The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 18) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From October 10 to yesterday (October 17), the CHP recorded 14 imported DF cases. The patients had been to Guangdong Province (Foshan (six cases), Guangzhou (one case), Zhongshan (one case), and another case who visited multiple cities in Guangdong Province), the Philippines (two cases), India (two cases) and Nepal (one case) during the incubation periods.

     As of yesterday, 99 cases of DF, including 95 imported and four local cases, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmissions, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, had resulted in close to a historic high of over 6.5 million cases, and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories.
 
     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) compared to the same period last year.
 
     According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, the number of DF cases recorded in Guangdong Province in the past three months continued to increase, with 233 and 1 220 cases in July and August 2024 respectively. Most of the cases were locally acquired infection. Information from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention further showed that more than 3 000 local DF cases have been recorded in September. In the past week from October 7 to 13, nearly 2 000 local DF cases were recorded, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jiangmen and Dongguan.
 
     Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, have recorded about 12 million cases, a record number. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     The continued occurrence of DF cases outside Hong Kong, coupled with the frequent travel by residents to and from Guangdong, Hong Kong and other areas, has resulted in an increased risk of importing DF cases into Hong Kong, posing a risk of local transmission.

     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU OmniClear), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and SIX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (October 18) for co-operation in securities depository and settlement to foster the growth of cross-border investment.

     Based on the MOU, the two parties will collaborate in a joint international securities settlement and safekeeping, develop a closer working relationship, and maintain channels for the exchange of information.

     The CEO of CMU OmniClear, Mr Stanley Chan, said, "Today marks an important milestone for the CMU OmniClear in developing into a regional central securities depository (CSD) in Asia. With the CMU OmniClear's unique gateway function between China and global markets, we believe our new partnership with SIX will help Chinese investors to tap into the opportunities in the Swiss and international markets, and allow Swiss investors enhanced access to the Hong Kong and Mainland markets."

     The CEO at SIX, Mr Jos Dijsselhof, said, "We are very pleased with this agreement with such a relevant entity as CMU OmniClear, which we are convinced will be positive for both parties and both areas. Asia is a part of the world where we explore business opportunities with great potential."

     The scope of the co-operation features areas such as mutual support for investment in the Hong Kong, Swiss and international markets. It also includes the mutual exchange of information on operation and market as well as mutual development of business opportunities.

About CMU OmniClear Limited

     CMU OmniClear Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Exchange Fund established to operate the Central Moneymarkets Unit system (CMU) on behalf of the HKMA. Since 1990, the CMU has provided secure and efficient clearing, settlement and custodian services for Hong Kong's multi-currency debt securities and those in international markets. Over the years, the CMU has continuously established linkages with regional and international central securities depositories to expand its issuer and investor reach globally. With the launch of Bond Connect scheme in 2017, the CMU has become a pivotal financial market infrastructure serving both onshore and offshore market participants.

     Please visit www.cmu.org.hk for more information about the CMU.

About SIX

     SIX provides and operates stable and efficient infrastructure for the Swiss and Spanish financial centres, thus ensuring access to the capital markets and the flow of information and money between financial market players. As a global provider of financial information, SIX delivers high-quality reference, pricing, corporate actions, and ESG data and provides regulatory services and indices to clients around the world. The company is owned by its users (more than 120 banks) with a workforce of 4 160 employees and a presence in 19 countries.

     Please visit www.six-group.com for more information about SIX.

      

     The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, and the Director-General of the International, Hong Kong and Macau Training Center of the National Academy of Governance (NAG), Mr Xie Yutong, today (October 18) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Training Cooperation between the International, Hong Kong and Macau Training Center of the National Academy of Governance and the Hong Kong Customs College at the NAG in Beijing. Both parties aim to establish a more consistent and close co-operative relationship, further enhancing training on national studies among customs personnel who can then play a more active role in supporting the overall national development.

     The NAG serves as a training institution for senior and mid-level national civil servants. Under the framework of the memorandum, both parties will collaboratively formulate training programmes, expand the scale of training and enhance training effectiveness.

     Ms Ho expressed gratitude for the continuous support of the NAG in the national education for Hong Kong Customs personnel, emphasising its significant role in strengthening the national identity and visionary mindset in national matters among customs staff.

    

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation to combat illegal workers providing cross-boundary purchasing and delivery services in Hong Kong on October 15. Three Mainland visitors, suspected of being illegal workers, were arrested.
 
     Immigration officers found that social media platforms have been utilised by individuals from the Mainland to advertise cross-boundary purchasing and delivery services in Hong Kong. After an in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, ImmD officers identified several suspected illegal delivery workers and initiated an operation. Officers disguised themselves as customers to book cross-boundary purchasing and delivery services from these Mainland delivery workers. The suspects were subsequently arrested while providing cross-boundary delivery services in Hong Kong. The arrested illegal workers comprised two men and one woman, aged 32 to 33.
 
     The illegal workers were charged at the Shatin Magistrates' Courts yesterday (October 17) with breaching the conditions of their stay. They pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to two months' imprisonment.

     "The ImmD will continue to strengthen enforcement actions against illegal employment and seek various means to publicise the serious consequences of employing illegal workers in order to raise public awareness of the issue. The ImmD will conduct target-oriented cyber patrols and take prompt enforcement actions if any person is found organising, arranging or instigating others to commit serious crimes such as employing illegal workers," an ImmD spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman warned, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, or establish or join in any business, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
     
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence. According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

  

     The Government today (October 18) announced appointments made by the Chief Executive to the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) for a two-year term from October 23, 2024, to October 22, 2026.
      
     The list of appointees is as follows:
 
Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan (Vice-Chairman)
Mr Abraham Chan Lok-shung*
Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun *
Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping
Mr Andy Hei Kao-chiang
Mr Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng*
Mr Jat Sew-tong
Mr Leo Kung Lin-cheng*
Mr Liu Che-ning
Ms Yolanda Ng Yuen-ting
Dr Pang Yiu-kai*
Mr Paulo Pong Kin-yee
Mr Anthony Wu Ting-yuk*
Ms Catherine Yen Kai-shun
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism or alternate representative
Secretary for Development or alternate representative
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury or alternate representative
 
(*new appointee)
 
     A Government spokesman said that the non-official members appointed are experienced in their respective areas of expertise, including arts and culture, tourism, engineering, business and finance, law and community service. They will provide the necessary knowledge and valuable advice in helping the Board to discharge its statutory duties and oversee the development and operation of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).

     "I would like to thank the outgoing members – Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling, Mr Glenn Fok, Ms Rose Lee Wai-mun, Ms Dee Poon Chu-ying and Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung – for their efforts and contributions. I also welcome the new appointees, and look forward to continuing to work closely with the WKCDA Board", said the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung.

     The WKCDA Ordinance (Cap. 601) provides that the Board is the governing and executive body of the WKCDA. It is responsible for the planning, development, operation and maintenance of the arts and cultural facilities and related facilities in the WKCD. The Chairman of the Board is Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen. In addition to the aforementioned members, Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong is also a member of the Board.