The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (February 20) that the monthly territory-wide ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for January this year rose slightly to 0.2 per cent from 0.1 per cent in December last year, indicating that the infestation of Aedes albopictus in the areas surveyed was not extensive and the ovitrap index still remained at a low level. Nevertheless, the FEHD reminded the public to carry out early effective preventive measures against mosquito breeding as the warm and humid weather of spring is favourable for mosquito breeding.
  
     "Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit dengue fever (DF) as well as the Zika virus infection. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization also issued warnings that the number of DF cases recorded in Asia last year was higher than before. Since Hong Kong recorded one local DF case last year and the dengue activity in neighbouring areas has remained high, while the weather will turn even warmer and more humid in spring which will be conducive to large-scale mosquito breeding in a short period of time, the community must stay vigilant and continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures," an FEHD spokesman said.
   
     Among the 57 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 0.8 per cent to 1.9 per cent, were recorded in 10 areas. As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for January remained at zero.
  
     "The FEHD and relevant government departments will continue to intensify their mosquito prevention and control work covering areas under their purview and strengthen publicity and education campaigns. The FEHD will conduct a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The first phase of the territory-wide campaign, lasting for four weeks, will start on February 24 and end on March 20. During the period, mosquito prevention and control work will be enhanced by the FEHD and relevant government departments. The district offices of the FEHD will target areas which have drawn particular concern, such as locations in close proximity to human residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates, hospitals, illegal cultivation sites, waterfront public and private cargo working areas, cross boundary check points, typhoon shelters and cross boundary ferry terminals to remove accumulation of water and to carry out mosquito prevention and control work. The FEHD will, after the first and second phases of the campaign, conduct territory-wide thematic mosquito prevention and control special operations so as to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman added that as Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies, members of the public should carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing the water in vases and scrubbing the inner surface as well as removing the water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drilling large holes in unused tyres. He also advised public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     In addition, rural areas and the vicinity of shrubby areas are natural habitats for mosquitoes, other insects and animals. Members of the public living in rural areas may install mosquito screens on windows and doors if necessary. Those staying in the natural environment should take appropriate personal protective measures against mosquitoes, such as avoiding staying in the vicinity of shrubby areas for a long time, wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and applying DEET-containing insect repellent. Members of the public are reminded to make reports to relevant government departments via 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.

     The spokesman reiterated that effective mosquito control requires the sustained effort of all parties concerned. The community must work together with the Government to carry out effective mosquito control measures.      
 
     The ovitrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.    

     A Government spokesman said today (February 20) that in view of the latest situation, the special work arrangement for government departments will be extended until March 1 in order to reduce social contacts and the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community. The Government will review the situation before then.

     Government departments will continue to provide emergency and essential public services, as well as basic and limited-scale public services. They will also make necessary adjustments to provide services to members of the public as appropriate and make preparations for the gradual resumption of normal services. 

     The Government's top priority now is to prevent and control the spread of the disease. The Government will closely monitor the situation in deciding the way forward.

     Individual government departments will announce separately their latest service details as soon as possible.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee (FC) will hold a meeting from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm tomorrow (February 21) in Conference Room 1 of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, FC members will consider the proposal from the Government on setting up a fund in relation to measures concerning the novel coronavirus epidemic.

     Police today (February 20) appealed to the public for information on a girl who went missing in Cheung Sha Wan.

     Zhuang Yan-lam, aged 15, went missing after she left her residence on Un Chau Street on February 14 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on February 18.

     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 52 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and long black hair.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing girl or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036, 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
     

  

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department today (February 20) announced an adjustment to the auto-LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations from March 1 to March 31, 2020, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contracts of the dedicated LPG filling stations.
 
     A department spokesman said that the adjustment on March 1, 2020, reflects the movement of the LPG international price in February 2020.  The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations will range from $3.40 to $3.96 per litre, representing a decrease of $0.22 per litre.
 
     The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a specified pricing formula. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price is the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on the first day of February every year according to the movement in the Composite Consumer Price Index in the previous year.
 
     The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in March 2020 are as follows:
 

  
     The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price of each dedicated LPG filling station have been uploaded to the department website www.emsd.gov.hk. They are also posted at dedicated LPG filling stations to enable the trades to monitor the price adjustment.
 
     Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the "What's New" section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.html.