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

     The first phase of the enhancement measures of the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) comes into effect today (October 1), following the gazettal of the DPS (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 on July 12, 2024.

     The enhancement measures that come into effect today include: 
 

• raising the deposit protection limit from HK$500,000 to HK$800,000 per depositor per bank;
• refining the levy system to enable the DPS Fund underpinning the DPS to reach the target fund size within a reasonable timeframe under the increased protection limit; and
• streamlining the negative disclosure requirement on non-protected deposit transactions for private banking customers.

 
     The Chairman of the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board, Ms Connie Lau Yin-hing, said, "We are pleased to see the smooth implementation of the first phase of enhancement measures. In particular, bank depositors will now be able to benefit from increased protection of up to HK$800,000. We have embarked on a series of promotional campaigns to raise public awareness of the enhanced DPS, and will continue to work closely with the banking industry to ensure the smooth implementation of the second phase of the enhancement measures in January next year."

     The second phase of the enhancement measures will come into effect on January 1, 2025. The measures include providing enhanced coverage to affected depositors upon a bank merger or acquisition and requiring Scheme members to display the DPS membership sign on their electronic banking platforms.

     Hong Kong Customs today (October 1) extended the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme (FTA Scheme) to cover transshipment cargoes from the Mainland to Myanmar via Hong Kong, and from Honduras via Hong Kong to the Mainland.

     The scope of service of the FTA Scheme originally covers cargoes of 69 economies under 21 trade agreements signed between the Mainland and its trading partners to be transshipped northbound via Hong Kong to the Mainland, and the Mainland transshipment cargoes heading southbound via Hong Kong for Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Nicaragua and Australia under eight trade agreements signed.

     Upon the extension, local traders starting from today can apply to Hong Kong Customs for a Certificate of Non-manipulation for the purpose of claiming a preferential tariff under the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Co-operation between the Association of South East Asian Nations and the People's Republic of China or the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and the Early Harvest Arrangement of the China-Honduras Free Trade Agreement, for cargoes from the Mainland transshipped to Myanmar via Hong Kong, and those from Honduras transshipped to the Mainland via Hong Kong.

     Hong Kong Customs will make persistent efforts to extend the coverage of the FTA Scheme to enable more goods passing through Hong Kong to enjoy tariff concessions provided under relevant trade agreements, assist enterprises to tap into new markets, and reinforce Hong Kong's leading status as a logistics hub.

     Hong Kong Customs has implemented the FTA Scheme since December 20, 2015, to provide traders with Customs supervision service and issue the Certificate of Non-manipulation to certify transshipment cargoes that have not undergone any further processing during their stay in Hong Kong. For applications, please visit www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/trade-facilitation/fta/procedure/index.html.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 1) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

    
     â€‹If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     The fire danger situation today (October 1) is red and fire risk is extreme. The countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire. If you are planning to spend the day in the countryside, please take pre-cooked food for a picnic and take all measures to prevent hill fires. The penalty for lighting fires illegally in the countryside is $25,000 and a year's imprisonment.