Police will implement the following special traffic arrangements in various districts to facilitate grave sweepers, and to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements and pedestrian safety during Chung Yeung Festival.
 
Chai Wan
——–

     All private cars and light goods vehicles are prohibited from entering into Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road (left-turning from Lin Shing Road to Cape Collinson Road leading to the Chinese Permanent Cemetery and its vicinity) from 7am to 3pm daily from September 21 to October 27, except for vehicles with permit.

Road closure

Phase I

     The following roads will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20:

– Southbound Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, green minibus (GMB) routes 16A, 16M, 16X and 18M, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit and vehicles to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate;
– Northbound Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles, and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles; and
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery.

Phase II

     The following roads will be closed from 7am to 5pm on Chung Yeung Festival on October 11:

– Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit and vehicles to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery; and
– Wan Tsui Lane, except for vehicles making access to Hing Wah Plaza.

Traffic diversions

     In connection with Phase I and II of road closure, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

– Eastbound Wan Tsui Road between Fei Tsui Road and Lin Shing Road cannot turn right to southbound Lin Shing Road; and
– During the operation period of Citybus route 388, Cape Collinson Road between the slip road to Cape Collinson Crematorium and Shek O Road will be re-routed one way westbound.

Traffic Arrangements

     In connection with Phase I and II of road closures, the following traffic arrangements will be implemented:

– No parking will be permitted along Wan Tsui Road, Lin Shing Road, Cape Collinson Road and Shek O Road between Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution and Tai Tam Road;
– Except making access to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate, all red minibuses (RMBs), private cars, goods vehicles, motor cycles, motor tricycles and pedal cycles cannot enter Lin Shing Road; except making access to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate, all taxis cannot enter Lin Shing Road during Phase II of road closure;
– RMBs and GMBs cannot pick up and set down passengers along Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road roundabout and Lin Shing Road; and
– GMBs cannot pick up passengers on westbound Cape Collinson Road outside Cape Collinson Crematorium.

Pok Fu Lam
———-

     Depending on traffic conditions, Consort Rise between Victoria Road and Bisney Road will be re-routed one-way southbound from 7am to 5.30pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20.

     Four metered parking spaces (Meter nos. 3941A, 3941B, 3942A and 3942B) and three motorcycle parking spaces at Victoria Road near Consort Rise will be suspended from 7am on October 5 to 5pm on October 13.

Aberdeen
——–

     Depending on traffic conditions, the following roads will be closed from 7.30am to 5.30pm daily on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, and from 7.30am to 6.30pm on October 11:

– Peel Rise in the vicinity of the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery; and
– The slip road from Shek Pai Wan Road leading to the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery.

Tseung Kwan O
————-

     The access road leading from Ko Chiu Road to Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery will be closed from 5.30am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 12 and 13, except for special bus service by Kowloon Motor Bus route 14S, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit.
 
     The above road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 5.30am to 8pm on Chung Yeung Festival on October 11.

     Grave sweepers can reach the cemetery on foot via the BMCPC Footpath opposite to MTR Tiu Keng Leng Station or the access road on Ko Chiu Road. As there are staircases on the BMCPC Footpath, wheelchair users are advised to enter the cemetery via the access road on Ko Chiu Road.

Sai Kung
——–

     Mang Kung Wo Road will be closed from 8am to 5pm daily on October 5, 6, and 11 to 13, except for vehicles with permit.

Diamond Hill
————

Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from 7am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20:

Except for hearses and funeral vehicles:

– The access road leading to the Diamond Hill Crematorium;
– The unnamed road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and the China Light and Power (CLP) Sub-station; and
– The access road adjacent to the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour leading to Sze Chen Hall.

Except for private cars and taxis:

– Yuk Wah Street east of Tsz Wan Shan Road; and
– Yuk Hok Lane.

Traffic diversions

     The following traffic diversions will be implemented from 7am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20:

– Vehicles can only enter or leave Fung Shing Street or Fu Shan Estate car park via southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Vehicles can only enter or leave Grand View Garden car park via northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along eastbound Po Kong Village Road can enter westbound Yuk Wah Street via the easternmost traffic lane of Tsz Wan Shan South Bus Terminus;
– Traffic along westbound Fung Shing Street cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to eastbound Fung Shing Street;
– Vehicles leaving Grand View Garden car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Grand View Garden car park;
– Traffic along Fu Shan Estate car park cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Po Kong Village Road School Village car park;
– Vehicles leaving Po Kong Village Road School Village car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane;
– Traffic along the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill; and
– Traffic along Yuk Wah Crescent cannot turn right to eastbound Yuk Wah Street.

Suspension of parking spaces

     Metered parking spaces on the unnamed road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and CLP Sub-station will be suspended from 7am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20.

     Motorcycle parking spaces in Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane will be suspended　from 7am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20.

