The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at noon today (July 26), 40 COVID-19 confirmed patients (case numbers: 1366, 1398, 1405, 1407, 1430, 1452, 1471, 1490, 1499, 1511, 1514, 1515, 1516, 1517, 1520, 1522, 1531, 1542, 1553, 1582, 1608, 1610, 1629, 1635, 1668, 1678, 1784, 1811, 1822, 1863, 1875, 1884, 1918, 1947, 2025, 2032, 2120, 2179, 2230 and 2356) were discharged from hospital in the past 24 hours. So far, a total of 1 495 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
      
     At present, there are 649 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 207 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 900 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 14 public hospitals and community isolation facility, among which 40 patients are in critical condition (case numbers: 595, 1346, 1401, 1424, 1470, 1483, 1485, 1487, 1491, 1497, 1498, 1612, 1644, 1650, 1679, 1680, 1718, 1767, 1776, 1777, 1779, 1795, 1805, 1806, 1835, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1955, 1956, 2048, 2075, 2079, 2086, 2107, 2161, 2208, 2315, 2362 and 2484), 25 are in serious condition (case numbers: 1306, 1315, 1439, 1456, 1468, 1556, 1558, 1559, 1573, 1630, 1730, 1786, 1798, 1843, 1901, 1902, 1912, 1924, 1998, 2147, 2269, 2313, 2412, 2440 and 2452) and the remaining 835 patients are in stable condition.
      
     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     In response to media enquiries regarding the handling of nomination for the Legislative Council Election by the Returning Officers, a spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) has the following response:

     "In accordance with section 40(1)(b)(i) of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542), a person intending to run in the Legislative Council election must, according to the statutory nomination procedure, include in the nomination form a signed declaration to the effect that the person will uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), otherwise the person is not validly nominated as a candidate for the election."

     "In accordance with the Legislative Council Ordinance and the Electoral Affairs Commission (Electoral Procedure) (Legislative Council) Regulation (Cap. 541D), the validity of a candidate's nomination is solely determined by the Returning Officer according to the legal requirements and relevant procedures."

     The spokesman pointed out that people who intend to run in the election have already signed the nomination form and expressed consent to the Returning Officers to verify their eligibility to be nominated as a candidate and to be elected as a Legislative Council Member.

     Depending on the actual circumstances of each case, the Returning Officer may seek advice from the Department of Justice and other relevant bodies including the CMAB, and according to Electoral Affairs Commission (Electoral Procedure) (Legislative Council) Regulation request the candidate to provide additional information that he/she considers appropriate so as to satisfy him/her that the person is eligible to be nominated or that nomination is valid.

     The spokesman emphasised that the Returning Officers will make decisions on the validity of nominations of the candidates in accordance with relevant laws and information.  

     "The validity of an election nomination is subject to the decision made by the Returning Officer in accordance with the laws and procedures."

     As a policy bureau in charge of election matters and the Basic Laws in the HKSAR Government, the CMAB has the responsibilities to fully support the Returning Officers to execute their duties within the legal framework.      

     A man who went missing in Tseung Kwan O has been located.

     Ng Ka-chun, aged 44, went missing after he left his residence on Tong Chun Street on July 10 morning. His family made a report to Police on July 12.

     The man turned up at Tai Po Police Station to cancel the missing person report yesterday (July 25) afternoon.
     

     A woman who went missing in Sau Mau Ping has been located.

     Cheng Sze-king, aged 37, went missing after she was last seen in Upper Ngau Tau Kok Estate on June 19. Her family made a report to Police on July 17.

     The woman was located on Merlin Street, NP last night (July 25).

     Correctional officers stopped seven remand persons in custody from assaulting another remand person in custody at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (July 26).

     At 8.47am, seven male remand persons in custody, aged from 21 to 31, attacked another 24-year-old male remand person in custody inside the day room. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailants and called for reinforcement.

     The victim sustained injury to his head, chest, etc. After examination and treatment by institution Medical Officer, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. Two of the assailants sustained injury to their hands. After treatment provided by the institution Medical Officer, they did not need to be sent to public hospital. The remaining five assailants did not sustain any injury.

     The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

     The eight persons in custody were respectively remanded for the offences of robbery, wounding, trafficking in a dangerous drug, etc.