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     â€‹The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at nine specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     In view of one preliminary positive imported case who had stayed in Hong Kong during the incubation period, five specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. For prudence’s sake, the above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     Furthermore, since there was an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection and/or influenza-like illness in four schools, and the symptoms of the diseases concerned are similar to those of COVID-19, for prudence’s sake, the relevant schools or their specified levels are covered in the compulsory testing notice. Persons who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice.
 
     Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen.

     If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon “extreme conditions” announcement by the Government is in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be further extended for one day.

     The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, to get vaccinated as soon as possible for better self-protection before the fifth wave strikes in Hong Kong.

     Details of the compulsory testing notice are in Annex 1.

     Subsequent to the announcement by the CHP on the updated quarantine arrangements of local COVID-19 cases with a mutant strain, persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on specified dates in accordance with the announcement by the Department of Health (DH). They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day (see the details of the buildings and dates of testing at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf). For prudence’s sake, the above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     In accordance with the compulsory testing notice issued earlier, all household members of close contacts are required to undergo compulsory testing. Any person who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant to section 22 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (person under quarantine) in the same residential unit on the date of commencement of quarantine or during the 14 days before that day, and who becomes aware of the quarantine of the person under quarantine when the relevant quarantine has not yet been completed, has to undergo testing within two days of him or her becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine and report to the Government the result of the test by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) within three days of undergoing the test. For prudence’s sake, the above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     CTCs provide testing services for the public, including free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming two weeks to facilitate the public’s planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm today (November 2), there were around 33 000 booking places available for tomorrow (November 3) at the CTCs, and around 94 per cent availability for booking places for the coming seven days. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
          
     As persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of local COVID-19 cases with a mutant strain will be subject to compulsory testing on specified dates in accordance with the announcement by the DH, the Government will re-open a mobile specimen collection station at Grand Promenade Carpark L1 in Sai Wan Ho tomorrow to provide free testing service for residents and workers subject to compulsory testing. The service period of the temporary extension of the Airport CTC at South Transition Deck, L6, Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport will be extended to November 14 (Sunday). Outdoor mobile specimen collection stations will be closed if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force while all mobile specimen collection stations together with all CTCs will be closed when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force.
     
     Coupled with all CTCs, there will be a total of 27 CTCs/mobile specimen collection stations in various districts tomorrow to provide free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. The testing capacity should be sufficient to meet the demand. The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations in various districts providing free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services for the general public are stated in Annex 2. Persons subject to compulsory testing and those with the “LeaveHomeSafe” COVID-19 exposure notification or SMS notification from the CHP reminding them to undergo testing as soon as possible may receive free testing at CTCs or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable).

     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:

1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;
2. To attend any of the CTCs (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en); 
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf), and the relevant sample must be taken through combined nasal and throat swabs; or
4. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the stool sample collected as per relevant guidelines.
 
     If a person subject to compulsory testing obtains a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner, proving that he or she is unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons, then he or she may choose to undergo testing via the following routes by providing a deep throat saliva sample:
1. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the 121 post offices, vending machines set up at 20 MTR stations or 47 designated general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
2. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority; or
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results.

     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority or during hospital stays, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.

     “If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the CTCs.”

     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing the result of the test and the relevant medical certificate (if applicable) for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

     Furthermore, persons subject to testing under the compulsory testing notices should, as far as reasonably practicable, take appropriate personal disease prevention measures including wearing a mask and maintaining hand hygiene, and, unless for the purpose of undergoing the specified test, stay at their place of residence and avoid going out until the test result is ascertained as far as possible.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm. If persons subject to compulsory testing plan to conduct testing at any of the CTCs, they can check the centre’s appointment status in advance. The hotlines of the CTCs are available at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/info.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to the relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     Relevant officers of different government departments are empowered to perform certain functions under the relevant Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), including requesting individuals to provide information and assistance when necessary. Any person who fails to comply with the relevant request commits an offence and would be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000). Collection and use of any personal data for conducting COVID-19 tests must meet the requirements under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486). Government departments or testing service providers which handle the relevant information may provide the data to the DH or other relevant departments for anti-epidemic purposes as necessary. The workflow does not involve the provision of any personal data to organisations or persons outside Hong Kong.

     The spokesman said, “The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or contacted confirmed cases), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons.” read more

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) intercepted earlier a case of illegally imported contaminated aluminium scrap from Malaysia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminal. The importer involved, namely Mild On International Limited, was convicted and fined $15,000 at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (November 2) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
 
     In April 2021, EPD enforcement officers inspected four sea containers, which were claimed to contain aluminium alloy recycling materials. They intercepted about 80 tonnes of contaminated aluminium scrap mixed with waste cables, waste sponge, waste plastics and other waste. The amount of impurities was below the relevant national standards. The EPD immediately repatriated all the contaminated aluminium scrap imported illegally to the place of origin and notified the local enforcement authorities concerned about the return shipment for their follow-up. The EPD also instituted a prosecution against the importer involved under the WDO.
 
     An EPD spokesman said that the department has been exchanging intelligence with overseas authorities, and worked with the Customs and Excise Department to inspect suspicious containers on a risk-assessment approach, with a view to strictly combating the illegal transboundary movement of controlled waste. In regard to containers holding metal recyclables, if it is found that the metal recyclables do not comply with the relevant requirements (for example, the amount of impurities in aluminium scrap is below the relevant national standards), the EPD will repatriate them to their places of origin and collect evidence about such illegal import activities. The department will also instigate prosecutions against the concerned importers under the WDO if there is sufficient evidence.
 
     The spokesman stressed that the non-recyclable impurities in the aluminium scrap involved will eventually be delivered to landfills for disposal, taking up the limited landfill space in Hong Kong. Improper handling of such contaminated aluminium scrap will also pollute the environment and cause harm to public health.
 
     The spokesman reminded importers and exporters of the waste recycling trade not to illegally import (including import into or transshipment through Hong Kong) or export contaminated aluminium scrap or other controlled waste. According to the WDO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment; for subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a fine of $500,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
 
     The EPD has issued guidelines on the import and export control on metal recyclables for the reference of members of the public and the waste recycling trade. The guidelines can be downloaded from the EPD’s website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/files/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/files/General%20Guidelines%20on%20Import%20and%20Export%20of%20Recyclables_Eng.pdf.

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     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at Maritime Dispute Resolution in Hong Kong: Current and Future under Hong Kong Legal Week 2021 today (November 2):

Mr Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Mr C Y Leung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is my pleasure to join you in today’s Forum. The Hong Kong Legal Week is held in the first week of November each year. And this year we have a beautiful collaboration with the Hong Kong Maritime Week. And for this reason, naturally, I am doubly happy today.

Global calls for collaborative innovation within the maritime sector

     With maritime transport handling 80 per cent of global trade volume, the maritime industry was the first to bear the brunt of the effects of COVID-19. Nonetheless, global maritime trade picked up in the first quarter of this year. This is indicated by the increase of 10.7 per cent in the volume of container shipping, which amounts to 42.9 million TEUs, as reported by BIMCO. China’s exports have surged by 33.7 per cent from January to August this year, providing an impetus to the recovery of maritime activities.

     Sailing into the new normal under the post-pandemic world, the maritime industry is still overwhelmed by the rising tides of digitalisation and decarbonisation. To stay competitive, the maritime industry must act promptly to upscale its innovation capabilities to achieve technological and green industrial transformation, which calls for a new source of funds and talents. Enhanced collaboration within the industry and associated services suppliers are crucial to meet new trends and demands, including smart ports, green financing, sustainable energy, ESG (environmental, social and governance), etc. As a premier international maritime centre and gateway for trade between the Mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong has much potential to advance and strengthen our position as a high value-added integrated service hub.

Hong Kong as an international maritime centre

(i) Policy support for Hong Kong to develop its high value-added maritime services

     In its recent 14th Five-Year Plan, the Central People’s Government expressly supports Hong Kong to develop into an international financial, transportation and trade centre, as well as an international legal and dispute resolution hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) Development Plan also supports Hong Kong’s development of high-end maritime services, including legal and dispute resolution services.

     It is in line with the Government’s commitment to leverage on our intrinsic strengths in high value-added maritime services.

     The global competitiveness of Hong Kong as a maritime hub is fuelled by China’s increasing influence in the commercial maritime world developing in the past decade. In the first quarter of 2021, China possessed 11 of the top 100 ports in the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)’s Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, including Hong Kong. China accounted for seven of the world’s top 10 busiest ports, with three of them from the GBA, namely Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

     As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong aims to differentiate itself from other counterparts by its offerings of a host of quality and wide-ranging maritime services, including ship management and ship owning, to high value-added professional services such as ship finance, marine insurance and dispute resolution. At present, there are over 900 shipping-related companies operating here, and I believe that this will continue to grow.

Hong Kong’s advantages in maritime arbitration

(i) BIMCO’s recognition of international maritime centre status

     Let me turn to today’s topic, which is the current and future of maritime dispute resolution in Hong Kong. Arbitration, as we all know, has been a preferred mode for resolving maritime disputes. It provides for a final and binding award enforceable in over 160 jurisdictions under the New York Convention. Hong Kong’s strength as a reputable maritime arbitration centre is evidenced by its inclusion as one of the four designated arbitration venues by BIMCO under its new Law and Arbitration Clause 2020.

(ii) Unique benefits under “one country, two systems”

     Hong Kong’s arbitration services have been increasingly relied upon by local and international parties for its advantages. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has recently entered into several arbitration-related arrangements with the Mainland, including the supplemental arrangement to refine the mechanism of mutual recognition of arbitral awards, and an arrangement to allow parties to Hong Kong seated arbitrations to seek interim measures directly from Mainland courts. Hong Kong is the only jurisdiction to benefit from this interim measures arrangement.

(iii) Strong pool of talents

     Hong Kong has an international and diversified pool of legal and dispute resolution talents with over 11,500 practising solicitors and barristers, together with more than 85 foreign law firms and 1,500 registered foreign lawyers from 33 jurisdictions. As Hong Kong has attracted many commercial principals of the maritime industry to establish their presence here, we have abundant commercial men who know the industry well.

     China Maritime Arbitration Commission Hong Kong Arbitration Center, established in 2014, and the Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group, established in 2019 (originally formed in February 2000 as a Division of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre) are well-known arbitral bodies providing professional and specialised services for maritime arbitration with experienced shipping lawyers and commercial men on their list of arbitrators.

(iv) Unparalleled advantages of Hong Kong law

     While English law has been the most commonly chosen governing law in international arbitration, in particular in maritime contracts, I would say Hong Kong law is an attractive alternative as a governing law in contracts involving international maritime transactions, particularly those involving Mainland-related parties.

     As guaranteed by the Basic Law, Hong Kong practices common law, which is based on the English law. Lawyers in Hong Kong with a common law background are well versed in our legal system and also other common law jurisdictions around the world. Hong Kong shares the same roots with the English law, especially in commercial matters. Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction where our law is enacted in both Chinese and English. All courts and tribunals can operate in both languages. This bilingual policy provides easy access to justice in Hong Kong for both English and Chinese operated businesses. Hong Kong’s judicial independence is world renowned, with its open and fair proceedings where due process is well observed. As Lord Sumption, one of the 12 Non-Permanent Judges of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, said, “(t)he permanent judiciary of Hong Kong is completely committed to judicial independence and the rule of law. Successive chief justices have made this clear in public statements. These statements are not just lip service. They represent the convictions of experienced, courageous and independent-minded judges.”

     According to the Worldwide Governance Indicators project of the World Bank Group, Hong Kong’s percentile rank in respect of the rule of law was 69.85 in 1996. Upon China’s resumption of exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, Hong Kong’s score reached 74.75 in 2000, and has been consistently above 90 since 2003. The latest result published earlier showed that Hong Kong attained the score of 91.83, a minor improvement over last year.

Hong Kong’s advantages in maritime mediation

(i) Possibility of achieving mutually satisfactory results

     Turning now to mediation. Mediation is recently growing in popularity as a mode of dispute resolution in the shipping industry. There is no winning party or losing party. It preserves relationships and aims for a negotiated outcome that is agreed upon and beneficial to both sides, thereby creating a win-win situation.

(ii) Mediation clauses and procedures developed by maritime arbitral bodies

     The increase of maritime mediation is evidenced in the introduction of mediation clauses by maritime arbitral bodies. BIMCO has redrafted its Standard Dispute Resolution Clause and carved out the mediation part into a stand-alone Mediation Clause 2020, for parties’ adoption into their contracts during negotiations. In addition, parties may incorporate mediation by adopting hybrid modes, including Arb-Med or Arb-Med-Arb. Mediation rules and procedures are also developed to facilitate mediation processes either within or associated with the arbitration processes.

(iii) Government’s support of mediation services

     Hong Kong is well positioned to provide mediation services to both local and foreign business, including the maritime industry. First, it is the long-term policy of the Government to promote and develop the wider use of mediation. Being aware of the importance of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process, we initiated the “Mediate First” Pledge campaign in 2009 to encourage companies and organisations to make a statement of commitment to use mediation first in resolving disputes. The initiative is now extending to other jurisdictions, including Shanghai, Qianhai and Shenzhen, demonstrating our effort to promote and develop Hong Kong as an international mediation centre.

(iv) Legal framework for mediation

     Hong Kong has a comprehensive regulatory framework for the conduct of mediation, including the Mediation Ordinance (Cap. 620) and the Apology Ordinance (Cap. 631). Hong Kong is the first jurisdiction in Asia to enact apology legislation, which promotes amicable settlement of disputes. Further, the Arbitration and Mediation Legislation (Third Party Funding) (Amendment) Ordinance 2017 provides that third party funding for arbitration and mediation is permitted under Hong Kong law.

(v) Strong pool of talents

     With the strong strength of our legal sector and commercial men, they could be very competent mediators once they have acquired the necessary mediation skills, and provide professional mediation services to the industry. Indeed, given their daily experience in negotiations, they themselves may well be inherently a very good mediator already.

Hybrid dispute resolution

     Whilst we are looking at arbitration and mediation in isolation, in Asia, it has been seeking to amalgamate them in various effective ways, such as Arb-Med or Med-Arb. Whereas the subject may not be covered today, I think it is incumbent upon me to share with you that under the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609), we cater for such hybrid mechanisms. Among which, sections 32 and 33 of the Arbitration Ordinance provide that an arbitrator may act as a mediator if the parties consent in writing.

Hong Kong’s advantages in online dispute resolution

     While the pandemic has stretched the technical needs of businesses over the tipping point, the process of evolving to deal with emerging technologies has been going on in the maritime world well in advance. The Department of Justice has long recognised the emerging new demands for online legal services and has from 2018 supported the development of the eBRAM platform, to provide an efficient, cost-effective and secure platform for online dealmaking and disputes resolution among parties from all over the world, offering services such as e-negotiation, e-mediation, e-arbitration and e-signing of ODR agreements by integrating the latest technology such as blockchain, smart contract and AI. As maritime trade often involves parties in different countries, the eBRAM platform may well offer cross-border one-stop dispute resolution services to maritime enterprises worldwide.

Concluding remarks

     Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, with China emerging as a global maritime power, maritime disputes involving Mainland parties will inevitably arise.

     Coupled with our talents, unique strengths and inclusiveness of Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation regime as mentioned above, in particular the distinctive features of Hong Kong law, I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to play an important role in the provision of high value-added professional services to the global maritime industry.

     Lastly, I would like to thank the co-organiser and other supporting organisations again for their contributions in maintaining and promoting Hong Kong’s edge as a world-leading hub for international shipping and maritime services. I close by wishing you fruitful exchanges and discussions in the panels to come. Thank you very much.

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     Due to the heavy rain induced by tropical cyclones Lionrock and Kompasu, October 2021 was much wetter than usual in Hong Kong. The monthly rainfall of 631.1 millimetres was more than five times of the normal figure of 120.3mm (or more than six times of the 1981-2010 normal of 100.9mm), making it the second highest on record for October. The accumulated rainfall recorded in the first 10 months of the year was 2 281.8mm, about 3 per cent below the normal figure of 2 363.1mm for the same period (or about 2 per cent below the 1981-2010 normal of 2 334.0mm). The first week of October 2021 was also much warmer than usual, but it was relatively cooler in the latter part of the month. The monthly mean temperature of 26.0 degrees was slightly higher than the normal figure of 25.7 degrees (or 0.5 degrees above the 1981-2010 normal figure).
      
     Under light wind conditions, apart from some isolated showers, the weather was very hot with sunny periods on the first two days of the month. With plenty of sunshine, the temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory soared to 33.1 degrees on October 1, the highest of the month. The daily minimum temperature of 28.8 degrees on October 1 was the highest on record for October and the National Day. The daily mean temperature of 30.3 degrees on that day was the joint highest on record for October. High temperatures also triggered localised thundery showers in some areas on that day. A dust devil was reported near the third runway construction site of Hong Kong International Airport on the next day.
      
     With the settling in of a fresh to strong easterly airstream, there were sunny intervals and a few thundery showers on October 3. The showers were particularly heavy in some areas with more than 50mm of rainfall recorded over Tai O. Affected by a relatively dry easterly airstream, the local weather was generally fine and hot apart from some isolated showers on the next two days. Under the influence of a strong northeast monsoon, it was sunny and dry with winds strengthening from the east on October 6.
      
     An area of low pressure over the central part of the South China Sea intensified into a tropical depression on the afternoon of October 7 and was later named as Lionrock. It moved generally northwestwards towards Hainan Island from October 7 to 8. Lionrock slowly moved across Hainan Island on October 9 and entered Beibu Wan that night. It made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam and weakened into an area of low pressure on October 11. Concurrently, a broad area of low pressure to the east of the Philippines intensified into a tropical depression and was named Kompasu on October 8. It developed progressively into a severe tropical storm and moved across the Luzon Strait on October 11. Kompasu moved westwards across the northern part of the South China Sea and further developed into a typhoon on the morning of October 13. After moving across Hainan Island and Beibu Wan, Kompasu made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam and weakened into an area of low pressure on October 14.
      