     In order to provide a temporary taxi and private car drop-off point, Po Kong Village Road School Village car park will be closed from 7am to 6pm daily on October 6, 11 and 13, except for private cars and taxis.

Passengers pick-up and drop-off points

     From 7am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20, the pick-up and drop-off points for taxis will be set at westbound Fung Shing Street near Fu Yan House of Fu Shan Estate and westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane, while the the pick-up and drop-off point for private cars will be at westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

Cheung Sha Wan
————–

Road closure

– Wing Ming Street and the unnamed road between Wing Ming Street and the Saint Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery will be closed from 7am to 7pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20, except for hearses, funeral vehicles, Cemetery Staff’s vehicles and vehicles with permit; and
– Entrance road of Wing Tak Road will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily between October 11 to 13, except for vehicles with permit.

Traffic arrangements

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20:

– Parking will be prohibited on Yu Chau West Street between Castle Peak Road and King Lam Street from 7am to 7pm daily;
– Vehicles are prohibited to pick-up or drop-off passengers along Yu Chau West Street near Wing Ming Street (outside 83 Wing Hong Street); and
– Stopping or parking will be prohibited on Ching Cheung Road from 7am to 7pm daily.

Suspension of on-street parking spaces

     All on-street parking spaces on Yu Chau West Street, Tai Nan West Street, King Lam Street between Yu Chau West Street and Tai Nan West Street and Wing Hong Street between Yu Chau West Street and Tai Nan West Street will be suspended from 7am to 7pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20.

     Members of the public wishing to gain access to the Saint Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery are advised to use the subway across Ching Cheung Road from the end of unnamed road between Wing Ming Street and the Saint Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery. No parking facilities in the cemetery will be open to public use.

Tuen Mun
——–

(A) Castle Peak

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 7pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20:

Road closure

     Tsing San Path and the access roads leading to Ching Chung Koon and Ching Chung Sin Yuen will be closed.

Traffic diversions

– Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road will be re-routed one-way northbound; and
– San Fuk Road between Leung Shun Street and Tsing Chung Koon Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.

     No parking will be permitted along San Fuk Road, Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Chung Path and San Fuk Road, Tsing Lun Road between Tsun Wen Road and the northern vehicle entrance of Tuen Mun Hospital, and southbound Tsun Wen Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road.

     Temporary pick up and drop off points will be set up at northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Castle Peak Hospital, northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Tuen Mun Hospital, and westbound Tsing Lun Road outside Tuen Mun Hospital.

(B) Tsang Tsui

     Nim Wan Road between Yung Long Road and Tsang Tsui Columbarium access road will be closed from 7am to 7pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20, except for franchised buses and MTR buses, taxis, vehicles heading to and from West New Territories Landfill and T·PARK, and vehicles with permit.

Kwai Tsing
———-

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 5pm daily on October 6, 11 and 13:

– Southbound Wing Tak Street from the entrance of City Point to its junction with Wing Shun Street, Wing Yin Street, and Wing Shun Street between Wing Tak Street and Kwai Hei Street will be closed, except for hearses, franchised buses, taxis and GMBs;
– Wing Kei Road between Kwai Hei Street and Wing Kin Road will be re-routed one-way southbound, vehicles cannot enter Wing Kei Road from Kwai Hei Street; and
– Wing Hau Street will be closed.

     In addition, Wing Yin Street and Wing Hau Street will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on October 5, 12, 19 and 20, except for hearses and franchised buses.

Lantau Island
————-

     The closed Tung Chung Road between Shek Mun Kap Road and South Lantau Road will be temporarily opened from 6am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, and 11 to 13.

     All others roads on south Lantau will remain closed, except for vehicles with permit.

Sha Tin
——-

Road closure and traffic diversion

     The following roads will be closed from 8am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20:

– Lower Shing Mun Road between Yau On Street and Fu Shan Crematorium, Yau On Street and Yau Ting Street, except for hearses, funeral vehicles, GMB route 64K, and vehicles of residents of Pak Tin Areas 2 to 5 and Lakeview Garden; and
– Pai Tau Street west of its junction with Sheung Wo Che Road.

     To Fung Shan Road north of its junction with Pak Lok Path will be closed from 9am to 5pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20, except for vehicles serving residents and people working in To Fung Shan.

     To Fung Shan Road between Chung Ling Road and Pak Lok Path will be re-routed as one-lane two-way from 9am to 5pm daily on October 5, 6, and 11 to 13.

Suspension of parking spaces

     All parking spaces on Yau On Street and Lower Shing Mun Road will be suspended from 8am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20.

Tsuen Wan
———

     Lo Wai Road between Lo Wai Pai Lau and Yuen Yuen Institute will be closed from 8am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6 and 11, except for franchised buses, taxis, GMB route 81 and vehicles with permit.

