Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) announced today (August 20) that a 71-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case number: 1718) passed away this evening.

     The patient was admitted to the KWH Accident and Emergency Department on July 16 due to fever and shortness of breath. His condition continued to deteriorate and eventually succumbed at 9.36pm today.

     The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.

     Including the above case, 75 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Prince of Wales Hospital today (August 20) announced that a 72-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case number: 1568) passed away this evening.
      
     The patient with underlying disease was admitted to the Hospital due to fever on July 13. She was later confirmed positive for COVID-19 and her condition was stable. She had been deteriorating subsequently and eventually succumbed at 7.04pm today.
      
     The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to her family members. Including the above case, 74 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
 

     Police today (August 20) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tin Sum.

     Lai John, aged 79, went missing after he was last seen at his residence at Jat Min Chuen on August 18. His family made a report to Police today (August 20).

     He is about 1.5 metres tall, 50 kilograms in weight and of slim build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short grey hair. He was last seen wearing a dark colour short-sleeved T-shirt, blue jeans and blue sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1174 or 6507 9919 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government received notice from the Consulate General of the United States of America (US) in Hong Kong on August 18 on the suspension or termination of three bilateral agreements signed between the HKSAR Government and the US Government, namely the agreement for the surrender of fugitive offenders (SFO), the agreement for the transfer of sentenced persons and the agreement concerning tax exemptions from the income derived from the international operation of ships. The HKSAR Government has issued a severe reprimand against this by way of a press statement today (August 20).
      
     In accordance with the instruction of the Central People's Government (CPG), the HKSAR Government has issued a notice to the Consulate General of the US in Hong Kong today to suspend the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the United States of America for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders and the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the United States of America on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLA).
      
     A Government spokesman said, "It is an international practice to safeguard national security through enactment of laws. The US has put in place relevant legislation and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding its national security and sovereignty. Examples of relevant legislation in the US include the National Security Act, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot) Act, Logan Act, Homeland Security Act, etc.”
      
     "However, the US has unilaterally suspended the SFO agreement with the HKSAR using the enactment of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as an excuse. The move by the US does not only smack of political manipulation and double standards, but is also gross interference in China's internal affairs and a grave violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. The HKSAR Government strongly objects to the US's move. It has politicised juridical co-operation, thereby seriously damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between the HKSAR and the US."
      
     All along, with the authorisation and assistance of the CPG, the HKSAR Government has conducted close and effective law enforcement co-operation with the US under the legal framework of SFO and MLA agreements based on the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity. Notwithstanding the suspension of the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the United States of America for SFO and the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the United States of America on MLA, the HKSAR has established a comprehensive co-operation regime for MLA and SFO. The HKSAR Government will, as always, uphold the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity, and carry out law enforcement co-operation with other members of the international community in accordance with the law.