In view of the present influenza situation, the Government announced today (January 24) that all kindergartens, kindergarten-cum-child care centres and special child care centres will start their Chinese New Year holidays on January 26 to help prevent the spread of influenza.

     To minimise the chance of infection, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) advises members of the public not to take their children or family members to child care centres and special child care centres. However, these centres will remain open to serve members of the public who might have difficulty in taking care of their children or family members.

     In addition, parents may make use of the services provided under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project where necessary. For enquiries, please call the SWD hotline at 2343 2255.

     The Government announced today (January 24) that all kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres will start their Chinese New Year holidays early on Saturday (January 26) and will remain on holiday until the end of their originally scheduled Chinese New Year holidays.
 
     The Education Bureau (EDB) has issued letters to schools to explain the measures and arrangements that should be in place during the holidays, including those relating to activities within and outside the schools, lunch arrangements and school bus services.
 
     During the non-scheduled period of school holidays, schools should remain open. If necessary, students can go to school as usual. Schools should arrange for staff to be on duty to handle school affairs and parents' enquiries, and to look after any students who may arrive at school. Schools should clean their premises thoroughly to ensure environmental hygiene.
 
     Parents should take measures to prevent influenza and pay attention to the health conditions of their children. Students should avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation. They should build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest.
   
     The EDB will continue to keep close contact with the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and provide support to schools when necessary.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold a public hearing on "Centre for Food Safety: Import control of foods" (Chapter 2) of the Director of Audit's Report No.71 at 9am tomorrow (January 25) in Conference Room 2 of the LegCo Complex.

     Six witnesses have been invited to appear before the above hearing to respond to points raised in the Report and answer questions asked by PAC members.

     The programme for the public hearing is as follows:

Date: January 25 (Friday)
Time: 9am
Venue: Conference Room 2
 
Subject: Centre for Food Safety: Import control of foods (Chapter 2 of the Director of Audit's Report No.71)

Witnesses:

Mr Eugene Fung
Deputy Secretary for Food and Health (Food)2

Miss Vivian Lau
Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene

Dr Ho Yuk-yin
Controller, Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Dr Christine Wong
Assistant Director (Risk Management)
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Ms Louise Ho
Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise

Ms Sandra Tam
Head of Land Boundary Command
Customs and Excise Department

     PAC is chaired by Mr Abraham Shek, and its Deputy Chairman is Mr Kenneth Leung. Other members include Mr Paul Tse, Mr Steven Ho, Mr Lam Cheuk-ting, Mr Shiu Ka-fai and Ms Tanya Chan.

     The Hong Kong Police Force is showcasing the multi-faceted and professional nature of its work under the theme "Serve and Protect Hong Kong" at the four-day Education and Careers Expo 2019 held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre starting today (January 24). The latest recruitment information will also be available at the Police recruitment booth.

     During the Expo, a total of 16 Police units and secondary duty cadres will take turn to brief visitors on their areas of work and equipment, including the first-ever participation of the Briefing Support Unit with its constructed crime scene model. Visitors can also play a VR shooting game and obtain limited edition souvenirs at the booth.

     Demonstration sessions of various Police units are as follows:

January 24 (Thursday)
10.30am to 2.30pm – Quick Reaction Force, Police Dog Unit
2.30pm to 7pm – Force Search Unit, Crime Prevention Bureau, Traffic Police

January 25 (Friday)
10.30am to 2.30pm – Briefing Support Unit, Emergency Unit, Criminal Investigation Team
2.30pm to 7pm – Police Negotiation Cadre, Traffic Police, Emergency Unit

January 26 (Saturday)
10.30am to 2.30pm – Commercial Crime Bureau (Counterfeit), Force Rope Access Cadre
2.30pm to 7pm – Airport Security Unit, Quick Reaction Force, Task Force Sub-unit

January 27 (Sunday)
10.30am to 2.30pm – Counter Terrorism Response Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau
2.30pm to 6pm – Police Dog Unit, Anti-Deception Coordination Centre, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau

     Members of the public who are interested in joining the Force as Probationary Inspector, Recruit Police Constable or Police Constable (Auxiliary) can apply at the Police recruitment booth. Applicants will undergo initial screening, including eyesight test, height and weight measurements, and verification of academic qualifications. Officers from the Police Recruitment Division will also answer recruitment-related questions on spot. For details, please visit the Police recruitment website at www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/15_recruit/.
 

      

     The URBTIX outlet at Tom Lee MegaBox Branch (Unit 2-20, Level 12, MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay) will cease operation from February 16 (Saturday), a Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokesman announced today (January 24).
 
     Patrons can purchase tickets at other URBTIX outlets. For details of the locations and opening hours, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ticket/counter.html.
 
     Tickets can also be purchased via the website www.urbtix.hk and the mobile ticketing app My URBTIX (Android and iPhone versions) throughout the day, and through the credit card telephone booking hotline 2111 5999 from 10am to 8pm daily.