     All metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road near Yi Pei Chun Road and former Lo Wai bus terminus will be suspended from 8am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6 and 11. Also, all  metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road outside Yuen Yuen Institute will be suspended from 8am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6 and 11 to 13.

Wo Hop Shek
———–

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19 and 20:

Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from 6am to 5pm daily:

– Kiu Tau Road, except for hearses, coaches conveying people attending services at the crematorium, vehicles of the undertakers and franchised buses;
– Ming Yin Road, except for franchised buses;
– Wo Ka Lau Road; and
– All access roads within Wo Hop Shek Cemetery.
 
Traffic diversions

– Traffic along northbound Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon cannot turn right to southbound Pak Wo Road; and
– Traffic along southbound Pak Wo Road near MTR Fanling Station cannot turn right to the car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon.

Suspension of parking spaces

     The following car parks and parking spaces will be suspended from 7am to 5pm daily:

– The car park on Wo Hing Road near Wah Ming Road roundabout, except for taxis to pick up and set down passengers;
– The car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon, except for disabled parking spaces and public buses of the residents’ service route no. NR112; and
– All parking spaces on Wah Ming Lane.

     Depending on the situation, the Police may exercise discretion to allow vehicles carrying the elderly and disabled passengers to make use of the car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon for interchange with the buses heading for Wo Hop Shek Cemetery.

Sandy Ridge
———–

     The Frontier Closed Area from Lo Wu Station to Lo Wu Station Road will be open to grave-sweepers between 6am and 6pm daily from September 28 to October 27.

     The following roads will be closed from 6am to 6pm daily on October 5, 6, 11 to 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27:
 
– Lo Wu Station Road from its junction with Man Kam To Road to a point of about 280 metres west near the cemetery management office, except for vehicles of Lo Wu Village residents and vehicles allowed to park at the car park of MTR Lo Wu Station; and
– Sha Ling Road, except for vehicles of Sha Ling residents.

     All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

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

     Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the InnoCarnival 2024 (IC 2024) will be held from October 26 to November 3 at the Hong Kong Science Park with the theme of "Let’s Sail with Innovation and Technology". The event is receiving support from over 75 programme partners, including local universities, research and development centres, government departments and other organisations. Through an array of interesting activities, it aims to promote innovation and technology (I&T) culture. IC 2024 is also one of the Special 75 events and Highlight Events of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
      
     Speaking at the media preview for IC 2024 today (October 4), the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, said that the Commission has been committed to driving the I&T development of Hong Kong and raising the awareness of I&T culture in the community. He believed that the Carnival was an annual flagship event which could foster popularity of science culture, nurture the young generation's interest in I&T, and attract more I&T talent in the long run. 
      
     The media preview exhibited the research and development (R&D) projects of several participating teams. Project team representatives presented their inspirational ideas, R&D processes, features and functions, and project applications. These projects include the "Flexible Exoskeleton for Load Transportation", developed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong which provides personalised assistance to the wearer when moving heavy objects to reduce back strain and muscle activity, minimising the risk of lower back pain while maximising comfort and safety; as well as the "Dye Removal from Denim Textile Wastewater by a Combinative Adsorption and Regeneration System" developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), which is an environmental-friendly and cost-effective indigo dye treatment method using alumina-based adsorbents as efficient dye-adsorbent materials to remove indigo dye from textile wastewater.
      
     In addition, representatives of Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School, introduced their anti-phone scam invention for seniors, "ElderDefender". Equipped with speech recognition technology, the device would make use of artificial intelligence and big data technology to scan phone message to reduce phone scams by issuing a visual alert. This invention earned awards in the Hong Kong Student Science Competition organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, as well as the Second City I&T Grand Challenge organised by the ITC together with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.
      
     Exhibition booths will be set up at the Hong Kong Science Park to showcase local I&T achievements, some of them with interactive games. Moreover, a diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and webinars across various subjects including artificial intelligence and energy conservation will be available during the carnival. 
      
     Prototypes of some of the winning I&T solutions of the Second City I&T Grand Challenge will also be displayed for trial in the IC 2024. To promote an I&T culture and enhance the application of I&T in the community, the second City I&T Grand Challenge was launched in March this year under the theme of "Hong Kong's Got I&T". It invited submissions from different sectors of the community to develop I&T solutions focusing on two subjects, namely "I&T for Nature (Yama)" (improving the operation and management of country parks and campsites, and enhancing hikers' experiences in nature) and "I&T for Community (Community Wellness)" (enhancing support for carers). After rounds of assessment and pitching, over 50 awards under the four categories, which were the Primary School Group, the Secondary School Group, the University/Tertiary Institute Group and the Open Group, were presented at the Grand Pitch in August this year.
      
     All IC 2024 activities are free of charge. Some of the activities require preregistration. Details are available at the thematic webpage (innocarnival.hk). Members of the public are most welcome to join.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 4) said that one new confirmed melioidosis infection case had been recorded in the past week (September 27 to October 3).

