The Secretariat of the Green Tech Fund (GTF) said today (December 17) that another six projects have been approved in the first round of applications to help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection as the city strives towards its goal of carbon neutrality before 2050. These latest applications involve a grant of around $30 million. Together with the eight projects approved earlier, a total of 14 projects from local universities and private enterprises have been approved in the first round of applications, involving a total grant of around $70 million. The GTF is open for the second round of applications from today to February 25, 2022.

     Over 190 applications have been received in the first round of applications. The six research and development (R&D) projects approved in the latest batch cover a wide range of topics, including the development of new energy technologies, promotion of transport electrification, smart waste management, and real-time air quality monitoring:
 
* New energy technologies: Development of hydrogen storage and release technology involving the use of stable solid-state materials for hydrogen storage to enhance safety and reduce potential risks associated with hydrogen transport and storage; and the development of high performance and long-life hydrogen fuel cells suitable for wide application to electric vehicles (EVs) that can facilitate large-scale application of fuel cells and help promote the popularisation of EVs and low-carbon transformation.
 
* Promotion of transport electrification: Development of technologies that can control power quality and grid stability by storing the energy generated by a photovoltaic power generation system and analysing the utilisation of the charging stations with the use of software to improve the stability and reliability of the power grid, thereby supporting the popularisation of EVs; and development of a smart energy storing power regulator with retired EV batteries to control and improve the power quality and grid stability, improve the charging infrastructure for EVs, and facilitate the application of second-life EV batteries with a view to achieving the goal of waste reduction and decarbonisation.

* Smart waste management: Development of a smart garbage bag assessment system by using artificial intelligence technologies, together with positioning system data analysis to optimise waste management processes and facilitate effective implementation of municipal solid waste charging.

* Real-time air quality monitoring: Development of low-cost portable sensors for real-time concentration monitoring of the most common air pollutants that lead to the formation of ozone in Hong Kong. The development of the sensors will help identify the sources of ozone formation.
 
     The list of the six approved R&D projects is in the Annex. Relevant details are published on the GTF webpage (www.gtf.gov.hk/en/project_information/approved_projects.html). These projects will help promote the R&D as well as application of green technologies in the areas of new energy application, green transport, waste management, and air quality, etc, thereby expediting the low-carbon transformation in Hong Kong in a bid to strive towards the goal of carbon neutrality. The Government set up a $200 million fund in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support for R&D projects that support this goal.
 
     The GTF is open for the second round of applications from today to February 25, 2022. R&D projects that fall into the four areas, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction will be accorded priority. The GTF welcomes applications from local public research institutions, R&D centres and private companies to develop low-carbon and green technologies that cater for the needs of Hong Kong's environment and market. The GTF Secretariat will organise a webinar on January 17, 2022, to introduce the application procedures and priority themes of the GTF. Details are available on the GTF website (www.gtf.gov.hk).

     The first harbour steps at Victoria Harbour, together with the adjacent new promenade of some 280 metres, will be officially opened at the Wan Chai harbourfront next Friday (December 24). This will extend the continuous waterfront promenade length in Hong Kong Island North by 40 per cent to 7.4 kilometres, allowing visitors to walk along the harbourfront area from Shek Tong Tsui all the way to Fortress Hill.
 
     This set of harbour steps will be the first fence-free stepped-down water edge design alongside Victoria Harbour, as mentioned in the Policy Address this year. Located in the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 2), to be opened at the same time along the Wan Chai promenade, the harbour steps are fronted by a 2.5-hectare water body separated by a breakwater. The steps' position in the basin with relatively calm water flow makes them suitable for testing out a fence-free design along the waterfront. The step-like feature will let visitors get closer to the waterbody. It could also serve as a spectator stand for the public to watch competitions or performances from a short distance against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour when there are water sports activities or stage performances in the waterbody.
 
     The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, officiated at the completion ceremony this evening (December 17). He said that the Development Bureau has been working closely with the Harbourfront Commission in bringing water-friendly harbourfront designs to the public in a progressive manner. The previously opened fence-free breakwater in the East Coast Park Precinct (Phase 1) was well received by the public. The opening of the harbour steps this time will offer visitors a brand new harbourfront experience. It is also an important milestone in Hong Kong's harbourfront development, especially in terms of the water-land interface.
 
     The Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) at Hung Hing Road, Wan Chai North, has an area of around 5 200 square metres, including an additional 280m-long promenade, extending the continuous waterfront promenade length in Hong Kong Island North to 7.4km. Under the principle of an incremental approach, the opening of the short section mimics the placement of the key piece of a puzzle, linking two existing harbourfront promenade sections at two ends and bringing about a 40 per cent increase in the continuous harbourfront promenade length.
 
     The Chairman of the Harbourfront Commission, Mr Vincent Ng, said that the Policy Address this year anticipated the opening of 15 harbourfront projects to the public by the end of this year, while the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) is the 16th venue opened during the year. The Government and the Commission have outperformed on the pledge and provided more choices to the public along the harbourfront.
 
