The Food and Health Bureau announced today (April 13) that, in view of the prevailing epidemic situation and the public demand for COVID-19 vaccination, the Sham Shui Po District Health Centre (DHC) will extend its BioNTech vaccinat… read more
The Government announced today (April 13) that, for children aged 3 to 11 who had already received two doses of Sinovac vaccine for three months, their parents or guardians can make online reservations for the children to receive the third dose of Sinovac vaccine starting from 8am tomorrow (April 14).
Meanwhile, persons aged 60 or above who have received three doses of the Sinovac vaccine or the BioNTech vaccine can also make online reservations starting from 8am tomorrow to receive the fourth vaccine dose at least three months after their last dose.
The designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has made respective updates. Children aged 3 to 11 receiving the Sinovac vaccine must bring along a consent form signed by their parents on the date of vaccination and must be accompanied by their parents or guardians in person when receiving vaccination. The consent form can be downloaded from the website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Consent_Form_for_COVID19_Vaccination_ENG.pdf).
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP) has previously published the updated consensus interim recommendations. The JSC-EAP recommended children (aged 5 to 11) to receive either two doses of BioNTech vaccine at least eight weeks apart; or three doses of Sinovac vaccine (for children aged 3 to 11) with the first two doses given 28 days apart, followed by a third dose at least three months later.
Details of the interim recommendations are available at the CHP’s website: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/consensus_interim_recommendations_on_the_use_of_covid19_vaccines_in_hong_kong_6_apr.pdf. read more
Following is the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, on works policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 13):
Chairman,
In the 2022-23 financial year, the Development Bureau has several priority tasks for works as follows.
Regarding the fight against the epidemic, we are very grateful for the full support of the Central Government, enabling the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and the designated contractor to establish a tripartite liaison mechanism, and works departments are organised to set up a task force. Through close communication and co-ordination among all parties, we are building eight community isolation and treatment facilities at full speed. Of these, six were completed and opened last month. The facilities at Penny’s Bay and Kai Tak will be completed in batches shortly. The above facilities, providing about 40 000 beds in total, will significantly enhance Hong Kong’s capability of fighting against the epidemic and isolation.
As for the Lantau Tomorrow Vision, the Government expects that, in the fourth quarter of 2022, preliminary proposals can be made on four aspects, namely the reclamation extent, transportation infrastructure and routing, land use and financing options, so as to listen to public views. We originally expect to commence the first phase of reclamation in 2027, with a view to having the first batch of population intake in 2034. We are considering streamlining the legal and relevant administrative procedures and will strive to further advance the above timetable.
To strengthen manpower development, we will also suggest to inject $1.2 billion into the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund to continue to support the industry’s application of advanced construction methods and new technologies, and earmark $30 million to promote applied research and development in public works and the industry, with a view to enhancing the overall productivity and performance of the construction industry.
To enhance the capability of the coastal areas in responding to rising sea levels and extreme waves caused by climate change, the Government plans to take forward appropriate improvement works and management measures in the next five years for 26 coastal low-lying or windy residential areas that are prone to high potential risks.
Lastly, we will earmark an additional $1 billion for the Built Heritage Conservation Fund to continue implementing the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, under which the Government funds conservation projects while non-profit-making partners revitalise and make good use of historic buildings in innovative ways. The funding will provide financial support for more private owners to maintain their historic buildings, and will further support public engagement activities and academic research on the theme of built heritage conservation.
Thank you, Chairman. I and my team will be happy to answer any questions that Members may wish to raise. read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: As at 0.00am today (April 13), a total of 9 000 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently being treated in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection C… read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 13) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, April 13, the CHP was investigating 734 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (53 confirmed cases, 153 asymptomatic cases and 528 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 538 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RAT) (264 symptomatic cases and 274 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 753 289 and 441 006 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 12 imported cases (10 cases and two cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively). The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.
In addition, as of 0.00am, April 13, a total of 8 735 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 8 676 and 56 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as three deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 8 948 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (April 12), the total number of confirmed cases was 308 714, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 183 954, 10 and 259 877 respectively.
As a passenger flight (CX252) operated by Cathay Pacific arriving in Hong Kong from London, the United Kingdom, on April 11 had two passengers who tested positive upon arrival and two passengers who failed to comply with the requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H), and a passenger flight (NH811) operated by All Nippon Airways arriving in Hong Kong from Tokyo, Japan, on April 12 had five passengers who tested positive upon arrival, the DH thus invoked Cap. 599H to prohibit the landing of passenger flights in Hong Kong from London operated by Cathay Pacific and from Tokyo operated by All Nippon Airways from April 14 to 20.
The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with the social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings (particularly religious or cross-family activities and gatherings). This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.
​The spokesman reminded that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who have yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected. Meanwhile, a person who gets COVID-19 and influenza at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. Influenza vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and the length of stay. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccination early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/17980.html). read more