Tag Archives: China

     Regarding online circulation of a “press release” which stated that the Education Bureau (EDB) has already made an announcement on the extension of schools’ Chinese New Year holidays, a spokesman for the EDB clarified that the so-called “press release” was entirely a fabrication.

     The EDB has already stated earlier today that in view of the latest development of the novel coronavirus infection cases, the bureau is actively discussing with different stakeholders on the implementation of the necessary control and preventive measures, including considering extending the Chinese New Year holidays for schools and other necessary arrangements. The EDB will announce the details as soon as possible and call on members of the public to pay attention to the formal announcement to be made by the bureau. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 24) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit. The case is detailed below:
 

Sex	Male
Age	19
Affected area involved	Dubai, United Arab Emirates
High-risk exposure	Camel ride
Hospital	Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Condition	Stable
MERS-Coronavirus preliminary test result	Pending

 
     “Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV),” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Locally, the CHP’s surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed relevant symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.

     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization’s latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP’s health advice on MERS. read more

     The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Infection Control under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 24) convened a joint meet… read more

    In view of the latest developments of the novel coronavirus infection, all five Mainland Offices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in the Mainland have set up dedicated hotlines to provide Hong Kong pe… read more

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, attended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Informal Ministerial Gathering in Davos, Switzerland, today (January 24, Davos time).

     Held on the margins of the World Economic Forum, the Informal Ministerial Gathering provided an opportunity for participating ministers to have candid exchanges on key priorities and actions to be taken towards MC12.

     Mr Yau said Hong Kong is committed to engaging actively and constructively in various initiatives under the WTO with a view to delivering concrete outcomes at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12).

     This year marks the 25th anniversary of the WTO. Mr Yau said that in the past 25 years, the WTO has clearly achieved a great deal in liberalising and facilitating trade. He however remarked that there is much more to do in view of the changing global and economic situations. He urged WTO Members to redouble their efforts and remain constructively engaged for making a productive MC12.

     Mr Yau also reiterated Hong Kong’s concerns about the continued blockage of the Appellate Body selection process. He appealed to WTO Members to explore pragmatic solutions to lift the blockage and to prioritise other reform efforts to ensure the rules-based multilateral trading system stays strong and effective.

     Earlier today, Mr Yau attended the Informal Meeting on the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce during which he reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitments in working closely with WTO Members to make further progress with regard to the Initiative.

     Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (January 25) evening.

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