     The case involves a 74-year-old male with underlying illness who lives in Tseung Kwan O. He developed a fever and foot swelling on September 21 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for treatment on the same day. He is in stable condition. His clinical sample was confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing.

     The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. So far, 16 melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2023, 17 melioidosis infection cases were recorded.

     A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.

     The CHP reminded members of the public that melioidosis can be spread by contaminated soil and water during and after typhoons and storms. Where practicable, people should stay indoors during typhoons and storms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.

     Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
 
     • Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
     • Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
     • Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
     • Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover any cuts or grazes with waterproof dressings;
     • Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
     • Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
     • Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.

     The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 4) 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 September 27 to yesterday (October 3), the CHP recorded six imported DF cases; the patients had been to Guangdong Province (Foshan (three cases) and Shenzhen (one case)), India (one case) and Nepal (one case) during the incubation periods.

     As of yesterday, 77 cases of DF, including 73 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 has been increasing, 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 DF local cases have been recorded in September, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Foshan, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Shenzhen.
 
     Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, 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).

     "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 CHP has issued a letter to doctors to enhance their alertness for DF cases. 
   
     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.

     â€‹â€‹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 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival (the Festival) will roll out a wide variety of fabulous programmes in the "9+2" cities of the Greater Bay Area from October 19 to November 24. An enthusiastic public response caused tickets for the Opening Programme "Sound River" to be sold out earlier, while tickets for the Dance Drama "Wing Chun" Special Edition by Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre are also in high demand. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has announced that additional tickets and performances will be arranged respectively for the two programmes for the enjoyment of local audiences and tourists. The tickets will be available for sale from October 9 (Wednesday) onwards.
 
　　The Festival is presented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Details on additional tickets and performances are as follows:
 
Additional tickets of Opening Programme "Sound River"
———————————————————————-
　　Additional tickets for seats with restricted views or those originally reserved for technical purposes will be available on the URBTIX website (www.urbtix.hk), by the mobile app URBTIX and telephone (3166 1288). Each person can purchase a maximum of two tickets each time. Programme information is as follows:
 
Date and time: October 19, 2024 (Saturday), 8pm
Venue:    Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom
Prices:    $75 (special offer celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China)
 
　　"Sound River" is a new work produced by contemporary renowned Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun. Under Tan's baton, the concert features the newly formed Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival Orchestra comprising members from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and Macao Orchestra to perform the world premiere of the work. Sixteen meticulously crafted films capturing precious snapshots during Tan's journey from Europe, through the Arab world to Central Asia, then to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the past 12 years, will be screened during the performance. Through interweaving light, shadows and music, the work immerses the audience onto a "Silk Road of sound” that explores the past and future. The programme will also feature distinguished Mainland singer Zhou Shen as a special guest to deliver the theme song.
 
　　For programme enquiries and related additional ticket arrangements, please call 2734 2960 or visit www.gbacxlo.gov.hk/en/programmes/sound-river.
 
Additional performances of the Dance Drama "Wing Chun" Special Edition by Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre
—————————————————————————————
　　Tickets for the two additional performances will be available at all URBTIX outlets, self-service ticketing kiosks, on the URBTIX website (www.urbtix.hk), by the mobile app URBTIX and telephone (3166 1288). Each person can purchase a maximum of four tickets each time on the first day of ticket sales. Information of the two additional performances are as follows:
 
Date and time: November 23, 2024 (Saturday), 2.30pm
　　　　　　　　November 24, 2024 (Sunday), 7.30pm
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Prices: $200, $320, $420, $520 and $620
 
　　The dance drama "Wing Chun" was written by the Chairman of the China Dancers Association, Feng Shuangbai, and co-directed by acclaimed Mainland choreographers Han Zhen and Zhou Liya. The performance integrates martial arts with classical and modern dance, providing audiences with a captivating visual experience. This special edition of "Wing Chun" features a Hong Kong production team and artists, bringing new elements to the original performance. Hong Kong conductor Fung Ka-hing will lead local orchestra The Symphonic Pops in an accompaniment. Huang Danyang, a graduate from the School of Dance of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, will also take part in the performance. In addition, renowned Hong Kong singer George Lam was invited to produce a new theme song titled "Wing Chun" for the dance drama. He produced, composed, and sung the song, with lyrics by Keith Chan.
 
　　For programme enquiries and related additional performance arrangements, please call 2734 2960 or www.gbacxlo.gov.hk/en/programmes/wing-chun-special-edition.
 
　　Hong Kong is the host city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival for the first time this year. It is organising and co-ordinating over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held across the "9+2" cities of the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region, and foster cultural exchanges and co-operation among the cities. For detailed information about the rich programme line up of the festival, please visit www.gbacxlo.gov.hk.