The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) gave the following update today (January 5) regarding an announcement earlier on a cluster of inpatients with Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) in a male medical ward:

     With enhanced screening, the laboratory test sample of a patient aged 88, without clinical symptoms of infection, in the ward is confirmed to have MDRA. The concerned patient is under isolation with stable condition.

     QEH continues the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitors the situation in the ward. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
     

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 5) that sewerage works will be carried out near Deep Water Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, and the water quality at the beach may potentially be affected. The red flag will be hoisted at the beach from tomorrow (January 6) until further notice. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.
 
     First aid services will be maintained at the beach.

     A property owner was convicted and fined $67,600 at the Fanling Magistrates' Court last month (December) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap 123) (BO).

     The order mainly involved an unauthorised rooftop structure in an industrial building at Yip Fung Street, Fanling. The structure, used for storage, is about 100 square metres in size.

     As the above unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval from the Buildings Department (BD), contravening the BO, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.

     Failing to comply with the order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD, and was convicted and fined on December 24, 2019.

     "UBWs may adversely affect the structure and fire safety of a building, leading to serious consequences. Owners should seek professional advice before carrying out any building works in their premises," a spokesman for the BD said today (January 5).

     Pursuant to section 40(1BA) of the BO, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with an order served on him under section 24(1) of the BO commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for one year, as well as a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence has continued.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (January 5).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.
     
 

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 hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.