The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital gave the following update today (September 9):
 
     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more male patient aged 73 in the High Dependency Unit of the Department of Neurosurgery was also identified as carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. He is in stable condition and is now being treated in isolation in United Christian Hospital.
 
     The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patient in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
 
1.      Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2.      Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
3.      Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patient. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

     A man who went missing in Wong Tai Sin has been located.

     Hau Tak-yau, aged 83, went missing after he left his residence in Upper Wong Tai Sin Estate in the small hours today (September 9). His family reported to Police on the same day.
    
     The man was located on Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui this afternoon. He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, announced the activation of the mobilisation protocol for civil servants to conduct at full steam the relief work following extensive flooding caused by torrential rain brought by low pressure associated with remnants of Haikui, said a Government spokesman today (September 9). Following the end of "extreme conditions", the Government promptly mobilised a quick response unit comprising about 250 civil servants from different departments to provide support in the North District.

     Supporting members arrived at Ma Mei Ha in Fanling, Lo Wu Station Road and Lee Uk Village in Ta Kwu Ling separately to carry out clean-up work. They also provided assistance to residents who stayed at a temporary shelter in Luen Wo Hui, Fanling.

     Accompanied by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, Mr Lee inspected Ma Mei Ha Tsuen to understand the progress of relief work after torrential rain and showed support for supporting members. Mr Lee then visited people affected who are staying at the temporary shelter in the Luen Wo Hui Community Hall to learn more about their needs.

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, accompanied by the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, arrived at Lo Wu Station Road to learn about the work done by supporting members.

     â€‹"I thank all supporting members and colleagues from relevant departments for their wholehearted efforts in the relief work. Their contribution helps to swiftly restore normal operation of the community and demonstrates their dedication to serving the public. The torrential rain recently experienced in Hong Kong was unprecedented in the past century, causing flooding in extensive parts of the territory and landslides. Various districts were faced with extreme conditions. During the early hours yesterday morning, I have instructed all departments to respond with all-out efforts to assist members of the public in need. I later activated the mobilisation protocol for civil servants and mobilised the District Services and Community Care Teams to participate in the related work. The Government will continue to strive to handle the relief work with every effort possible to ensure that citizens' daily lives could be fully resumed as early as possible," Mr Lee said.

              

     In light of the road conditions caused by the extreme weather, the Department of Health announced that Shau Kei Wan Methadone Clinic will continue to be closed today (September 9). Those who have been receiving methadone treatment there can receive their daily dose at other methadone clinics.

     Please visit the following website for the information of methadone clinics: www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_mc.html.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the "Golden empire to silver screen – Using China's ancient past to reimagine culture and film" guest lecture by Mr Tim Yip, a world-renowned art director from Hong Kong, held at the British Museum on September 8 (London time).

     Mr Yip, best known for his work on the British Academy Film Awards and Oscar-winning film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", shared with the audience his creative process and his passion on interdisciplinary work across film, theatre, contemporary art, fashion, photography and literature. Several costumes from the hands of Mr Yip were showcased at the lecture, leading audience to reflect on how the ancient past including the Chinese heritage could influence present culture.

     Mr Gilford Law, Director-General of the London ETO, addressed the guests at the post-lecture luncheon in celebration of the remarkable achievements of Mr Yip. "Master Yip's artistic life on the global stage best exemplifies Hong Kong's unique heritage and diversity as a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures. The presence of such creative talents is the key for Hong Kong's development as a centre for international cultural exchange as underpinned by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. We extend a warm invitation to all to experience the cultural vibrancy of Hong Kong," he said.

     The lecture was well-attended by more than 300 guests and more than a thousand from British Museum live streaming to watch. It featured discussions between Mr Yip and experts from the British Museum. Mr Yip also interacted with the audience in the Q&A session.