     The Precinct will be open to the public round the clock. In addition to lawns, outdoor tables and chairs, sunshades and children's play facilities, it will also provide a multi-functional venue for activities as well as an access ramp for boats to go up and down to the water in preparation for future water sport competitions. The design has taken into account views from water sports organisations, including those collected from users during dragon boat races, the Around the Island Race sailing event, the Optimist junior sailing race and other activities held at the Precinct in the past two years.
 
     In addition to the above facilities, the public can also enjoy paddling within Victoria Harbour. Starting from today, 20 pedal-driven boats will be available for rent through a website (www.coralseaferryservice.com.hk), with three of them being first-of-their-kind special editions produced under the theme of Chocolate Rain by local artist Prudence Mak. The paddling campaign will be piloted for six months, and further arrangements will be made subject to the response.
 
     To enrich visitors' experiences, Mak has also designed a series of art installations and Christmas decorations under the themes of Chocolate Rain and water sports for the venue. The most eye-catching piece is a 20m-long painting on the harbour steps, and visitors will be able to enjoy the artwork from another perspective on the harbour.

     The Precinct is a pet-friendly venue where visitors are welcome to bring along their pets on leashes.
 
     To ensure the safety of visitors on the harbour steps, buoys and ladders have been installed at the harbour steps. In addition to the general security of the Precinct, there will be specific guards dedicated to patrolling around the harbour steps on a 24-hour basis, as well as lifeguard and life-saving speedboat services during the operation hours of water sports activities. Safety notices have also been posted at different locations along the steps, with lifebuoys provided. Furthermore, the site will be temporarily closed under inclement weather conditions. On the other hand, consultants from the Civil Engineering and Development Department have completed a one-year water quality sample collection project and the preliminary findings indicate that the water quality of the harbour in the area is suitable for secondary contact recreational activities.
 
     To test out the holding of performances and activities in the basin, water sports performances were held at the completion ceremony. A stage was also set up on the waterbody, and local singer Phil Lam and world-renowned harpist Lise Vandersmissen gave the first music performances on Victoria Harbour's floating stage.
 
     The remaining part of the Precinct, including sites at the tip of the breakwater and that along Hung Hing Road near the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, will be opened for public use in phases by the end of 2022 after relevant works departments have released the sites for waterfront enhancement works.
 
     The Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 2) is located between the Wan Chai North Temporary Public Transport Interchange and the Hung Hing Road Flyover. It can be accessed from Wan Chai Ferry Pier or the Wan Chai North Temporary Public Transport Interchange by walking for about 5 minutes. It can also be accessed from Exit A5 of MTR Wan Chai Station by walking for about 15 minutes via the footbridge, or from Exit C of MTR Causeway Bay Station by walking for about 9 minutes via the Canal Road West Flyover (see the Annex for the route map).

                          

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held a passing-out parade at the Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (December 17) to mark the graduation of 28 Officers and 114 Assistant Officers II. The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, reviewed the parade.

     Speaking at the parade, Mr Tang said the CSD, being an integral part of Hong Kong's criminal justice system, has all along committed itself to providing a secure custodial environment for persons in custody (PICs). In the past year or so, with the safeguards of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the improved electoral system and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", Hong Kong has got back on the right track of "one country, two systems", and the society has restored order from chaos in a short period of time, resolving problems at their roots. Correctional officers play a pivotal role in maintaining the stability of Hong Kong by remaining steadfast in duties, riding out challenges coming from within and outside prisons, and being on full alert to prevent anti-China forces from stirring up disorder in Hong Kong again.

     He pointed out that since last year, a large number of people have been detained in correctional institutions due to riot-related offences, and the number of remands has reached a decade high. With forward-looking planning, the CSD has flexibly deployed resources in a timely manner in order to arrange for these PICs to be detained in different institutions, thereby enhancing the management effectiveness. Some of these PICs are radicals who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilise Hong Kong. They have established links with outside groups in an attempt to build up forces behind bars, disseminate fake news and sow the seeds of endangerment of national security. They have tried to establish privileges and recruit followers in prisons, with an aim to challenge the authority of the department. With the dedicated efforts of the professional and well-trained correctional officers in combating illicit activities without fear, the CSD has been successful in preventing the prisons from being turned into bases for subversion against China and Hong Kong.

     Mr Tang commended the CSD for keeping its rehabilitation work abreast of the times by providing comprehensive rehabilitation programmes in a strategic manner, based on the principle of "Correction first and Rehabilitation follows". In view of a propensity for violence among young people as a result of the riots in recent years, the clinical psychologists of the department have designed a new counselling service, "Youth Lab", which aims to help young PICs adjust their mode of thinking and strengthen their law-abiding awareness. Meanwhile, the CSD and the Police work hand in hand for a new initiative called "Walk with YOUth Programme", under which volunteers from both departments organise a series of activities to help young PICs establish correct values. With regard to education, the CSD has introduced a programme, "Understanding History is the Beginning of Knowledge", to enhance young PICs' understanding of Chinese history in an interesting way, and to foster their sense of national identity. Moreover, the department has stepped up its counselling efforts to strengthen PICs' ability to judge the truthfulness of online information and help them develop critical thinking.

