The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) made the following announcement today (October 2): Three male patient… read more
The recruitment of youth volunteers under the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th National Games commenced today (October 2) and will run until November 15.
To encourage youth participation in the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), the Volunteer Programme will recruit youths aged between 15 and 17 (as of December 31, 2024) in the second round of recruitment. Youths who are wishing to participate as a volunteer for the NG, NGD and NSOG should submit an application through their schools or youth groups. Individual applications will not be accepted in this round of recruitment. Schools and organisations interested in taking part in the Volunteer Programme can visit the programme’s website at www.2025ngvolunteer.hk for details.
The application period for the first round of recruitment under the Volunteer Programme ended on September 20. Then, around 30 000 members of the public applied to volunteer at the Games as individual or group volunteers. Candidates will be invited for an interview before the end of December this year. Eligible candidates who have passed the interview selection will be invited to attend training courses. Candidates who have completed the training courses will be appointed as volunteers for the NG, NGD and NSOG to provide different kinds of services during the test events, games, as well as pregame and postgame activities to be held in Hong Kong, including reception services upon arrival and departure, audience and guest reception, crowd control, transport and logistics, catering management and presentation ceremony support.
The Agency for Volunteer Service and the Hong Kong Volunteers Association have been appointed by the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau as the assisting organisations of the Volunteer Programme. The two organisations will assist in co-ordinating the recruitment of volunteers, as well as their training, position allocation and management.
A spokesman for the NGCO said, “The response to the first round of volunteer recruitment was overwhelming. We would like to thank members of the public for their enthusiastic participation, showing the spirit of territory-wide participation as conveyed by our slogan of the Volunteer Programme, ‘Let’s Volunteer for the National Games’. The second round of recruitment of youth group volunteers commenced today. Youth volunteers can broaden their horizons, enrich their social networks, and cultivate their social responsibilities through their participation in the Volunteer Programme. Youth volunteers can also strengthen their sense of identity and belonging to our country and hometown by participating in the voluntary services for the NG, NGD and NSOG. We call on all youth groups and organisations to actively participate in the Volunteer Programme and encourage their young members to become one of our volunteers.” read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Electoral Information Centre (EIC) of the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) held National Day Open Days for three consecutive days from September 30. The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr Justice David Lok, today (October 2) hosted the guided tour on the third day of the Open Days and shared the joy of National Day with a group of senior primary school students.
Mr Justice Lok hosted a talk on electoral information during the Open Days, introducing the electoral system of Hong Kong to around 30 senior primary school students. He also conducted a question-and-answer session to test the students’ knowledge of the country and the electoral system. In addition, Mr Justice Lok led the students in a mock polling, which enabled them to learn more about the polling and counting processes as well as the importance of clean elections.
Mr Justice Lok said that with the theme “Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and Understanding the Improved Electoral System”, the Open Days allowed members of the public to learn more about the improved electoral system and elevate their recognition of national identity and awareness of civic responsibilities under the festive ambience of National Day. The Open Days offered a wide array of programmes. Apart from the interactive games and experiential activities incorporating elements of National Day, the venue was well adorned to enhance the celebratory atmosphere of National Day. With the festively dressed Ballot Box Family mascots of the EIC for National Day, participants could take photos with the Ballot Box Family in the National Day special edition for celebration.
The EIC Open Days also featured a stamp collection activity, in which Mr Justice Lok distributed souvenirs of the Ballot Box Family in the National Day special edition to the students who collected stamps upon participation in the relevant activities and games, so that they could bring home the joy of National Day. Participants were also awarded certificates in appreciation of their involvement. Members of the public may download a series of newly designed Ballot Box Family WhatsApp stickers in the National Day special edition to share the joy of National Day with their family members and friends.
The Open Days concluded at 5pm today. With a total of 12 participating organisations together with individual visitors, the three-day Open Days has attracted over 640 visits, covering different age groups. Members of the public can visit the REO’s website (www.reo.gov.hk/en/service-desk/ecenter/openday.html) to view the highlights of the Open Days.
Located on 7/F of the Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, the EIC opened with a new look in October 2023, providing the public with one-stop updated information and experiences related to Hong Kong’s electoral affairs in an innovative, fun-filled and educational manner through different display modes and rich content. The EIC is open from 8.45am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with Saturday visits available by appointment only. Interested organisations may also reserve guided tours at the centre.
For more information about the EIC and appointments by organisations, please visit the REO’s website (www.reo.gov.hk/en/service-desk/ecenter.html) or call the hotline at 2891 1001.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 2) investigating a probable case of botulism after a patient received injections of botulinum toxin in Bangkok, Thailand. The CHP again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.
The case involves a female patient aged 34 with good past health. According to information provided by the patient, she received injections claimed to be botulinum toxin from a person at a premises in Bangkok, Thailand, for the first time on September 25. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. She has presented with symptoms including dizziness and limbs weakness since September 29. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (October 1) due to dysphagia, chest discomfort and shortness of breath and was admitted on the same day. She is now in stable condition. She was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.
The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority of Thailand. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
“In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections obtained from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible,” a spokesman for the DH said.
Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping of the eyelids, double vision or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
The DH urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (October 2) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.
The case involves a 43-year-old male patient with good past health. He developed a skin rash on September 24. He attended the Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic of the DH on September 25 and 27. He is in stable condition and has been admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital.
According to the patient, he had visited Thailand and Taiwan during the incubation period and had high-risk exposures during his stay there. An initial investigation revealed that no epidemiological linkages between this case and other confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier have been found so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization.
The CHP appeals again to high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations with a view to lowering the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. Persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once, and they should not engage in activities with others during which other people may have contact with their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection.
The CHP had earlier set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, which enables those who suspect or are concerned they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, in particular men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice.
The DH provides vaccination services for high-risk groups of MPox. The following high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis: