The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, July 23, 2020 is 106.7 (up 0.2 against yesterday's index).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) will roll out the "Book GOPC" mobile application function in phases from tomorrow (July 24). The mobile application function will then cover general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) on Hong Kong Island and in parts of Islands District (namely Peng Chau, Lamma Island, and Cheung Chau) (see table below) for members of the public to book appointments in GOPCs.
 
     The HA launched a pilot programme for the "Book GOPC" mobile application function on June 19, providing an additional means for members of the public to book appointments in GOPCs, on top of the existing GOPC Telephone Appointment System. With the smooth implementation of the pilot programme and the function being well received by patients, the HA will roll out the "Book GOPC" mobile application function in phases.
 
     The spokesperson said, "The public can download the 'HA Go' mobile application, complete the registration and activate their accounts at the designated counters during their next appointments, after which they can use the "Book GOPC" function in the mobile app." The spokesperson added that the function will gradually be implemented in Kowloon and the remaining parts of the New Territories with the aim of covering all GOPCs by the end of September.
 
     Clinic staff will assist patients in need to activate their accounts. The GOPC Telephone Appointment System continues to provide its booking service as usual. For details of the booking means for GOPC services and other related information, please visit the GOPC website (www.ha.org.hk/gopc).

General out-patient clinics covered by the "Book GOPC" mobile application function
 

*General Out-patient Clinic to be covered from July 24 onwards.

     As the local epidemic situation remains severe, it is necessary for the Government to continue to take measures to significantly reduce the flow of people and social contacts in order to stop COVID-19 from further spreading in the community. A spokesman for the Government announced today (July 23) that the special work arrangement for government employees will be extended for one week until August 2. Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services, all other government employees will continue to work from home. The Government will closely monitor the epidemic situation and review the arrangement in due course.

     The spokesman said that government departments will continue to provide emergency services and essential public services. Individual government departments will announce the latest arrangements of their services separately. The Government appreciates that the reduction in public services in view of the epidemic will bring inconvenience to the public, however it appeals for their understanding. Members of the public, if necessary, are encouraged to use alternative means, such as the post, drop-in boxes or online channels to receive the services they need. Meanwhile, members of the public should wear surgical masks at all times when they are entering or are present in any government buildings or offices, and comply with the infection control measures implemented by relevant departments including temperature checks and crowd control arrangements.

     The spokesman appealed to employers of private organisations to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible according to their operational needs so as to reduce the flow of people and social contacts in the community.

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (July 23) announced the performance ratings of registered lift and escalator contractors for the past 12 months (from July 2019 to June 2020) for public reference.
 
     According to the rating results, 38 registered lift contractors and 26 registered escalator contractors were awarded the Safety Star. Among these contractors, 21 registered lift contractors and 19 registered escalator contractors had not been found non-compliant with the safety and maintenance requirements as reported in the last two consecutive announcements of performance results, and were therefore given the highest rating of five Quality Stars. The EMSD conducted 29 067 inspections of lifts and escalators during the period.
 
     The rating results, conviction records, summaries of warning letters and equipment failure records are available on the EMSD's website (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/le_pub_mpr.shtml).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     Result of the tenders of RMB Sovereign Bonds held on July 23, 2020: