The Official Receiver's Office (ORO) announced today (March 7) the latest arrangements for its services from next Monday (March 9). The ORO will continue to implement targeted measures to reduce social contact, which may lead to longer waiting / processing time for the services provided.
      
     All offices of the ORO will be open from 8.30am to 5.45pm from Monday to Friday. The office hours for specific public services are as follows:
 

 
     According to the latest announcement by the Judiciary, the court registries will re-open in stages starting from March 9, but some registry business (including filing of petition for self-bankruptcy at the High Court Registry) will continue to be suspended for the time being. For the purpose of orderly delivery of its services, the ORO announced that they will continue to accept payment of deposits for bankruptcy and winding-up proceedings, including deposits for petition for self-bankruptcy in accordance with the quota system indicated above. The ORO will review this arrangement from time to time and make necessary adjustments where appropriate. Information on the operation of the court can be checked from the Judiciary website (www.judiciary.hk).
 
     To achieve social distancing with a view to reducing the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the community, members of the public are encouraged to avoid coming to the offices of the ORO in so far as is possible. They can make use of the electronic services of the ORO and to contact the ORO by:
 
(a) telephone (Hotline number: 2867 2448);
(b) email (oroadmin@oro.gov.hk); or
(c) fax (Fax number: 3105 1814).
 
     As to the meetings of creditors, meetings of contributories and adjournment thereof, creditors and contributories are recommended to lodge their proxy with the ORO by way of facsimile transmission at 3105 1814 and avoid attending the meeting in person. The proxy forms can be accessed at the ORO's website (www.oro.gov.hk/eng/pforms/pforms.htm). Members of the public are also advised not to attend the meeting unless it is absolutely necessary.

     For any enquiries, please contact the ORO through its hotline at 2867 2448.

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (March 7) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales.

     Mr Lau said, "Mr Sales has made tremendous contributions to the Hong Kong sports sector. He was deeply committed to bringing Hong Kong athletes to the international stage, and successfully retained Hong Kong as the separate entity of 'Hong Kong, China' to participate in international competitions, which helped raise the standard of local athletes. While we will miss him in this world, his spirit will live on with Hong Kong."

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 7) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales.

     "Mr Sales was committed to the development of sports in Hong Kong all his life, making tremendous contributions and leaving a lasting impact. Being one of the founding members of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, he had held different key positions in the organisation for years and had been the president for more than 30 years. During this time, in addition to promoting the participation of Hong Kong athletes in competitions outside the city, he also helped Hong Kong athletes continue to take part in international competitions as 'Hong Kong, China' after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), greatly enhancing the opportunities of Hong Kong athletes. Apart from sports, Mr Sales was committed to serving the community. Held in high regard, he was the Chairman of the former Urban Council, and a member of the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultation Committee. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1998 in recognition of his efforts in the promotion of amateur sports and the Olympic games in Hong Kong.

     "I am saddened by the passing of Mr Sales. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said.

     The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health today (March 7) reported that a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) pending results yesterday (March 6) upon preliminary testing has tested negative for MERS Coronavirus.

     Police today (March 7) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Lantau North.
           
     Cheu Lai-Yoong, aged 56, went missing after she left her residence in Yat Tung Estate yesterday (March 6) morning. Her family made a report to Police on the same day.

     She is about 1.56 metres tall, 45 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and long straight black hair. She was last seen wearing a dark grey jacket, black trousers and black sports shoes.  

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1174 or 6064 4571, or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.