The Government announced today (May 5) that in order to fight the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Department and the Drainage Services Department have been collecting sewage samples for virus testing in all districts, and had detected positive results in some areas, indicating that there may be hidden cases in the premises within these areas.
     
Rapid test

     As regards positive sewage testing results with relatively high viral loads in the following areas, the Housing Department and the respective District Offices will commence distributing about 220 000 sets of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to residents, cleaning workers and property management staff working in the following areas for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identify infected persons:
 

• Tuen Mun District – Shan King Estate, Pierhead Garden, Marina Garden, Miami Beach Towers and Lung Mun Oasis
• Sai Kung District – On Ning Garden, Nan Fung Plaza, Tseung Kwan O Village and Yau Yue Wan Village
• Sham Shui Po District – So Uk Estate

     Members of the public may refer to (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/rat/eng/rat.html) for enquiries relating to the use of the RAT kits.

     When using an RAT kit, please pay attention to and follow the instructions from the manufacturer to perform the test and read the result properly. It is advisable to record the displayed result by taking a photo immediately after reading. Users should wash their hands before and after performing the tests, and avoid placing non-essential items within the specimen collection area. After completing the test, wrap and seal all components of the test kit carefully and dispose properly. If the household environment is contaminated during the specimen collecting process, disinfection should be conducted with 1 in 49 diluted bleach solution or 70 per cent alcohol.

     People who obtained a positive result through an RAT for the first time can report via the online platform "Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test" (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp/). If individuals encounter difficulties using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health will contact the relevant person later to finish the report procedure.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 0.00am today (May 5), a total of 1 068 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently being treated in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre and public hospitals. There were 152 patients who have recovered, including 99 patients who have been discharged. In addition, five patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.
 
     In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 48 485 patients who have recovered so far, including 47 739 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 60 865 patients who have recovered, including 60 119 patients who have been discharged.
 
     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) today (May 5) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, May 5, the CHP was investigating 148 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (67 confirmed cases, 65 asymptomatic cases and 16 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 173 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) (90 symptomatic cases and 83 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 759 172 and 446 545 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
 
     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 17 imported cases (15 cases and two cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively). The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.
  
     In addition, as of 0.00am, May 5, a total of 9 120 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 046 and 71 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as three deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 9 333 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
 
     Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (May 4), the total number of confirmed cases was 331 030, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 197 206, 22 and 230 766 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that as the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings. This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.
 
     The spokesman reminded that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who have yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected.

  

​The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
           
     Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo Non-official Members) today (May 5) visited the new Exhibition Centre Station and the extension part of Admiralty Station of the East Rail Line cross-harbour extension, as well as the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), to learn about the preparations for the opening of the two important pieces of transportation and cultural infrastructure.
      
     Accompanied by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan; the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport), Ms Mable Chan; the Chairman of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), Dr Rex Auyeung; the MTRCL Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jacob Kam; and the MTRCL Managing Director – Mainland China Business and Global Operations Standards, Mr Adi Lau, the ExCo Non-official Members first visited the extension part of Admiralty Station. The station's extension part will come into use upon the commissioning of the East Rail Line cross-harbour extension, with Admiralty Station becoming the only four-line interchange mega station. The Members then took a special train from Admiralty Station to Exhibition Centre Station to see artwork by a local artist, one of the World War II bombs discovered during the station construction, and the display in the station showcasing the evolution of the East Rail Line over 100 years.
      
     The ExCo Non-official Members gladly noted that the MTRCL has geared up for the opening of the East Rail Line cross-harbour extension on May 15. From that date onwards, passengers of the East Rail Line will be able to reach Wan Chai North and Admiralty without having to change trains, which will significantly reduce travelling time. With the commissioning of the East Rail Line cross-harbour extension, the four interchange stations of the East Rail Line will link up five railway lines to provide a better rail network for the public. The Members thanked the relevant government departments and the MTRCL for the efforts made to realise this key infrastructure.
      
     Afterwards, the ExCo Non-official Members visited the WKCD. Accompanied by the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Joe Wong; the Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), Mr Henry Tang; the Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA, Mrs Betty Fung; the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (District Development) of the WKCDA, Ms Wendy Gan; and the Museum Director of the HKPM, Dr Louis Ng, the Members toured the HKPM. The Chairman of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Limited and Convenor of the ExCo Non-official Members, Mr Bernard Chan, was also present to welcome the ExCo Non-official Members. The museum, with a design integrating Chinese art and architecture, as well as Hong Kong's urban environment, is scheduled to open in July 2022.
      
     The ExCo Non-official Members are keenly awaiting the museum's new curatorial approaches in presenting treasures from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world with a view to promoting the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture among the public. The Members expressed their belief that, after the opening of the HKPM and together with M+ and the Xiqu Centre that opened in late 2021 and 2019 respectively, the WKCD comprising world-class museums and performance venues will become a platform for interaction and collaboration among cultural institutions from around the world, reflecting Hong Kong's pluralistic cultural environment where Chinese and Western cultures meet and strengthening the city's position as an international arts and cultural hub.
      
     Apart from Convenor Mr Bernard Chan, the ExCo Non-official Members joining today's visits were Mr Arthur Li, Mr Chow Chung-kong, Mrs Fanny Law, Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Ip Kwok-him, Mr Tommy Cheung, Mr Joseph Yam, Mrs Regina Ip, Dr Lam Ching-choi, Mr Kenneth Lau and Mr Horace Cheung.

                

     â€‹The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (May 5) that eight sports centres managed by the LCSD will gradually reopen for public use starting from May 13 (Friday). These  venues were temporarily closed earlier for anti-epidemic purposes.

     Members of the public can reserve the fee-charging facilities of the following venues on the following booking commencement dates via the Internet booking services of Leisure Link, counter bookings and self-service kiosks at venues already reopened, or via the Booking Offices of the District Leisure Services Offices during office hours: 
 

     For further information, please visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist/landsports.html).

     Meanwhile, some LCSD recreation and sports programmes will gradually resume from June 1 (Wednesday), including training courses and fun days to be held at the sports premises of indoor and outdoor venues. 

     Members of the public can view details of the programmes on the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/programmes/programmeslist/districtsports/searchrsprog.php) from May 11 (Wednesday), or call 1823 or any District Leisure Services Office for enquiries. Enrolment for the programmes via the District Leisure Services Offices, leisure venues with Leisure Link Services, Leisure Link Internet services and self-service kiosks will start from May 18 (Wednesday).

     In order to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, the LCSD will ensure necessary measures to be adopted at reopened venues. Users of sports premises are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code before being allowed to enter for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, all persons entering or remaining at sports premises or other indoor venues under the management of the LCSD must comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass.

     Visitors to facilities of sports premises will be subject to temperature checks and will need to use hand sanitiser before admission. They also need to wear their own masks.