The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (April 28) urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the blood inventories have been depleted to a very low level. The blood inventories must be duly replenished to maintain a stable blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.
 
     With fewer people going out under the COVID-19 epidemic, the quantity of blood collection from donor centres, mobile blood drives and blood donation vehicles has significantly dropped. The stock level cannot meet the daily blood demand for local hospitals. Recent clinical transfusions for critical illnesses, organ transplants and emergency operations, as well as blood demand from thalassemia and blood cancer patients, only add pressure to the blood stock. The BTS urges all sectors of the community to take action and support blood donations immediately.
 
     As a token of thanks, all successful blood donors (till May 8) will receive an "I'm a blood donor" denim cooler bag, while stocks last. To avoid crowd gatherings and long waiting times at the donor centres, donors are advised to make an appointment by calling to the BTS donor centres or via HK Blood mobile apps. Most BTS donor centres are open during the Birthday of the Buddha and Labour Day holidays. For details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
 
     Donate Blood Now!
    
     Download HK Blood to locate the nearest donor centre across the city and make an appointment for donation:
IOS:https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/hk-blood/id1387423207?mt=8
Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hk.org.ha.btsmapps&rdid=hk.org.ha.btsmapps

  

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

     Exchange Fund Bills tender results:
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
 
     The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 8 302 complaints and suggestions in the fourth quarter of 2019, with 40 pure suggestions. The total number of cases represents an increase of 13.5 per cent as compared with 7 314 cases in the previous quarter and an increase of 4.8 per cent when compared with 7 918 cases in the same quarter of 2018.
 
     The complaints and suggestions received during the quarter were mostly related to public transport services (68 per cent), enforcement matters (26 per cent) and traffic conditions (3 per cent).
 
     The number of cases on public transport services decreased by 12.5 per cent from 6 471 in the previous quarter to 5 662 this quarter, while complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions increased from 132 to 258. Cases about road maintenance increased from 19 to 46 and the number of complaints about illegal parking and other enforcement matters increased from 667 to 2 132.
 
     All the complaints and suggestions received by the TCU in the quarter were referred to the relevant government departments and public transport operators for follow-up action.
 
     During the period under review, investigations into 8 774 cases were completed. Of these, 6 931 cases (79 per cent) were found to be substantiated, 60 cases (1 per cent) were unsubstantiated, and the remaining 1 783 cases (20 per cent) could not be pursued due to lack of evidence.
 
     For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments and public transport operators have either taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified. Among these cases, 81 drivers were summonsed by the Police.
 
     During the quarter, the relevant government departments and public transport operators took on board 11 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases is in the Appendix.
 
     Members of the public may make their suggestions or complaints to the TCU by dialling the hotline 2889 9999 (voice mail service is available outside office hours), by fax to 2577 1858, by email to info@tcu.gov.hk or by filling in a form on the TCU website (www.info.gov.hk/tcu).

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (April 28) on public transport operators' efforts in combatting COVID-19.

     With a view to safeguarding passengers' and drivers' health, the Transport Department (TD) has been working with public transport operators in implementing various infection preventive measures since the outbreak of COVID-19 in January 2020.

     The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, "Members welcome that public transport operators have been stepping up cleansing and disinfection efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Members are also pleased to learn that public transport operators are adopting new technologies in disinfecting the vehicle compartments."

     In addition, Members were briefed on the business continuity plans of public transport operators in response to the pandemic, including the necessary service adjustments in view of the significant drop in patronage during the pandemic.

     Professor Cheung said, "The resilience of public transport operators is of utmost importance in keeping Hong Kong moving. While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant patronage drop and public transport operators are implementing service adjustments to maintain their financial viability, Members note that the TD pays due regard to occupancy rates, passenger waiting times and public acceptability when it processes service adjustment proposals. Members also note that the TD is closely monitoring the passenger demand and will work with the operators to enhance public transport services in a timely manner should the demand pick up."

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 4pm today (April 28), no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remains at 1 038 so far (comprising 1 037 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     The CHP again urged members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible in their daily lives to minimise the risk of infection. In particular, they should go out less and avoid social activities such as meal gatherings or other gatherings to reduce the chance of contacting infected persons who may not present any symptoms, and minimise the risk of outbreak clusters emerging in the community.
      
     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of the 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."
 
     The CHP has set up hotlines (2125 1111 and 2125 1122), which operate from 8am to midnight daily, for public enquiries. As at 3pm today, a total of 99 960 calls had been received.
 
     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.
 
     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 door knobs, 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.