The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender notice:
 

 
Note: Licensed Banks interested in participating in the tender for the first time are encouraged to provide US dollar settlement instructions by email (settlementsection@hkma.gov.hk) to the HKMA's Settlement Team in advance, preferably two days prior to the tender.  Required information includes name of corresponding bank, name of final beneficiary (must be the Licensed Bank participating in the tender), and account or CHIPS number of a US dollar bank account to be settled in the US.  Such information needs to be provided once only, unless there is further change.

     The Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments and Party Rooms under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund was launched today (May 11). 
 
     The Scheme's online application system (bmpsubsidy.gov.hk) has also commenced operation. To facilitate the application process and enhance the efficiency of vetting, applications will only be accepted through the dedicated online system during the application period.
 
     The Scheme covers beauty parlours, hair salons, massage establishments and party rooms. Each eligible premises may only apply once, and will only receive one subsidy. If more than one application is received in respect of the same address, all duplicate applications for that premises will not be processed. 
 
     The application period for the Scheme will end at 11.59pm on May 17 (Sunday). As the subsidy under the Scheme is not disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, there is no need for applicants to hurry to submit online applications today.
 
     To avoid delays in processing, applicants should ensure the accuracy of the documents and information provided. The Government reminds applicants that providing untrue information or false documents in an attempt to receive the subsidy constitutes a criminal offence and offenders may be subject to prosecution.    
 
     Details of the Scheme are available at bmpsubsidy.gov.hk. For enquiries concerning details and the application procedure of the Scheme, applicants can call the telephone hotline (1836 188) or send an email to enquiry@bmpsubsidy.hk.

The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:

     The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) announced today (May 11) the list of winners for the 2019 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE).

     The HKAEE recognises organisations across 15 different sectors that have demonstrated outstanding environmental performance. The three judging criteria consist of green leadership, programme and performance, and partner synergy. The number of entries competing for the 2019 HKAEE reached a record high of 2 524, which was 29 per cent higher than the previous year's figure, of which a total of 48 organisations won gold, silver or bronze awards while 160 received certificates of merit.

     Winners were also announced for the Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards (HKGIA), another award scheme under the HKAEE that aims to encourage local organisations to tackle environmental challenges using new ideas that will benefit the environment. The three assessment criteria for the HKGIA are level of innovation, environmental achievements and cost-effectiveness, and practicability and contribution to society. Among the 84 entries in 2019, six gold, silver and bronze awards or certificates of merit were granted.

     Moreover, three special commendation schemes, namely the Outstanding Green Achiever Commendation Scheme, the Outstanding Promotional Partner Commendation Scheme and the Green Outdoor Event Commendation Scheme were organised as part of the 2019 HKAEE. Seven Outstanding Green Achievers were selected for their dedication to enhancing the environmental performance of their respective companies and the community, while 20 companies and organisations were recognised as Outstanding HKAEE Promotional Partners for their contributions in promoting the HKAEE and for their success in encouraging their business partners to participate and go green together. A total of 19 events also won the title of Green Outdoor Event for the implementation of a series of environmental practices to reduce waste by event organisers.

     The final adjudication for the 2019 HKAEE was conducted by the Chairman of the ECC, Professor Joseph Sung; the ECC Vice-chairman, Mr Hui Yung-chung; the Chairman of the Awards Committee on the HKAEE, Mr Conrad Wong; and the Convenor of the Education Working Group under the ECC, Ms Sylvia Chan. The final adjudication for the 2019 HKGIA was chaired by the former Board Chairman of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited, Mr Wong Ming-yam. The adjudicating panels of the two awards also comprised representatives of major business chambers, professional bodies and government departments. The full list of winning companies and winners under the 2019 HKAEE is available on HKAEE website (www.hkaee.gov.hk/english/winners/sa_gia_list/2019_hkaee_result.html).

     Since its launch in 2008, the HKAEE has been driving companies in Hong Kong to incorporate green elements in their business operations, while encouraging them to strive for further environmental excellence to co-operatively help shape a more sustainable Hong Kong. While the current COVID-19 situation has brought a considerable impact to the business environment, it is hoped that companies and organisations can do their best to implement green management practices and put forth concerted efforts to protect the environment during this difficult time.

     The HKAEE is jointly organised by the ECC, the Environmental Protection Department, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Business Environment Council, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund. For more information about the HKAEE, please visit the website at www.hkaee.gov.hk or call the hotline 2788 5903.

     The Department of Health (DH) today (May 11) reminded members of the public to maintain up-to-date immunisation for their children for comprehensive and timely protection against infectious diseases and not to delay vaccination due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
     In Hong Kong, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection of the DH recommends that children from birth to Primary Six should receive different types of vaccines and boosters according to the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) for the prevention of chickenpox, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, pneumococcal infection, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis and cervical cancer. The DH's Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) provide immunisation for children up to the age of 5 according to the HKCIP.
 
     A spokesman for the DH said, "We have noticed that since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong in the second half of January this year, some parents have not brought their children to the MCHCs for vaccination according to the recommended schedule due to worries about infection when going out.
 
     "We strongly urge parents not to postpone their children's vaccination as immunisation is recognised as one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions. The World Health Organization regards immunisation as a core health service that should be prioritised for the prevention of communicable diseases and safeguarded for continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where feasible. Delays in vaccination will weaken the protection for the children against relevant infectious diseases."
 
     The spokesman said that in view of the outbreak of COVID-19, various infection control measures have been enhanced at the MCHCs including temperature screening, requiring visitors to wear masks and advising clients to reduce the number of accompanying family members or friends when attending their appointments to reduce client flow and social contact.
 
     Parents of preschool children who have not yet received the age-appropriate vaccines are urged to make an appointment at their registered MCHCs as soon as possible, or consult their family doctors for vaccination. Vaccination under the HKCIP at primary schools will be arranged by the DH's School Immunisation Teams at schools. Parents with children who are currently not residing in Hong Kong are advised to continue immunisation in their place of residence.
 
     For more information on the schedule of the HKCIP, please visit www.fhs.gov.hk/english/main_ser/child_health/child_health_recommend.html.
 

  

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will allocate some 40 000 new extendable niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun and Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling, which are open for application from today (May 11) to June 10.
 
     An FEHD spokesman said today, "The FEHD will allocate a total of  44 950 extendable public niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium and Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI, including 22 680 standard niches (7 080 smoke-free niches and 15 600 non-smoke-free niches) and 220 non-smoke-free large niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium; and 21 720 standard niches (11 490 smoke-free niches and 10 230 non-smoke-free niches) and 330 large niches (160 smoke-free niches and 170 non-smoke-free niches) at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI."
 
     Applicants should only file one application form to apply for either a large niche or standard niche for the same deceased person. When applying for a large niche, the applicant has to fill in at least three deceased persons' particulars in the application form. For applying for a standard niche, the applicant has to fill in at least one deceased person's particulars.
 
     The spokesman added, "Since the quantity and type of niches (standard/large; smoke-free or non-smoke-free) available for allocation in these two columbaria are different, the chance of successful allocation varies. When deciding the type of niche to be selected for application, applicants should make reference to the relevant information in the application form for assessing the chance of successful allocation."
 
     Starting from today, application forms can be downloaded from the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk) or obtained from the department's Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices, Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of Home Affairs Department, Post Offices on Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau and at Mui Wo and Tai O or by fax via hotline 2841 9111.
 
     The completed application form together with copies of the required documents should be submitted within the application period by fax (2333 1716), email (apply_newniche@fehd.gov.hk), or in person to the FEHD Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office or by post to the above offices.
 
     Applicants can also fill in the online application form and submit the application online. The FEHD advises applicants to submit application forms online so as to avoid postal delay or non-delivery.
 
     The FEHD will notify the successful applicants by SMS, email or post of the serial number of the designated niche allocated. Applicants can also check the results of their applications on the next day after the drawing of lots and computer balloting at the FEHD website, Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, Public Niche Allocation Office or through the enquiry hotline 2841 9111.
 
     Leaflets regarding the arrangements of this niche allocation exercise are available for collection at the department's Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices, Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of Home Affairs Department, Post Offices on Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau or at Mui Wo and Tai O. For details, please visit the FEHD website, or call 2841 9111 or email to enquiry_newniche@fehd.gov.hk.
     
     Information on the Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices and Public Niche Allocation Office of FEHD is as follows:
 
Hong Kong Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Address: 1J Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Tel: 2570 4318
Fax: 2591 1879
 
Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Address: Upper Ground Floor, 6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Tel: 2365 5321
Fax: 2176 4963
 
Public Niche Allocation Office
Address: Upper Ground Floor, Block B, 6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Tel：2330 5635
Fax：2333 1716