Sixty-six convictions were recorded in January 2019 for breaches of legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
 
     Three of the convictions were under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, 28 were under the Noise Control Ordinance, four were under the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance, 27 were under the Waste Disposal Ordinance, and four were under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.
 
     The heaviest fine in January was $25,000, assessed in two convictions against a company which used powered mechanical equipment otherwise than in accordance with permit conditions, and carried out prescribed construction work not in accordance with the conditions of a construction noise permit.

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

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 (February 18) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     Hong Kong Customs today (February 17) arrested a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected to have applied a false trade description in the sale of dried fish maw, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs officers conducted a test-buy operation at a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Tsim Sha Tsui today. A salesman was suspected to have claimed that the unit price of dried fish maw was calculated per catty. After the dried fish maw was sliced, the salesman revealed that the goods were priced per tael. The charged amount was 16 times different from expected. Customs officers then arrested the 48-year-old man.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure products at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 17) reported two suspected cases 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 cases are detailed below:
 

     "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.