Moreover, the anti-rabies dog inoculation and dog licensing services at the Animal Management Centres under the AFCD, except the New Territories South Animal Management Centre which has been launched as another quarantine facility for pet animals related to COVID-19 cases, will be provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9.30am to noon and 2pm to 4.30pm, whereas all other anti-rabies dog inoculation and licensing centres will remain closed until further notice. For details, please visit the designated website: www.pets.gov.hk.

     Meanwhile, AFCD public facilities, including the Hong Kong Wetland Park, eight Country Park Visitor/Education Centres, seven Hong Kong GeoparkPark Visitor Centres, the Endangered Species Resources Centre and all country park barbecue sites and campsites will remain closed. School and public programmes will remain suspended until further notice.

     For enquiries, please call the AFCD on 2708 8885.

     The Lands Department announced today (August 28) that in respect of the tender for the site Tai Po Town Lot No. 243 at Ma Wo Road, Tai Po, New Territories, which was awarded on July 29 to the successful tenderer, Wealth Honour Limited (parent companies: Vanke Property (Hong Kong) Company Limited and CNQC International Holdings Limited), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $3,705,018,700, the tender amounts submitted by the unsuccessful tenderers in descending order are published on an anonymous basis as follows:

(1) $3,660,088,000
(2) $3,529,000,000
(3) $3,284,800,000
(4) $3,212,300,000
(5) $3,188,800,000
(6) $2,614,800,000
(7) $2,368,000,000
(8) $2,346,500,000
(9) $2,338,000,000
(10) $2,010,000,000
(11) $1,600,000,000
(12) $1,564,000,007

     The information disclosed in this press release is for information only.

     The Home Affairs Department will open 19 temporary night heat shelters tonight (August 28) for people in need of the service.

     The shelters will be open from 10.30pm until 8am tomorrow.

     For further information, please call the department's hotline before midnight on 2572 8427.

     The 19 night heat shelters are located at:

Hong Kong Districts:
———————

Central and Western –
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex,
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun

Eastern –
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay

Southern –
Lei Tung Community Hall
Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau

Wan Chai –
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

Kowloon Districts:
——————

Kowloon City –
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices,
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom

Kwun Tong –
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin

Sham Shui Po –
Shek Kip Mei Community Hall
G/F, Block 42, Shek Kip Mei Estate, Sham Shui Po

Wong Tai Sin –
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan

Yau Tsim Mong –
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei

New Territories Districts:
————————–

Islands –
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building,
39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung

Kwai Tsing –
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Chung

North –
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling

Sai Kung –
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex,
38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O

Sha Tin –
Hin Keng Neighbourhood Community Centre
5 Hin Wo Lane, Sha Tin

Tai Po –
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po

Tsuen Wan –
Shek Wai Kok Community Hall
Shek Wai Kok Estate, Tsuen Wan

Tuen Mun –
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun

Yuen Long –
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long

Yuen Long –
Tin Yiu Community Centre
Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai