The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 13) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From September 6 to yesterday (September 12), the CHP recorded three imported DF cases; the patients had been to India (one case), Malaysia (one case) and the Philippines (one case) during the incubation periods.

     As of yesterday, 61 cases of DF, including 57 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, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 11 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 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.

     â€‹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€‹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 Transport Department (TD) today (September 13) reminded members of the public that in anticipation of a large number of grave sweepers heading to the cemeteries along Cape Collinson Road in Chai Wan during the Chung Yeung Festival period, the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented there to enable their visits to the cemeteries.

A. Special traffic arrangements
 

• Temporary prohibited zone

     The section of Cape Collinson Road to the east of Lin Shing Road (i.e. the left-turning movement from Lin Shing Road to Cape Collinson Road leading to the Chinese Permanent Cemetery) will be temporarily designated as a private car and light goods vehicle prohibited zone from 7am to 3pm daily from September 21 to October 27. All private cars and light goods vehicles, except those with permits, will be prohibited from entering the prohibited zone.
 

• Road closures

     In connection with the implementation of road closures at Cape Collinson Road and its vicinity by the Police, except for the exempted vehicles, Lin Shing Road and Cape Collinson Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7am to 5pm on the specified dates.
 

Road closure arrangements	Dates	Exempted vehicles
Level 1 road closures	September 28, 29 and October 1, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20	Franchised buses; green minibuses (GMBs) routes 16A, 16M, 16X and 18M; taxis; hearses; funeral vehicles; and vehicles with permits
Level 2 road closures	October 11 (Chung Yeung Festival)	Franchised buses; GMBs routes 16A, 16M, 16X; hearses; funeral vehicles; and vehicles with permits

B. Public transport services
 

• The following special bus services will be operated on the specified dates and bus services will be strengthened depending on passenger demand and traffic conditions.

 

Routes	Dates	Operating period
Citybus (CTB) Route 388 (Circular) – between Chai Wan Station Bus Terminus and Chai Wan Cemeteries	September 22	10am to 2pm
	September 28, 29 and October 1	9am to 2pm
	October 5 and 6	9am to 4pm
	October 11 (Chung Yeung Festival)	8am to 6pm
	October 12 and 13	9am to 4pm
	October 19 and 20	9am to 2pm
CTB Route 389 (Circular) – between Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus and Chai Wan Cemeteries	October 6	9am to 4pm
	October 11 (Chung Yeung Festival)	8am to 6pm
	October 12 and 13	9am to 4pm

 

• CTB routes 8X, 9 and 780 and cross-harbour routes 106, 118 and 606, and GMB route 18M will be strengthened subject to passenger demand.

     During the Chung Yeung Festival period, adjustments to the extent of road closures, traffic control measures and public transport diversions will be made by the Police depending on the actual traffic conditions in the areas.

     Grave sweepers are advised to plan their journey early and allow more travelling time. If they would like to go to the cemeteries along Cape Collinson Road in Chai Wan outside the above-mentioned road closure periods, they should use public transport services as far as possible. They can take GMB routes 16A, 16M, 16X or 18M at Chai Wan MTR Station to Cape Collinson Road, or take CTB Route 9 at Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus to Shek O Road near Cape Collinson Road. Grave sweepers heading to the Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium may also make use of the escalators and pedestrian access route connecting San Ha Street in Chai Wan (near Chai Wan MTR Station Exit A) and the said columbarium.

     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Cape Collinson Road, Lin Shing Road and Wan Tsui Road in Chai Wan will be busy. Motorists are advised not to drive to the congested and affected areas, and should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion and observe the instruction given by the Police.

     Members of the public are advised to be alert to the latest traffic news on radio and television. They may also visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or use the mobile application "HKeMobility" for the latest traffic and public transport information.

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts to facilitate the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tai Hang
————

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from September 16 to 18 to facilitate the holding of the Fire Dragon Dance.

A. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed daily from 2pm to 11.59pm:

– Lai Yin Lane;
– Lin Fa Kung Street East;
– Lin Fa Kung Street West;
– Lily Street;
– Wun Sha Street;
– Ormsby Street;
– Brown Street;
– Warren Street;
– Jones Street;
– Lai Yin Street;
– School Street;
– King Street;
– Shepherd Street;
– Sun Chun Street; and
– Second Lane.

     Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Moreton Terrace will be closed daily from 5pm to 11.59pm.

B. Traffic diversions

     The following traffic diversions will be implemented daily from 5pm to 11.59pm:

– Traffic along westbound King’s Road cannot turn left to Tung Lo Wan Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Tung Lo Wan Road must turn left to Tung Lo Wan Drive; and
– Traffic along southbound Tung Lo Wan Drive must turn right to Moreton Terrace.

C. Suspension of parking spaces

     All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces at the above closed roads will be suspended daily from noon to 11.59pm.

Causeway Bay
———————

A. Pedestrianisation

     The following roads will be closed for implementation of a part-time pedestrian scheme from 4pm to 11.59pm on September 16, from 4pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day, and from noon to 11.59pm on September 18:

– Lockhart Road east of Cannon Street;
– East Point Road; and
– Great George Street west of Paterson Street.

