The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 23) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 sub-type avian influenza in Jiangdu District, Yangzhou City in Jiangsu Province, it has followed the existing approach for control of highly pathogenic avian influenza and taken recommendations from the World Organisation for Animal Health into account to suspend the import of poultry and poultry products, including poultry eggs, from an area within a radius of 3 kilometres from the said place for a period of 90 days, and from an area within a radius of 13km for 21 days, with immediate effect for the protection of public health in Hong Kong.
      
     A spokesman for the CFS said that according to information from the General Administration of Customs, the outbreak does not affect any registered Mainland poultry farms that export to Hong Kong. No registered poultry meat or poultry egg processing plants are currently situated within the import restriction zone concerned.
      
     The CFS will closely monitor the latest developments of the avian influenza case in the province and take appropriate follow-up action as necessary.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, November 23, 2018 is 105.7 (up 0.1 against yesterday's index).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of Singapore Limited on suspicious mobile applications (Apps), which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the Apps concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the Apps should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements this Sunday (November 25) to facilitate a public event to be held on Hong Kong Island.

Road closure
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     Queen’s Road West between Belcher’s Street and Praya, Kennedy Town will be closed from 9am to 6pm.
     
     The following roads will be closed from 1pm to 5.30pm:

– Queen’s Road West between Hill Road and Belcher’s Street; and
– Belcher’s Street between Queen’s Road  West and Collinson Street.
     
     Hill Road between Queen’s Road West and Pok Fu Lam Road will be closed from 1.45pm to 2.30pm.

Traffic diversions
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     Traffic along westbound Queen’s Road West heading for Praya, Kennedy Town must turn left to southbound Belcher’s Street from 9am to 1pm.

     The following traffic diversions will be implemented from 1pm to 5.30pm:

– Traffic along westbound Queen’s Road West must turn right to northbound Hill Road; and
– Traffic along northbound Hill Road cannot turn left to westbound Queen’s Road West.
     
     The following traffic diversions will be implemented from 1.45pm to 2.30pm:

– Traffic along southbound Pok Fu Lam Road cannot turn right to Hill Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Bonham Road cannot go straight to Hill Road.

Suspension of parking spaces
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     All on-street parking spaces, and metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces along Hill Road will be suspended from 11am to 3pm.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the area. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

     The Lands Department has issued demand notes for Government rent in excess of $100 per annum for the half year ending December 25 in respect of properties subject to the Government Leases Ordinance (Chapter 40) and certain other properties.

     Payers can settle Government rent through various electronic means including autopay, bank automated teller machines (ATMs), e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order, payment by phone service (PPS), and bill payment services provided by banks and PPS on the Internet. Payment may also be made in person and in cash at designated convenience stores. For details, please visit the Treasury's website at www.try.gov.hk.

     For payment made by a crossed cheque, please send it to PO Box No. 28000, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong, or deliver in person to any post office. Please ensure sufficient mailing time and postage to make delivery in order. Underpaid mail will be rejected. For locations and opening hours of post offices, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline on 2921 2222 or visit its website at www.hongkongpost.hk.

     Government rent payers who have not received their demand notes should enquire at the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department at 1/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong. Enquiries can also be made at 2231 3033.

     Purchasers of properties are strongly advised to instruct their solicitors to ensure that Government rent has been paid to date at the time of purchase. Enquiries on outstanding accounts can be made at 2231 3033. An enquiry fee is payable for each property if a written confirmation of accounts position is needed.