The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson of Princess Margaret Hospital made the following updates today (July 30) regarding four staff members confirmed with COVID-19: &nbs… read more
A Government spokesman today (July 30) said that, after reviewing the implementation of cessation of dine-in services for the entire day for catering businesses yesterday (July 29), the Govern… read more
In view of the extension of special work arrangements for government employees until August 9, a spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (July 30) that all Regional Education Offices and the Joint Office for Kindergartens and Child Care Centres will continue to provide emergency services and essential public services during this period.
The spokesman reminded that members of the public who need these services should contact the service units concerned by phone in advance.
As for the appointments already made for the audiological services at the Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, officers of the EDB will contact the parents concerned for appropriate arrangements.
The School Places Allocation Section will continue to provide limited hotline services to handle enquiries.
When circumstances permit, the Teacher Registration Team will invite applicants to proceed with the necessary procedure in due course. New teachers taking up teaching posts in the new school year would not be affected in principle.
Regarding the following public facilities/units of the EDB, they will remain closed to the public temporarily until further notice:
1. Hong Kong Teachers’ Centre, Special Education Resource Centre, Central Resources Centre and Young Achievers’ Gallery located at Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre;
2. Arts and Technology Education Centre (including STEM Education Centre);
3. School Places Allocation Section;
4. Qualifications Framework Secretariat; and
5. Teacher Registration Team. read more
In light of the announcement by the Government today (July 30) that the special work arrangement for government employees will be extended for one week until August 9, a spokesman for the Marine Department (MD) announced that the licensing and port formalities services at the Yau Ma Tei Marine Office, Tuen Mun Marine Office, Sai Kung Marine Office, Tai Po Marine Office, Aberdeen Marine Office, Cheung Chau Marine Office and Shau Kei Wan Marine Office; the seafarers’ examination and certification services; mercantile marine services; local vessel surveying services as well as its enquiry services will continue to be suspended until August 9. Those who have made an appointment for services or examinations will be separately informed of alternative arrangements.
Services at the Central Marine Office and other services provided by the MD will remain unaffected. read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 30) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.
The case involves a 27-year-old male with good past health, who has presented with diarrhoea and abdominal pain since July 18. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on July 21 and was discharged on July 24. The patient has been in a stable condition all along.
His stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Investigations are ongoing.
“Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7,” a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
• Adopt the Five Keys to Food Safety in handling food, i.e. Choose (choose safe raw materials), Clean (keep hands and utensils clean), Separate (separate raw and cooked food), Cook (cook thoroughly) and Safe Temperature (keep food at a safe temperature) to prevent food-borne diseases;
• Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before handling food, after handling raw meat or poultry and before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
• Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;
• Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and
• Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.
The public may visit the CHP’s STEC page for more information. read more