     Under the combined effect of Lionrock and the northeast monsoon, it was windy with squally heavy showers and thunderstorms in Hong Kong from October 7 to 8. The rain was particularly heavy and persistent on October 8 with more than 200mm of rainfall generally recorded over Hong Kong, necessitating the issuance of the second Black Rainstorm Warning in the year. The rainfall recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory on that day reached 329.7mm, more than two times of October’s monthly total normal figure of 120.3mm, making it the highest daily rainfall on record for October. With Lionrock edging closer to the coast of Guangdong and winds over Hong Kong further strengthening on October 9, the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal was issued early that morning. Under the inclement weather, a catamaran was overturned by huge waves over the waters near Po Toi Island on October 7. Two people on board fell into the sea and one of them was drowned. The scaffolding of a residential building in Happy Valley collapsed on the morning of October 8, resulting in one death and one injury. The heavy downpour on that day also caused serious flooding to some roads.
      
     When Lionrock moved away from Hong Kong, showers eased off and winds subsided gradually during the day on October 10. Affected by the dry northeast monsoon, local weather was mainly fine on October 11. With the approach of Kompasu and under the combined effect of the northeast monsoon, local winds strengthened again on October 12, reaching strong to gale force that night. The No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal was issued again on the afternoon of October 12 with only a break time of 60 hours and 40 minutes after the cancellation of the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal for Lionrock. This was the shortest record of break time between two No. 8 Gale or Storm signals for two different tropical cyclones since 1946. For most of the time on October 13, winds over Hong Kong were generally strong to gale force, with winds reaching storm force offshore and on high ground. The outer rainbands of Kompasu brought heavy showers to Hong Kong from October 12 to 13 with over 100mm of rainfall recorded in some parts of the territory on October 13. Moreover, the storm surge induced by Kompasu raised the water level in Hong Kong, making it over 1 metre higher than the normal tide levels on the morning of October 13. Coinciding with the astronomical high tide, the aggregated effect resulted in the inundation of some low-lying areas in Hong Kong, including Tai O, Shing Mun River and Lei Yue Mun. With Kompasu moving away from the territory, local winds moderated gradually with less rain on October 14.
      
     A rain area brought mainly cloudy weather and a few rain patches to Hong Kong on October 15. A surge of the dry northeast monsoon reached the coast of Guangdong on October 16, the local weather of the following few days became generally fine and dry during the day with slightly cooler mornings. Affected by an easterly airstream, apart from a few light rain patches in the morning, the weather remained mainly fine during the day on October 20.
      
     A cold front moved across the coast of Guangdong on the morning of October 21. Locally, there were a few rain patches with winds strengthening from the north in the afternoon and temperatures falling significantly. The associated northeast monsoon brought relatively cool weather and a few light rain patches to Hong Kong on the next two days. The temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory dropped to 18.2 degrees on the morning of October 22, the lowest of the month. Dominated by the northeast monsoon, it was sunny and dry during the day from October 24 to 26. With a cloud band covering the coastal areas of Guangdong, apart from mainly fine weather during the day in Hong Kong on October 29, it was mainly cloudy with a few morning rain patches from October 27 to 30. With the clouds thinning out, there were sunny periods on the afternoon of the last day of the month.
      
     Six tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in October 2021.
      
     Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in October are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for October are tabulated in Table 2. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 2) investigating two outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and appeals to members of the public and staff of institutions to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

     Details of the outbreaks are listed in the table below: 
 

Type of school (District)	Number of people affected and details of medical attention	Earliest onset date	Symptoms	Date of issuing compulsory testing notice
Case 1: Kindergarten/nursery (Sham Shui Po)	Nine boys and 12 girls (aged 2 to 5); 19 sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation	September 24	Fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose	September 27
Case 2: Kindergarten (Sha Tin)	10 boys and 11 girls (aged 3 to 5); 15 sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and one required hospitalisation	October 24	Fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose	October 27

     Officers of the CHP have advised the institutions to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. They have been put under medical surveillance. In addition, since the symptoms of URTI are similar to those of COVID-19, for prudence’s sake, the above institutions were covered in the compulsory testing notices earlier to exclude the possibility of COVID-19 infection. They had suspended teaching activities for at least five days as required for cleaning and executing the compulsory testing notices.

     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

    
     Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection. read more