In view of the extension of the special work arrangements for government employees for one week until August 16, a spokesperson for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (August 6) announced that the SWD's service units providing direct public services for members of the public will continue to only maintain their provision of emergency services and essential services.

     While the departmental hotline service will be in operation as normal, other services such as those of the Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) and the Social Security Field Units (SSFUs) will only be provided on a limited scale.

     The SSFUs are temporarily closed to the public but maintain services on a limited scale through other modes of service delivery. Relevant application forms are provided next to the drop-in boxes of the SSFUs and can be downloaded from the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk). Completed forms can be returned to the relevant SSFUs by post, fax or email or through the drop-in boxes of the SSFUs. After receiving the applications, the SSFU staff will contact applicants for processing their applications. For enquiries, please call the SSFU staff on duty during office hours.

     The IFSCs will continue to be open to the public but will only provide casework services with extended hours service suspended.

     Service users are advised to call the hotline on 2343 2255 for details of service provision. To reduce the risk of infection arising from gatherings of people, service users are advised to contact the staff of the service units by telephone in advance, so that interviews can be scheduled as appropriate. All visitors must put on masks, have their body temperature checked and maintain social distancing.
    
     Meanwhile, the SWD has strengthened infection control at all service units. Staff will be reminded to follow necessary infection control measures.

     The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) today (August 6) announced that, in light of the further extension of the special work arrangements for government employees until August 16, persons intending to apply for Registration Cards for People with Disabilities can continue to download the application forms from the LWB's website (www.lwb.gov.hk/en/servicedesk/forms). Duly completed application forms with the required documents can be submitted via the LWB's website by e-submission, or posted to Central Registry for Rehabilitation, Labour and Welfare Bureau, Unit 1001, 10/F, THE HUB, 23 Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong.

     Enquiries can be sent by email to the LWB (enquiry@lwb.gov.hk).

     The Lands Department announced today (August 6) that in respect of the tender for the site Sha Tin Town Lot No. 613 at the junction of Tsung Tau Ha Road and Kwei Tei Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, which was awarded on July 8 to the successful tenderer, Data Zone Company Limited (parent company: CMCC Infrastructure Holdings Limited), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $5,600,000,000, the tender amounts submitted by the unsuccessful tenderers in descending order are published on an anonymous basis as follows:

(1) $3,595,000,000
(2) $3,280,000,000
(3) $2,663,880,000
(4) $2,348,000,000
(5) $1,230,000,000
(6) $1,110,000,000
(7) $888,888,889
(8) $738,000,000
 
     The information disclosed in this press release is for information only.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (August 6) said that a workman has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

     The workman concerned worked at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central and Western District. She last performed her duties on August 4. She felt unwell earlier and sought medical advice. She was notified today that she had preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.

     The staff member concerned has no recent travel history. She wore surgical masks when performing her duties. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.

     The LCSD will arrange thorough cleaning and sterilisation at the work areas concerned and all related public facilities according to guidelines provided by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). 

     The LCSD is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic and will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.

     The Housing Department today (August 6) learned that a security guard employed by its contractor tested positive for COVID-19. The security guard concerned worked at Shui Fung House, Tin Shui Estate. He is now in hospital for treatment.
 
     The security guard normally works on the night shift and stays at the guard counter of Shui Fung House. He last performed duties on August 3. He was identified as a close contact person after his wife tested positive for COVID-19 on August 4. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) notified him yesterday (August 5) that he had tested positive for COVID-19.    
 
     The security guard has no recent travel history. He has been wearing a face mask and has been observing relevant disease prevention measures at work. When performing duties, he has been undergoing temperature checks and his body temperature was normal.
 
     The common areas of Shui Fung House and the Estate Management Office (EMO) of Tin Shui Estate have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the guidelines of the CHP. Due to the special work arrangements for government departments, the EMO was closed today.
 
     The Housing Department will continue to keep close liaison with the CHP and co-operate with its quarantine work.