B. Road closure

(I) Depending on crowd and traffic situation, the following roads may be closed from 7pm to 11.59pm daily on September 16 and 18, and from 7pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day:

– Sugar Street;
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Great George Street;
– Gloucester Road between Victoria Park Road flyover and Causeway Road, except for vehicles from Tai Hang Road flyover heading to northbound Gloucester Road;
– Westbound Kingston Street between Gloucester Road and Paterson Street;
– Great George Street east of Paterson Street; and
– Hing Fat Street will be closed intermittently, except for franchised buses and green minibuses.

(II) If necessary, the following roads may also be closed:

– Cleveland Street between Gloucester Road and Kingston Road;
– Eastbound Kingston Street between Paterson Street and Gloucester Road; and
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Gloucester Road.

C. Traffic diversions

     The following traffic diversions will be implemented in connection with the road closure in part B(I):

– Traffic from Victoria Park Road flyover heading for southbound Gloucester Road must turn right to westbound Gloucester Road;
– Traffic along southbound Paterson Street must turn left to eastbound Kingston Street;
– Traffic along Cleveland Street cannot turn right to westbound Kingston Street; and
– Traffic along northbound Gloucester Road and northbound Tai Hang Road flyover cannot turn left to westbound Kingston Street.

D. Suspension of car parks and parking spaces

– Hing Fat Street Public Car Park will be suspended from 5pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day, and from 7pm to 11.59pm on September 18, except for disabled parking spaces;
– Access to car parks at Great George Street will be restricted from 7pm to 11.59pm daily on September 16 and 18, and from 7pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day; and
– Disabled parking spaces at northbound Gloucester Road near Sugar Street will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm daily on September 16 and 18, and from 7pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day.

E. Suspension of Public Transport Interchange

     Tin Hau Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 7pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day.

F. Learner drivers prohibition

     The following roads will be prohibited to all learner drivers from 7pm to 11.59pm daily on September 16 and 18, and from 7pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day:

– Eastbound Leighton Road;
– Tin Lok Lane;
– Tung Lo Wan Road;
– Hing Fat Street;
– Electric Road between Wing Hing Street and Yacht Street;
– Northbound Morrison Hill Road;
– Hennessy Road east of Marsh Road;
– Tin Hau Temple Road between Fortress Hill Road and Causeway Road; and
– Causeway Road.

The Peak
————-

A. Road closure and traffic diversions

     The following road closure and traffic diversions will be implemented from 4pm to 11.59pm daily on September 17 and 18:

– Northbound Peak Road outside Peak Galleria will be closed, traffic heading to southbound Peak Road will be diverted via the slip road next to the car park entrance at the Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles or vehicles with permits; and
– Lugard Road, Harlech Road, Barker Road and Mount Austin Road will be closed, except for residents’ vehicles or vehicles with permits.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

     All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Mount Austin Road outside Victoria Peak Garden will be suspended from noon on September 17 to 11.59pm on September 18.

Central
———-

     Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station leading from Garden Road to the office of World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong will be closed from noon to 11.59pm daily on September 17 and 18, except for franchised buses.
 
     All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on Tramway Lane will be suspended from 00.01am on September 17 to 11.59pm of the following day.

Aberdeen and Pok Fu Lam
————————————–

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented on September 17 to facilitate the holding of the Fire Dragon Dance.

(I) The right lane of Nam Ning Street between Hoi Chun Court and Hoi Lung Court, Aberdeen Centre will be closed from 7pm to 9pm.

(II) Depending on the crowd and traffic condition, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4pm to 10pm:

– Tung Sing Road;
– Wu Nam Street;
– Lok Yeung Street;
– Aberdeen Main Road;
– Aberdeen Old Main Street;
– Sai On Street;
– Chengtu Road; and
– Nam Ning Street.

(III) Depending on the crowd and traffic condition, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4pm to 11.59pm:

– Pok Fu Lam Road near Pok Fu Lam Village, except for fast lane;
– Chi Fu Road near Pok Fu Lam Village;
– Chi Fu Road Flyover;
– Wah Fu Road; and
– Waterfall Bay Road.

Repulse Bay
——————

A. Traffic arrangements

     Depending on crowd and traffic conditions, the following traffic arrangements may be implemented on September 17 and 18:

– South Bay Road south of South Bay Path will be closed if the car parks on South Bay Road are full, except for residents’ vehicles and public transports;
– When the car parks on South Bay Road are full, traffic on Beach Road will be diverted to northbound South Bay Road to leave the area, except for residents' vehicles;
– Traffic along eastbound Repulse Bay Road cannot make a U-turn at its junction with South Bay Road; and
– Vehicles will be banned from waiting along Repulse Bay Road outside the car park if it is full.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

     The following parking spaces will be suspended from 4pm on September 17 to 6am of the following day:

– All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Island Road, except disabled parking spaces; and
– All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Beach Road.

