The Government has announced that disease prevention and control measures will be extended or rolled out to further prevent and control the spread of the novel coronavirus. A spokesperson from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (February 1) reminded the public of the special arrangements for the welfare services subsidised by the SWD announced earlier.
 
     Details of the special arrangements are as follows:
 
(1) All aided child care centres, day care centres for the elderly, sheltered workshops, integrated vocational rehabilitation services centres and day activity centres will suspend delivery of their services. These centres will, however, remain open to serve those in need. Members of the public who have the need for the services mentioned may contact the centres or service units concerned in advance.
 
(2) Apart from (a) and (j) which are provided as normal, the other services will be provided on a limited scale:
 
a. All residential care services;
b. Integrated Family Service Centres (only providing casework service);
c. Integrated Services Centres (only providing casework service);
d. Short-term Food Assistance Service;
e. Integrated Home Care Services (only providing meals, escort, nursing and administration of medicine services);
f. Enhanced Home and Community Care Services (only providing meals, escort, nursing and administration of medicine services);
g. Home Care Service for Persons with Severe Disabilities (only providing escort, nursing and administration of medicine services);
h. Integrated Support Service for Persons with Severe Physical Disabilities (only providing escort, nursing and administration of medicine services);
i. Visiting Medical Practitioner Service for Residential Care Homes;
j. Hotline services; and
k. Humanitarian Assistance for Non-refoulement Claimants.
 
(3) For other services not covered by (1) and (2) above, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating these services may decide whether to continue to provide them under their respective Funding and Service Agreements having regard to their circumstances.
 
     These arrangements should continue up to and including February 16 unless amended earlier. NGOs should keep their clients informed of their specific arrangements.
     
     Regarding the SWD's own services, while departmental hotline services and services of Tuen Mun Children and Juvenile Home will remain normal, other services such as Integrated Family Service Centres and Social Security Field Units, will only be provided on a limited scale (e.g., groups and programmes, and extended hours service, will be suspended). Members of the public may call the hotline number 2343 2255 for enquiries.

     In light of the special work arrangement announced by the Government on January 31 and the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus infection, a spokesman for the Marine Department (MD) announced today (February 1) that, apart from the Central Marine Office, the licensing and port formalities services at the Yau Ma Tei Marine Office, Tuen Mun Marine Office, Sai Kung Marine Office, Tai Po Marine Office, Aberdeen Marine Office, Cheung Chau Marine Office and Shau Kei Wan Marine Office; the seafarers' examination and certification services; mercantile marine services; local vessel surveying services as well as its enquiry services will continue to be suspended until further notice. Those who have made an appointment for services or examinations will be separately informed of alternative arrangements.

     Other services provided by the MD will remain unaffected.

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Mong Kok in the small hours of today (February 1) in which a 24-year-old man died.

     At about 4.22am, a taxi driven by a 61-year-old man was travelling along Nathan Road towards Tsim Sha Tsui. When approaching 639 Nathan Road, it reportedly knocked down the 24-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the road.

     Sustaining serious head injuries, the man was rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 4.41am.

     The taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for further enquiries.

     Active investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon West is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers at 3661 9062 or 3661 9000.

     The Central Tender Board announces that due to the extension of the special work arrangement of Government departments announced by the government on January 31 in order to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, the closing time for tenders to be received through the Government Secretariat Tender Box by noon next Friday (February 7) will be extended until further notice.
      
     For enquiries, please call 2810 2497 between 9am and 6pm.

     The Home Affairs Department (HAD) announced today (February 1) that starting from February 3 (Monday), basic and limited public services of the HAD will resume until further notice. Details are as follows:

     The Home Affairs Enquiry Centres (HAECs) (except for the Sham Shui Po HAEC, which closed earlier for maintenance works) will be open between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday (between 9am and 5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only for the HAEC in Mui Wo).  The service to administer declarations or oaths/affirmations for private use will be available.

     The Estate Beneficiaries Support Unit (EBSU) will provide limited services. The Unit's hotline (2835 1535) and service counter will operate from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm from Monday to Friday.

     The waiting time for the services provided by the HAEC and the EBSU may be longer as the provision of services will be scaled down.

     The Office of the Licensing Authority will provide limited services. Submissions of licensing applications in connection with hotels, guesthouses and other premises as well as entertainment can be made by post or using e-submission. Application forms and submission details can be found on the webpage of the Office of the Licensing Authority at www.hadla.gov.hk. Applicants who need to collect or submit important documents in person should contact relevant staff beforehand for arrangements.

     All community halls and community centres, except when being used as temporary cold shelters when the cold weather warning is in force, will be temporarily closed.

     For other enquiries, please continue to call the HAD's enquiry hotline at 2835 2500 between 9am and 7pm from Monday to Friday.