The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 16) investigating a case of dengue fever (DF) confirmed in Mainland with a suspected source of infection in Hong Kong, and hence again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     The CHP received notification from the Mainland health authority regarding a DF case involving a 69-year-old man with good past health. The patient developed vomiting on August 9 and departed Hong Kong and travelled to Shaoguan, Guangdong Province on August 10. He developed dizziness and a fever on August 12 during his travel in the Mainland and sought medical attention at outpatient department of a hospital there on the same day. He was admitted on August 13 for treatment and is now in stable condition. According to information provided by the Mainland health authority, blood sample of the patient tested positive for dengue virus upon laboratory testing.

     Initial investigation revealed that the patient lives in Fuk Tai House, Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling. He had no travel history within the incubation period, but had visited The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Tai Po Gas Production Plant. He recalled no history of mosquito bites in the past three weeks. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance.

     No epidemiological linkage has been found so far between this case and other previously recorded DF cases in Hong Kong.

     "The DH is working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent possible spread of infection. The FEHD's vector investigations, surveillance and control are ongoing. The CHP's epidemiological investigations will continue," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Officers of the CHP will inspect the patient's residence and conduct field investigations to neighbouring residents. In addition, the CHP is now actively contacting residents of Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling to follow up their health conditions. Meanwhile, persons who have been to Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling and the vicinity or Tai Po Gas Production Plant with DF symptoms are urged to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2670) which will operate from 9am to 1pm from tomorrow (August 17) to August 18, and from 9am to 5pm starting from August 19, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. 

     Furthermore, the CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 5pm tomorrow at Cheung Wah Community Hall, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody test for people in the district with relevant symptoms. Moreover, the CHP will also contact the respective District Council members to help disseminate and promote relevant health information to residents.

     "The Hospital Authority has been informed for enhanced surveillance and case reporting," the spokesman added.

     Apart from the above case, three local DF cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Meanwhile, as at August 15, 41 imported DF cases had been recorded this year.

     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.

     â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (Bangkok ETO) collaborated with the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) to launch the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand, today (August 16).

     Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Film Development Fund and the Bangkok ETO, the AFAA organised the film gala to screen nine selected Hong Kong films and host a film-related exhibition to promote Hong Kong films in Thailand.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the film gala, the Acting Director of the Bangkok ETO, Mr Jason Chow, highlighted the significance of the event as a platform to showcase the creativity and talent of Hong Kong filmmakers.

     Noting that this is the second consecutive year the film gala has been held in Bangkok, following its successful debut as part of Hong Kong Week 2023@Bangkok last year, Mr Chow also emphasised the event's role as a valuable platform for professional exchanges between filmmakers in Hong Kong and Thailand. 

     Mr Chow underscored the strong commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to fostering the development of culture and arts. He said, "Since 2005, we have injected about US$400 million into the Film Development Fund. This substantial investment underscores our commitment to nurturing the talent and creativity of our filmmakers."

     Mr Chow also introduced the latest Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, which subsidises film projects co-produced by filmmakers from Hong Kong and European and Asian countries to help promising Hong Kong filmmakers broaden their cultural horizons and enable more Hong Kong films to go global. The Scheme is open for application until November 22, 2024.

     "We will continue to provide steadfast support to our film industry. I am delighted to see Hong Kong filmmakers and artists actively exploring the Thailand market, and I hope these increasing interactions will lead to new collaborations and the sharing of creative ideas, further enriching the film industries in both Hong Kong and Thailand," he added.

     Also officiating at the opening reception were the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand, Mrs Yuthika Isarangkura, and the Managing Director of House Samyan, Ms Chomsajee Techaratanaprasert.

     As part of the film event, the "Dynamic Cityscapes of Hong Kong Films Exhibition" will be held at Samyan Mitrtown in Bangkok from August 16 to 25 with free admission. The exhibition showcases Hong Kong's diverse cityscapes by recreating memorable scenes from selected films, along with iconic sights from the city.

     For more information of the film gala, please visit: www.afa-academy.com/20240809_en.

              

     The Drainage Services Department (DSD) will implement seven drainage improvement projects to enhance flood prevention infrastructure and better cope with increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions. Five relevant contracts with a total value of $6.4 billion were signed with contractors at a ceremony held today (August 16).

     The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, said at the signing ceremony, "The extreme rainstorms in September last year caused flooding incidents of different scales in various districts in Hong Kong. To effectively cope with the impact of extreme rainstorms, it is crucial to strengthen the current stormwater drainage systems. Following the Chief Executive's announcement of the implementation of seven drainage improvement projects in the Policy Address last year, the DSD conducted parallel tendering while seeking funding from the Legislative Council (LegCo). The LegCo approved funding for the related projects in July this year and the relevant works contracts were signed today."

     The relevant projects include the construction of six underground flood storage tanks with a total capacity of more than 200 000 cubic metres in Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon City, Shek Kip Mei, Sha Tin, Tai Po and Kwun Tong, and the construction of drainage with a total length of about 10 kilometres in the aforementioned districts and the Eastern District. The underground flood storage tanks will be located at Shek Kip Mei Park, Morse Park, Hoi Bun Road Park in Kwun Tong, Argyle Street Playground, Tai Po Old Market Playground and Sha Tin Park. The seven works projects are targeted for completion in phases within about three and a half years to six years. The list of works contracts and contractors are at the Annex.

     In order to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the aforementioned projects, the DSD has formed an alliance with participating consultants and contractors to strengthen collaboration among members, encourage exchanges and sharing of innovative technologies and techniques, so as to improve work efficiency and occupational safety, and create synergy through collaboration.

      

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The spokesman for Cheshire Home, Chung Hom Kok (CCH) made the following statement today (August 16) regarding an incident of an Occupational Therapist suspected to be indecently assaulted:
      
     An Occupational Therapist was suspected to be indecently assaulted while conducting training on activities of daily living for a 78-year-old male patient in a medical ward on the afternoon of August 14. The therapist reported the incident to her supervisor and the Police immediately. A man was subsequently assisted in investigation by the Police in the ward.
      
     The hospital is highly concerned about the incident and has expressed sympathy to the therapist concerned. The hospital has provided support to the therapist. The hospital resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude toward this incident, strongly condemns indecent acts, and will follow up seriously and fully co-operate with the Police investigation.
      
     The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation to combat illegal workers providing photography services in Hong Kong for two consecutive days on August 14 and yesterday (August 15). A total of three mainland visitors, who were suspected illegal workers, were arrested.
 
     Immigration officers found that social media platforms recently have been utilised by Mainland photographers to advertise photography services in Hong Kong. After an in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, ImmD officers identified several suspected illegal photographers and initiated an operation. Officers disguised themselves as customers to enquire about and book photography services from these Mainland photographers. The Mainland photographers were subsequently arrested while providing photography services in Hong Kong. The arrested illegal workers comprised one man and two women, aged 25 to 30.
 
     "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, 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.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.