Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (August 3) that, starting from tomorrow (August 4), the COVID-19 testing service for taxi and public light bus (PLB) drivers will be extended. In this phase of COVID-19 testing service, the oropharyngeal swab self-sampling will be adopted. Taxi and PLB drivers may visit to the designated distribution points on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and New Territories for collection of the swab self-sampling kit, without prior telephone booking. The contractor of the testing service will collect the specimen bottle of the kit at the designated collection points at designated time. The addresses, opening dates and hours of the swab self-sampling kit distribution points and specimen bottle collection points are at Annex.

     The test is voluntary and free of charge. Driver holding a valid Hong Kong identity card and taxi/PLB driver identity card may visit the designated collection points for on-site registration and collection of the swab self-sampling kit. Drivers must follow the instruction of the swab self-sampling kit for self-sampling, and return the specimens to the designated collection points as soon as possible. The contractor will send the specimens to laboratories for testing.

     The contractor will not retain the personal data of drivers. In case of a driver’s positive testing result, the contractor will notify the TD on the specimen serial number and the TD will relay the details of the concerned taxi or PLB driver to the Centre for Health Protection for their follow-up.
 
    This testing service offers each taxi or PLB driver a test once. Drivers who had participated in the testing service in the last phase (for the period from July 17 to August 1) do not need to join the swab self-sampling in this round. The TD will review the arrangement in a timely manner and adjust the number of distribution and collection points or extend the testing service according to needs.

     Parking space will not be provided at the distribution and collection points. Drivers should avoid driving to these points.
 
     The TD appeals to the taxi and PLB trades to actively participate in the test to ensure public health and minimise risks of the spread of virus in the community. For details of the testing service, please refer to the website of TD (www.td.gov.hk). read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has announced that as of 0.00am, August 3, the CHP was investigating 80 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 3 590 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 3 589 confirmed cases and one probable case).
     
     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 every day 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 infection, 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. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The spokesman for the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) today (August 3) announced that a 75-year-old female COVID-19 confirmed patient (case n… read more

     A traveller who smuggled rhino horns was convicted for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, and was sentenced to imprisonment today (August 3).

     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that a 34-year-old female traveller arrived in Hong Kong on October 19 last year, from Johannesburg, South Africa. About 16 kilograms of rhino horns were found in her baggage by Customs officers.

     Subsequent to follow-up investigations, the AFCD charged the woman with the illegal import of listed species in Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). She was convicted at the District Court today. With 36 months’ imprisonment as the starting point for sentencing, the defendant was sentenced to 24 months behind bars today after a one-third reduction as she pleaded guilty.

     Rhinos are listed in Appendix I to the CITES and regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years. The specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction.

     To enquire about the control of endangered species or to report suspected irregularities, the public can call the AFCD on 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.

    

     In response to comments contained in a statement of the Hong Kong Bar Association (the Association) issued yesterday (August 2) evening, a Government spokesman stressed today (August 3) that the 2020 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election was postponed on public health grounds.  
      
     “The health and wellbeing of all Hong Kong people is our overriding concern, amidst the severity of a new wave of the COVID-19 epidemic which has recorded over 2 300 confirmed cases since July 1, compared to a cumulative caseload of about 1 200 over the preceding six months,” the spokesman said.  
      
     “We are at a critical juncture in our current battle against COVID-19. If not handled resolutely, the current wave of infections could spiral out of control to overwhelm our public hospital system.
      
     “In fact, in the light of the latest epidemic situation, the Electoral Affairs Commission wrote to the Chief Executive on July 28 expressing concerns over the public health risks of conducting the General Election. 
      
     “In order to combat the spread of the virus, the Government has put in place the most stringent social distancing measures ever adopted since January. These have inevitably affected the normal operation of business and people’s daily activities. 
      
     “The Association’s doubts about the evidential basis of the Government’s decision have clearly overlooked these facts and concerns.
      
     “Contrary to what the Association seems to imply, the Government attaches importance to protecting the constitutional right of Hong Kong residents to participate in elections. 
      
     “With the stringent social distancing measures in place, no meaningful electioneering activities could be conducted; this would prevent candidates from putting across their manifesto to voters. Moreover, the strict boundary control measures make it virtually impossible for voters from the Mainland and overseas to return to cast their vote.
      
     “In addition, legal, practical and time constraints mean it is not feasible to introduce measures such as extra polling days, postal voting or e-voting.
      
     “The decision to postpone the election is therefore to protect public health and to protect the voting rights of all registered voters,” the spokesman added.
      
     On the duration of the postponement, the spokesman stated that the current wave of infections would likely last for at least several weeks or longer. There may also be a winter surge later in the year.
      
     “Postponing the election for 14 days under section 44 of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542), as suggested by the Association, is not a practical solution to this unprecedented problem,” the spokesman said.
      
     “If the power to postpone the election for 14 days is repeatedly invoked, it will likely be regarded as a mis-use of power subject to legal challenge. On top of that, it will create highly undesirable uncertainties for all parties concerned.”
      
     The spokesman pointed out that the Legislative Council performs important substantive functions, and has an annual business cycle.
      
     On invoking the Emergency Regulations Ordinance (Cap. 241) to postpone the election, the spokesman stressed that it was the only viable option.
      
     “The legal basis is sound, as the present epidemic situation can be regarded as an occasion of public danger and emergency, and the decision to postpone is in the public interest,” the spokesman said.
      
     “In a free society like Hong Kong, citizens are free to raise legal challenges against policy decisions or existing legislation in accordance with the law at any time.
      
     “It will not be in the public interest if the Government refrains completely from making decision or invoking legal powers under existing legislation due to the possible outcome of legal challenges.
      
     “In the present case, it is key to note that the Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance in a judgment in April 2020.”
      
     The spokesman said a pressing task following the postponement is to address the lacuna or gap that emerges when the current LegCo term ends on September 30 in accordance with Article 69 of the Basic Law. Given the important functions performed by the LegCo, any such lacuna will seriously undermine government operations and will not be in the public interest.
      
     As such, the Chief Executive has sought the support and guidance of the Central People’s Government.
      
     “Noting the urgency of the matter, the State Council has replied to the Chief Executive expeditiously, expressing support for the decision to postpone the election and undertaking to make a submission in accordance with the law to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for its decision,” the spokesman said
      
     “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. The National People’s Congress is the highest organ of state power. Under the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee has the authority to tackle this constitutional issue encountered by the HKSAR.
      
     “We do not see how this is contrary to the principles of legality and legal certainty and degrades the rule of law in Hong Kong as alleged by the Association.” read more