Tag Archives: China

     Demand notes for rates and/or Government rent for the quarter from January to March 2020 have been issued, and payment should be made by January 31, 2020.
 
     The demand notes have reflected the rates concession for this quarter, subject to a ceiling of $1,500 and $5,000 for each rateable domestic and non-domestic tenement respectively. Any unused portion of the concession in this quarter will not be used to offset the outstanding rates in any other quarter. The concession does not apply to payment of Government rent.
              
     Payment can be made:

(1) by using autopay or electronic means (such as PPS, bank automated teller machines, Faster Payment System or Internet);
 
(2) by uploading an e-Cheque/e-Cashier’s Order via the “Pay e-Cheque” portal www.payecheque.gov.hk;
 
(3) by sending a crossed cheque to the Treasury, PO Box 28000, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong (please note that mail with underpaid postage will be rejected); or
 
(4) in person at any post office or designated convenience stores. For the addresses and opening hours of post offices, please call Hongkong Post’s hotline (2921 2222), or visit www.hongkongpost.hk.
 
     If demand notes have not been received, members of the public may call 2152 0111, fax 2152 0113, or visit the Rating and Valuation Department, 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
 
     Members of the public can also visit the department’s website at www.rvd.gov.hk to obtain replacement demand notes or enquire on the amount payable. For instant payment, payers may obtain a “payment QR code” from the “Account Enquiries” service at the website by using mobile devices and present it at any post office, 7-Eleven, Circle K or VanGo in Hong Kong.
 
     A surcharge of 5 per cent will be imposed for a late payment and a further surcharge of 10 per cent will be levied on the amount (including the 5 per cent surcharge) that remains unpaid six months after the payment deadline.
 
     To support environmental protection, payers are advised to utilise the free eRVD Bill service to receive e-bills and make payments. They are also encouraged to settle bills by Autopay or other means of e-payment (e.g. PPS, ATM, Internet or e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order) to save queuing time. Application forms for autopay are obtainable from the Rating and Valuation Department, District Offices and major banks in Hong Kong or by telephoning 2152 0111. Payers may also download the form from the Department’s website. read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 10) that due to big… read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public ho… read more

     Correctional officer at Stanley Prison stopped a fight among persons in custody today (January 9).      At 7.47am today, two male persons in custody, aged 36 and 28, were found fighting inside the toilet … read more

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 9) received notification of an imported case of Zika Virus Infection reported in â€‹Guangdong from the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, and again urged the public to adopt strict anti-mosquito measures and safe sex during travel. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus transmission (affected areas).
 
     The male patient aged 31 returning from Cambodia arrived at Shenzhen International Airport on January 6. ​He was detected as febrile upon arrival. The case was laboratory confirmed subsequently. The patient is in a stable condition. 

     The CHP’s Port Health Division (PHD) has introduced a requirement on aircraft disinsection for all inbound aircrafts from Zika-affected areas since April 2017 to prevent importation of diseases through infected mosquitoes. The PHD has also stepped up inspections and health promotions at boundary control points (BCPs) to maintain strict environmental hygiene with effective mosquito control.

     “Routine health surveillance on body temperature of inbound travellers at all BCPs is ongoing. However, infected persons are mainly asymptomatic. Therefore, we urge those arriving from Zika-affected areas to apply insect repellent for at least 21 days upon arrival to reduce the risk of transmission,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     “We are maintaining close liaison with the World Health Organization as well as overseas, neighbouring and Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest developments,” the spokesman added.

     Apart from general measures on preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, the public should take heed of the advice listed below:

A. Travelling abroad
 

• If going to affected areas, travellers, especially persons with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should arrange a consultation with a doctor at least six weeks before the trip, and have extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites; 
• During the trip, if travelling in rural affected areas, carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin (an insecticide) on it. Permethrin should not be applied to skin. Seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell; and  
• Travellers who return from affected areas should apply insect repellent for at least 21 days after arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell e.g. having fever, should seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor.

 
B. Sexual transmission
 

• Travellers should consider not having sex during travel to affected areas, or else a condom should be used; and  
• Male and female travellers returning from affected areas should abstain from sex for at least three months and at least two months respectively upon return, or else a condom should be used.

 
C. Pregnant women
 

• Pregnant women should not travel to affected areas. Women preparing for pregnancy should note Point B above. If they or their male sex partners plan to travel to affected areas, they should consult their doctors for advice on the risk. Use of mosquito repellent containing DEET during travel and returning from these areas for a period of at least 21 days are advised for all travellers including pregnant women;  
• Attend antenatal follow up regularly and tell the attending doctor the history of recent travel;  
• Observe for symptoms of Zika Virus Infection and seek medical advice as soon as possible if feeling unwell; and  
• Abstain from sex with partner who had travelled to affected areas, or else a condom should be used throughout the pregnancy.

 
     The public may visit the Zika pages of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Outbound Travel Alert page of the Security Bureau and anti-mosquito precautions for women for more information. read more