Shek O
———–

A. Road closure

     Depending on crowd and traffic conditions, the following road closure may be implemented on September 17 and 18, except for public transport services and residents’ vehicles:

– Shek O Headland Road; and
– The access roads to the carparks in Shek O and Big Wave Bay will be closed when the carparks are full.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

     Sixteen parking spaces at Shek O Beach Public Car Park will be suspended from noon on September 17 to 8pm of the following day.

Tuen Mun
————–

     The following roads will be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am of the following day daily on September 17 and 18:

– Golden Beach Path;
– The unnamed access road leading to the public car park at Cafeteria Old Beach;
– Tsing Yan Street between Castle Peak Road and the entrance of the public car park at Kadoorie Beach; and
– The unnamed access road leading to the public car park at Butterfly Beach.

Tsuen Wan
—————-

A. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from 5pm to 3am of the following day daily on September 17 and 18:

– Tai Mo Shan Road and east of its junction with Route Twisk, except for residents’ vehicles; and
– Shing Mun Road between Pineapple Dam and the Main Dam.

B. Suspension of car park

     Tai Mo Shan Country Park Carpark will be closed from 5pm to 3am of the following day daily on September 17 and 18.

Ma On Shan
——————

     Depending on crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4.30pm on September 17 to 3am of the following day, except for residents’ vehicles:

– Ma On Shan Tsuen Road south of the turnaround;
– Yiu Sha Road north of its junction with Wu Kai Sha Road roundabout; and
– Yiu Sha Road from its junction with the unnamed road towards To Tau Wan Village.

     Actual implementation of the 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.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Transport concluded its duty visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou today (September 13) and will arrive in Hong Kong in late afternoon.

     This morning, the delegation visited the City Brain Operation Command Center (Command Center) in Hangzhou to gain insights into how the City Brain system utilizes artificial intelligence analytic technology to improve traffic management, as well as enhancing road safety and efficiency through real-time road monitoring. Members received a briefing by representatives of the Command Center and learned that the applications of the City Brain system in Hangzhou have now been extended to various key areas, including urban governance, culture and tourism, as well as health and hygiene to advance smart city management.

     The delegation then toured the headquarters of Geely Auto Group to observe the latest developments in different types of new energy vehicles, intelligent driving technology, the research and development and the battery swapping technology of electric vehicles.

     The delegation then met with representatives of the Hangzhou Transportation Bureau to share views on issues including the development of smart mobility and electric and new energy vehicles.

     In summing up the four-day visit, the delegation leader Dr Chan Hang-pan described the visit as fruitful and meaningful. "The information obtained through onsite observations of the developments of smart mobility infrastructure, new energy vehicles and autonomous driving enabled Members to better understand the opportunities and challenges in transport planning and the implementation of smart mobility in Shanghai and Hangzhou. The use of intelligent sensing technologies to collect real-time data enhances the resilience of the traffic system against extreme weather in the two cities, which can also serve as a valuable reference for Hong Kong and assist Members in liaising with the government to expedite policies regarding the new energy transport industry and improving transport network planning."

     The delegation, consisting of 10 Members, visited Shanghai and Hangzhou from September 10 to 13. It was led by the Chairman of the Panel, Dr Chan Hang-pan. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, also led the government delegation and joined the duty visit.

     The Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr Angus Wong, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 15 station officers, 68 firemen and 62 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (September 13).

     Speaking at the parade, Mr Wong encouraged the graduates to cultivate patriotism and national security awareness, apart from making all-out efforts to perform fire-fighting and rescue duties. He said that the Fire Services Department (FSD) fully supports the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which officially took effect in March, and had established a steering committee to comprehensively promote activities on national affairs and national security.

     Mr Wong also encouraged the graduates to seize every opportunity for observation and exchange, continuously improve their professional standards and keep pace with the times. He mentioned the Fire Asia 2024 international conference held in Hong Kong in July. The FSD invited numerous experts in the fields of emergency rescue, paramedic services and fire engineering from around the world to exchange views and share experiences on various topics, such as disaster management, fire prevention strategies and emergency preparedness, with a view to jointly promoting rescue technology innovation and cross-regional co-operation.

     Mr Wong said, "The FSD has always been committed to integrating into the overall development of the country and has continuously deepened its ties with the fire and rescue brigades on the Mainland. With the signing of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Emergency Management Co-operation and Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operation Co-operation Framework Agreement by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in June, the Greater Bay Area will further strengthen co-operation and exchanges on emergency responses. In order to enhance the level of emergency management and cross-border rescue effectiveness, the governments of the three places have also jointly formulated the Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operational Plan. A joint exercise in Jiangmen was held in May to demonstrate the efficient deployment of rescue resources among the three places, with a view to achieving joint prevention and control and complementarity, as well as enhancing the efficiency of cross-boundary rescue efforts."

     Mr Wong also said that the FSD had been committed to fire prevention and public education, including improving the fire safety of old buildings and enhancing public awareness on fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

     The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 145 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots.