Tag Archives: China

     The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has been implemented for 208 days since February 26, 2021.        So far, about 8 423 300 doses of vaccines have been administered under the Vaccination Programme. D… read more

     â€‹The Under Secretary for Food and Health and Chairman of the Government’s inter-departmental Pest Control Steering Committee, Dr Chui Tak-yi, inspected the mosquito and rodent control work of various departments in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po this morning (September 21). He also took the opportunity to learn about the effectiveness of departments’ use of new technology in anti-mosquito work, as well as the plan to strengthen the anti-rodent operations in designated target areas. He then chaired the 11th meeting of the Steering Committee and listened to the progress reports on preventing and controlling mosquito and rodent infestation by various departments.
      
     Dr Chui started his visit at the Tseung Kwan O South Waterfront Promenade, where he received briefings from various departments including the Home Affairs Department (HAD), the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Water Supplies Department on anti-mosquito work in facilities under their management as well as the collaborative efforts of relevant departments in tackling mosquito infestation in the green area.
      
     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) demonstrated the large robotics ultra-low volume fogger being tested and the mosquito trapping devices (MTDs) currently in use. The robotics fogger is safe, effective and user-friendly. It can be driven to designated places to spray pesticides when installed on vehicles. The range of the sprayer is wider than that of the knapsack sprayer being used. This can facilitate the fogging operations in large areas and is particularly useful in killing adult mosquitoes in places that are difficult for workers to reach. The FEHD has been conducting field trials in Yuen Long, Sha Tin and Sai Kung Districts since April this year. The initial feedback has been positive and the FEHD is recommending other departments to adopt the technology.
      
     As for the new MTD, it was adopted by the FEHD in 2019. The MTD works on the principle of attracting female mosquitoes to fly in and staining them with insect growth regulator (IGR), which will inhibit the growth of mosquitoes. When these female mosquitoes lay their eggs, they will transfer to the water body the IGR which is capable of inhibiting the mosquito larvae from maturing, thereby greatly reducing the maturing rate and the number of adult mosquitoes. The FEHD confirmed the effectiveness of the MTD in preventing the maturing of mosquito larvae through field testing. Upon engaging the application by other relevant departments and organisations, the MTDs have been found to be effective in reducing mosquito infestation in different environments. At present, the FEHD, the LCSD, the Housing Department (HD) and several works departments have installed more than 6 500 MTDs in venues with dense vegetation that are difficult to be covered by fogging operations or other control measures with a view to eliminating mosquitoes from the root source.
      
     Dr Chui then proceeded to a rear lane on Tai Nan Street in Sham Shui Po and Pei Ho Street Market to get a better understanding about the collaboration and effectiveness of anti-rodent work by the FEHD and other departments. Staff of the FEHD introduced the enhanced version of the anti-rodent operations in designated target areas to be started in November. The FEHD will expand the scope of rodent control in three districts (Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai and Yuen Long) to conduct large-scale and targeted anti-rodent operations. Taking the Sham Shui Po pilot area as an example, the district is full of “three-nil” buildings, restaurants and fresh provision shops, as well as public markets and many rear lanes. The FEHD will deploy additional resources, including pest control roving teams, rear lane clearance teams and street washing vehicles, to carry out the operations. Different dedicated enforcement teams will also be mobilised to take stringent enforcement action against violation of public health legislation. Moreover, the FEHD will make use of thermal cameras to detect rodent activities when needed. Analysing the rodent traces detected at different stages of the operations will be helpful to the FEHD in devising an appropriate anti-rodent strategy.  
      
     At the Steering Committee meeting held in the afternoon, representatives from three bureaux and 20 departments and organisations discussed the way forward in reinforcing collaboration and applying new technologies and equipment to achieve higher effectiveness in mosquito and rodent control efforts.
      
     The representative of the FEHD reported that the territory-wide Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus during the rainy season from May to August this year was at a relatively low level similar to the levels of the past years. Since the setting up of a high-level liaison mechanism among the FEHD and various departments in June, all survey areas where the mosquito infestation indices are worthy of attention recorded a drop in the relevant indices.
      
