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 46 specified places during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     In view of a number of cases testing positive, 42 specified places are included in the compulsory testing notice. Furthermore, since some sewage samples collected in Tin Shui Wai and Sha Tin have tested positive, four specified places are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo testing on time as required. Community testing centres (CTCs)/community testing stations (CTSs)/ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations have been set up by the Government in different districts to facilitate testing to be conducted in compliance with the compulsory testing notice. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     Persons who have tested positive in the past three months (including positive cases tested either by nucleic acid tests recorded by the Department of Health (DH) or by rapid antigen tests (RATs) that have been self-declared to the DH) do not need to undergo compulsory testing. For those who need to undergo compulsory testing, they must undergo nucleic acid tests in accordance with relevant compulsory testing notices and cannot use RATs to fulfil the requirement of such notices. In other words, a negative RAT result cannot be deemed as fulfilling the compulsory testing requirement. Furthermore, unless a person subject to compulsory testing has obtained a medical certificate proving that he or she is unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through a "throat swab" because of health reasons, the person cannot provide a deep throat saliva sample to fulfil the compulsory testing requirement.

     Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)'s website via the following link: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20221129.pdf.

     If any persons test positive under compulsory testing, such positive cases will be handled in the same manner as in those identified through other nucleic acid tests or self-declared through RATs. Their isolation arrangements (as well as the quarantine arrangements of their household members) are no different from other positive cases.

     Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must undergo professional swab sampling at any of the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations, CTCs/CTSs or recognised local medical testing institutions in order to fulfil the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen. For details on obtaining stool specimen bottles, please refer to the COVID-19 thematic website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/Stool_bottle_collection_points.pdf.

     If the 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 extended for one day. 

     Vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated without delay. In view of the arrival of the Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine in Hong Kong, eligible persons aged 12 or above may, following the current vaccination schedule, choose to receive the BioNTech bivalent vaccine as an alternative to the fourth dose (or the third dose for recovered persons) from December 1, while the Sinovac or the BioNTech ancestral strain vaccines can still be used. Online reservations are now open. Eligible persons aged 60 or above with same-day tickets may choose the type of vaccine to be administered on site.
     
     CTCs/CTSs across the city provide free nucleic acid testing services for the public, including eligible persons of targeted groups, visitors to public hospitals and residential care homes and all elderly people aged 60 or above. Relevant persons who wish to undergo a free test just need to make an online booking or use the Testing Registration QR code in the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application for registration.　

     Booking services are available for all 85 CTC/CTSs. Members of the public can make bookings through the online booking system (booking.communitytest.gov.hk/form/index.jsp). Members of the public can also fill in their personal information in advance to obtain the Testing Registration Code QR code through the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application. They can present that QR code for scanning before testing at a service point thereafter, thus saving their time spent on registration and queueing.

     The Government will reopen the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection station at Lido Garden in Sham Tseng tomorrow (November 30). The opening date and service hours of the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection station are stated in the Annex.

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

(a) For tests which require using a sample taken through "combined nasal and throat swabs" or "throat swab"
1. To visit any of the ad-hoc 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/CTSs (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 "throat swab"; 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 per relevant guidelines.

(b) For persons holding a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner proving that they are unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through a "throat swab" because of health reasons
1. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from post offices, vending machines set up at MTR stations or 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 Government spokesman cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority, 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 ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations or the CTCs/CTSs."

     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.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the compulsory testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the compulsory testing notices commits an offence and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. The fixed penalty for discharging the liability is $10,000. The person may also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Any person in breach of the compulsory testing order would be liable to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     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 had contact with cases tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons."

     The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) held the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony at the Customs Headquarters Building today (November 29) and presented certificates to new members of the AEO Programme and presented Hong Kong AEO Programme Partnership Scheme Awards. Hong Kong and Indonesia Customs exchanged a signed AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) at the ceremony. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hong Kong Customs and the Mainland Customs was also signed at the ceremony to enhance AEO co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

     The Hong Kong AEO Programme 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony, with "Bringing In & Going Global – Impetus for Hong Kong's Economy" as the theme, reviewed the development of the Programme over the past decade. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, officiated at the launching ceremony with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho.

     During the ceremony, Ms Ho and the Consul General of Indonesia in Hong Kong, Mr Ricky Suhendar, represented the Governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Indonesia to exchange the AEO MRA documents. The documents were signed earlier by Ms Ho and the Director General of Indonesian Customs and Excise, Mr Askolani. The Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization, Dr Kunio Mikuriya, in a short video, congratulated and recognised Hong Kong Customs for its efforts in maintaining close partnership with industries to jointly secure the global supply chain. He also sent his blessings for the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong AEO Programme.

     Currently, the C&ED has ratified MRAs with 13 Customs administrations of the Mainland, India, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia. Under the MRAs, AEOs from the signatory countries or regions can enjoy reciprocal trade facilitation including reduced inspection rates and prioritised clearance. 

     In the ceremony, Ms Ho and the Director General of the Department of Enterprise Management and Audited-based Control of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Wang Sheng, signed a MoU to enhance AEO co-operation in the GBA. Witnessed by Mr Yau and Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Liu Yajun, the signing ceremony was conducted through video-conferencing.

     Ms Ho said, "In addition to our traditional role as a law enforcer and gatekeeper, the C&ED also takes up the role as an economic development promoter. The C&ED will continue to develop the Hong Kong AEO Programme and extend the MRA network to bring more benefits to enterprises and further enhance the co-operation between Hong Kong and other adjacent regions, in particular from Southeast Asia to the entire Asia-Pacific region. The C&ED will strive for more trade facilitation measures for maintaining a favourable business environment for local enterprises."