     Mr Tang said, on community education, the CSD has disseminated to young people the messages of "leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation" through the adventure-based programme, "Mission in Prison", and the uniform group, "Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders", under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project. The CSD's policies on "Correction" and "Rehabilitation" complement well with each other and have shown encouraging results.

     Mr Tang also pointed out that the CSD has already included the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law and national studies in the compulsory subjects of the recruit traning programme, and refresher training programmes. The department has also invited the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police to jointly hold talks for CSD staff members so as to deepen their understanding of the relevant laws.

     He encouraged graduates to maintain the department's unswerving commitment over the last century and discharge duties with perseverance with a view to building an even better Hong Kong.

     The 2021 Legislative Council General Election will be held this Sunday (December 19). Mr Tang appealed to the public again, particularly the disciplined services staff , to actively participate in the election by casting their votes to elect people who love the country and Hong Kong so as to continue the good governance for a harmonious, stable and prosperous Hong Kong.

     One of the graduates today is Assistant Officer II, Mr Wat King-long. He is a long-distance runner who was awarded the Young Runner of the Year of the Hong Kong Trail Running Awards. He participated in a number of large-scale international long-distance running events in the past and won the second runner-up of his group in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon this year. He hopes that he will encourage PICs, with his sheer perseverance as an athlete, to face difficulties in a positive manner.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (December 17), no COVID-19 confirmed patient was discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 12 180 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.

     A total of 78 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre and the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre. Among those patients, one is in serious condition (case number: 12431) while the remaining are in stable condition.

     The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, December 17, the CHP was investigating seven additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 12 514 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 12 513 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     The newly reported cases are imported cases. Six of the cases involved mutant strains while the mutation test result of the remaining case is pending. The patients comprise five males and two females, aged 2 to 41. All of them arrived in Hong Kong from Group A specified places (high-risk). Four patients tested positive during the "test-and-hold" arrangement upon arrival at the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre (TSCC) at Hong Kong International Airport and one tested positive during quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel. Case 12519 is a close contact of an imported case confirmed previously (case 12502) and tested positive at the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre. 

     Among the above-mentioned cases, 12517 involves a 41-year-old male patient who is a cargo crew member. He arrived in Hong Kong from Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, India and Uganda by flight ACP502 via the United Arab Emirates on December 15 and tested positive during the "test-and-hold" arrangement upon arrival at the TSCC. He had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (AstraZeneca) in Kenya on April 14 and July 16. He was asymptomatic. The Ct value for the test after admission on December 15 is over 30 and he tested positive for antibodies. The whole genome sequencing conducted by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that the case carried the Variant of Concern Omicron. According to the information from the patient, he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Kenya in July 2020. After examining the epidemiological and laboratory findings, this case is compatible with another infection of COVID-19.

     The CHP also provided an update on the latest investigations on an imported case announced yesterday (case 12512), involving a 27-year-old male patient who is a cargo crew member. He is a co-worker of 12517 and they arrived in Hong Kong together from Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, India and Uganda by flight ACP502 via the United Arab Emirates on December 15. He tested positive during the "test-and-hold" arrangement upon arrival at the TSCC. He had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (Moderna) in Kenya on September 1 and September 30. He developed symptoms on December 15. The Ct value for the test after admission on December 15 is over 30 and he tested positive for antibodies. The whole genome sequencing conducted by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that the case carried the Variant of Concern Omicron. 

     There are so far 11 cases involving Omicron in Hong Kong (cases 12388, 12404, 12432, 12433, 12478, 12490, 12491, 12495, 12498, 12512 and 12517).

     Meanwhile, the CHP is actively following up with case 12513, involving a local cargo crew member. He underwent medical surveillance and regular compulsory testing in accordance with the relevant requirements for exempted persons and tested positive on December 15. The CHP has announced the case's details last night (December 16) (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/16/P2021121600619.htm). As the patient may carry the Omicron variant, the CHP will adopt the most stringent prevention and control measures. The compulsory testing frequency will be increased for persons who resided or worked at the same building as the residence of the case (Cheung Hing Building, Yau Ma Tei). The relevant persons will be subject to compulsory testing on days 2, 3, 4, 7, 12 and 19 following the announcement of the relevant confirmed case by the DH. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day (see the details of the dates of testing at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf). Specified persons in relation to the above-mentioned specified premises are also reminded to undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the compulsory testing notice tomorrow (December 18).

     A total of 61 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (December 3 to 16) and all of them are imported cases.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).

     â€‹â€‹The spokesman for the CHP stressed, "The global situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility, and there are also reports of breakthrough infections in some vaccinated individuals. The CHP strongly urges members of the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong, in particular to specified places with high risk under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H)."