     To extend the dissemination of information and make it easier for the public to grasp the latest situation of mosquito infestation indices, the FEHD has implemented an array of enhancements since May, such as marking the mosquito infestation indices of various levels in different colours on the department’s website, and adding interactive maps to indicate the scope of each survey area. The FEHD also provides targeted and specific anti-mosquito recommendations to relevant departments in respect of residential areas, recreational facilities, schools, green areas and more.
      
     In terms of rodent control work, the FEHD reported that the overall Rodent Infestation Rate dropped to 2.8 per cent in the first half of 2021, which was lower than the 3.6 per cent recorded in the second half of 2020. This reflects an improvement in the rodent infestation situation in public places in Hong Kong and that the rodent infestation in most survey locations is not extensive. 
      
     The FEHD and other departments such as the LCSD and the HD, as well as local representatives, private market operators and property management companies, have been in close contact and collaboration under a mechanism aiming to conduct targeted anti-rodent work. Looking forward, relevant departments such as the HAD, the Highways Department, the Buildings Department and the EPD will make every effort to dovetail with the FEHD’s enhanced anti-rodent operations in designated target areas when needed in order to maximise the effectiveness.
      
     In addition, the HD reported at the meeting the latest work progress of the Working Group on Rodent Prevention and Control in Public Rental Housing Estates managed by the Housing Authority it co-chaired with the FEHD. The HD implemented more intensive rodent control measures in 20 priority estates from April to June, conducted 46 joint inspections and 60 joint cleaning operations with the FEHD or local stakeholders, and installed more rodent-proofing facilities, etc. The HD launched the second phase of operations in August to implement in 30 priority estates relevant measures for stepping up rodent control efforts.
      
     In order to enhance the effectiveness rodent control in recreational facilities, the LCSD will study the installation of thermal cameras in suitable venues under its management.
      
     At the conclusion of the meeting, the participating departments all agreed that new technologies and equipment should be used to strengthen mosquito and rodent control work. The FEHD will actively research, test and apply new equipment and technologies. It will then introduce to relevant departments such equipment and technologies suitable for use in their venues and provide appropriate support.

          

     Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong won a bronze in the Women’s Épée Individual event at the 14th National Games of the People’s Republic of China held in Shaanxi Province. It is the first time that Hong Kong athlete won a medal in this event in the National Games. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, extended his heartfelt congratulations to her.

     Mr Tsui said, “She demonstrated superb skills in the competitions and achieved excellent results which deserve commendation. I am proud of her performance.” read more

     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 four specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.
 
     Since there were outbreaks 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 is hoisted or 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 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 Centre for Health Protection (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 the third, seventh, 12th and 19th days counting from the announcement of the relevant confirmed case by the Department of Health (DH). Relevant persons have to undergo testing on specified dates. 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 (September 21), there were around 28 000 booking places available for tomorrow (September 22) at the CTCs, and around 89 per cent and around 94 per cent availability for booking places for the coming seven days and 14 days respectively. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
 
     The Government will set up a mobile specimen collection station at the open area outside Hong Kin House of Tsz Hong Estate in Tsz Wan Shan tomorrow for residents and workers subject to compulsory testing for free. Outdoor mobile specimen collection stations will be closed if the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 or Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted while all mobile specimen collection stations together with all CTCs will be closed when the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal or higher or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted.
      
     Coupled with 18 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 Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, today (September 21) expressed sorrow over the passing of former Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk Mr Cheung Yan-lung.
 
     “Mr Cheung played an important role in bridging the communication between the Government and the residents of the New Territories over the past years. He spared no efforts in promoting rural affairs and district administration in the New Territories and worked for the well-being of the Government as well as the welfare of the residents of the New Territories. We thanked him for his outstanding contribution.
 
     “I extend my deepest condolences to Mr Cheung’s family,” Mr Tsui said. read more