     During the event today, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Excise and Strategic Support), Mr Jimmy Tam, also presented certificates to 29 new members of the AEO Programme. They have been accredited as Hong Kong AEOs from 2019 to 2022. Due to the epidemic situation, the certificate presentation ceremony had been suspended. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong AEO Programme in 2012, the number of accredited enterprises has now risen to about 80.

     About 200 guests, including consuls and customs attachés, as well as representatives from Hong Kong AEO members, trade associations and private sector stakeholders, attended the ceremony today.

      

     Following is the opening remarks by the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, at the talk on "Reflections on Today's Global Challenges and Opportunities, and the Role of AIIB and Hong Kong" today (November 29):
 
President Jin (President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Mr Jin Liqun) and distinguished guests from the AIIB, Salina (Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan), Oscar (Head of the Civil Service College, Mr Oscar Kwok), fellow colleagues,
 
     Good afternoon. I am very delighted to welcome President Jin from the AIIB to share his insights on the theme "Reflections on Today's Challenges and Opportunities, and the Role of AIIB and Hong Kong" with us today. Today's talk is co-organised by the Civil Service College, the Civil Service Bureau and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), attended by senior civil servants of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government and the Working Group on Integration into National Development of the FSTB. I would like to express my gratitude to the Civil Service Bureau and colleagues of the Civil Service College for facilitating this meaningful talk. The Civil Service College was established in December last year, marking a new milestone for training and development for the civil service. The College provides training to civil servants to broaden their international horizons and global outlook, as well as strengthening their leadership development, and deepening their understanding of the country's development and the HKSAR's constitutional order.
 
     As a multilateral bank initiated by our country with the broad support by the global community, I am sure the name AIIB is familiar to you all. The AIIB started operation in 2016, with a mission of enhancing connectivity amongst Asian economies and fostering sustainable economic development through investments in infrastructure. Since its commencement of operation, the AIIB has successfully approved 190 projects, assisting over 30 economies in building facilities of energy, transportation, health, water supply, education, etc.
 
     Since becoming a member of the AIIB in 2017, the HKSAR has actively participated in the work of the AIIB. Apart from subscription of the bank's shares, and actively attending meetings and discussions relevant to the AIIB's work, we have also seconded staff to the AIIB to support various functions of its work, and contributed funds to the AIIB for providing technical assistance to low-income member countries in pursuing infrastructure projects.
 
     Before I pass to President Jin to share with us his valuable insights on the economic development on a global perspective, I shall first give you an overview of Hong Kong's positioning and latest development as an international financial centre.
 
     Dear colleagues, as Asia's leading international financial centre, we should and we shall, continue to leverage on Hong Kong's strengths to contribute to fostering sustainable economic development, creating wealth and improving infrastructure connectivity in Asia by supporting the work of the AIIB. I am very glad to have President Jin with us today, sharing in greater detail on the work of the AIIB. My heartfelt appreciation for President Jin for your valuable time to share with us your insights and the successful stories of the AIIB in connecting the world and improving the lives of many. Now, let's give a big round of applause for President Jin to speak with us on the theme "Reflections on Today's Challenges and Opportunities, and the Role of AIIB and Hong Kong". President Jin, please.

The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
 
     The 2022 Legislative Council Election Committee constituency by-election will be held on December 18 (Sunday). The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), Mr Justice David Lok, inspected the hands-on training session organised by the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) today (November 29) to see the training provided to the electoral staff of the central counting station.
 
     Mr Justice Lok said that, after the close of the poll, all ballot boxes will be delivered to the central counting station located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Counting of votes will take place with the use of an optical mark recognition (OMR) system. More than 150 counting staff will be engaged in the entire counting process. Hands-on training and simulated activities would enable the counting staff to get familiar with the details of the counting arrangements, which are conducive to the smooth conduct of the count.
 
     Members of the EAC Mr Arthur Luk, SC, and Professor Daniel Shek were also present in the visit to the training session.
 
     The REO has been conducting hands-on training sessions for staff of the central counting station. The training sessions cover all counting procedures including the receipt of ballot boxes, sorting and visual screening of ballot papers, electronic counting of votes by OMR machines, procedures for determination of questionable ballot papers, and measures in the event of contingencies.
 
     The REO will continue to arrange various types of training, including briefing sessions and on-site simulated training for staff working in polling stations and the central counting station. The training aims to enhance the staff's understanding of each work procedure to ensure a smooth workflow, while at the same time strengthen their co-ordination and response capabilities for more comprehensive preparations for the by-election.

        

     The President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Mr Jin Liqun, today (November 29) delivered a talk on "Reflections on Today's Global Challenges and Opportunities, and the Role of AIIB and Hong Kong" at the Central Government Offices. The talk was jointly organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Civil Service College of the Civil Service Bureau. Some 100 senior civil servants and colleagues from the Working Group on Integration into National Development of the FSTB participated in the talk. Also joining was the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan.
 
     During the talk, Mr Jin shared his insights on the latest developments of the global economy, the current challenges, and growth opportunities in future. He also illustrated how the AIIB promoted sustainable economic development in the region through supporting member economies in investing in infrastructure facilities, and the role Hong Kong can play in the process.
 
     The Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, thanked Mr Jin for visiting Hong Kong again and delivering today's talk, further to his earlier participation in the Hong Kong Fintech Week and the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, showcasing the importance Mr Jin attached to Hong Kong. 
 
     Mr Chan added that Hong Kong has been participating in the work of the AIIB since becoming a member of the bank in 2017, and Hong Kong will in future continue leveraging its strengths as an international financial and business centre to further support the AIIB's work, thereby contributing to the construction of infrastructure facilities in the region.