Tag Archives: China

     The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, visited the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market today (July 15) to observe the Government’s outreach vaccination service for fishing vessel deckhands.

     Professor Chan said, “I am delighted to learn that over 600 fishing vessel deckhands joined the outreach vaccination service today. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the fishing vessel deckhands and the fishermen associations for their positive response to the vaccination service.

     “These fishing vessel deckhands support local fishing vessels in their operations in Mainland waters, and assist in the unloading of fish catches at wholesale fish markets. They help maintain a steady supply of fresh marine fish in Hong Kong.

     “Mainland fishing vessel deckhands travel frequently between Hong Kong and Mainland waters, and have contact with fellow local crew members on fishing vessels and the staff and buyers and others at wholesale fish markets. This outreach vaccination service is of utmost importance to safeguarding public health and ensuring normal operation of relevant businesses.”

     Professor Chan expressed the hope that more fishermen and fishing vessel deckhands can get vaccinated. She appealed to individuals from various sectors and trades for their active participation in the “Early Vaccination for All” campaign with a view to protecting themselves and their families. She said, “The situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe. In the face of challenges posed by mutant strains, we count on our citizens to fulfil their civic responsibility and receive vaccines extensively in order to strengthen the immunity barrier in Hong Kong.”

     Professor Chan expressed her gratitude to the medical team and administrative support staff for providing the outreach service at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market today.

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The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
 
     The Ombudsman, Ms Winnie Chiu, today (July 15) announced the launch of a direct investigation to examine the operational arrangements for statutory visits under the Justices of the Peace Visit Programme (JP Visit Programme).
 
     Ms Chiu said, “Justices of the Peace (JPs) conduct statutory visits at designated institutions pursuant to the Justices of the Peace Ordinance and other relevant legislation. The JP Visit Programme serves as one of the important and independent channels for persons in custody, detained or hospitalised to express their views and lodge complaints. It also serves as a platform for JPs to make comments and suggestions on ways to improve the facilities and service management of the institutions. The Government conducted a review of the JP system, including the JP Visit Programme in 1999. We are launching this direct investigation to examine the operation of and arrangements for JP statutory visits, including the support provided by the relevant departments before and during JP visits and the follow-up actions afterwards. We would make recommendations for improvement to the Government where necessary.”
 
     The JP Visit Programme is administered by the Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office. JP statutory visits now cover 38 institutions, including correctional institutions of the Correctional Services Department, detention centres of the Immigration Department and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, psychiatric hospitals of the Hospital Authority, as well as remand homes, places of refuge, probation homes and reformatory schools of the Social Welfare Department. JPs visit these institutions on a fortnightly, monthly or quarterly basis so as to discharge their statutory visit functions.
 
     The Ombudsman now invites members of the public and concern groups to provide information and views on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by August 15, 2021:
 
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre 
             168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: complaints@ombudsman.hk read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
 
     The Ombudsman, Ms Winnie Chiu, today (July 15) announced the launch of a direct investigation to examine the problem of alleged illegal operation of kaito ferry service.
 
     In recent years, with the outlying islands and rural coastal areas becoming popular spots for local tourism, there has been an increase in the demand for short-haul local marine transport services, such as kaito services.
 
     Nevertheless, the media has reported from time to time on irregularities often found in such short-haul passenger services provided by local vessels, including operating kaito ferry services without a licence (commonly referred to as “white licence ferry services”), overloading, failing to provide sufficient life-saving appliances on board, violating the designated purposes of the relevant vessels, and more.

     It is understood that the Marine Department is responsible for enforcing Hong Kong’s maritime legislation to regulate local vessels. In particular, all vessels used for carrying passengers are required to be properly licensed and adhere to the maximum passenger capacity as stipulated. The Transport Department is the regulator of ferry services, including kaito services, pursuant to the Ferry Services Ordinance.
 
     Ms Chiu said, “Many people like to use kaito services for excursions to the outlying islands or countryside. However, there is a problem of vessels suspected of providing illegal kaito services, and the safety risks thus posed to the passengers should not be overlooked. The relevant authorities have the responsibility to ensure the safety of local marine transport. Hence, I have decided to initiate a direct investigation to examine whether the Marine Department and the Transport Department have put in place a regulatory system and taken actions against any illegal operations of kaito services adequately and effectively.”

     The Ombudsman is inviting views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by August 15, 2021:
 
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: complaints@ombudsman.hk

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     Local renowned pop music arranger Johnny Yim will host a three-lecture series on Canto-pop music entitled “Arranger’s Point of View” in August.

     Yim will take an arranger’s perspective to review the development and evolution of Canto-pop from the 1980s to the present, and through music appreciation with demonstrations to explain the musical characteristics of Canto-pop. Yim will also collaborate with lyricist Betty Kan in the third lecture to discuss the lyrics of Canto-pop, leading the audience to experience the wonderful fusion of pop music and culture.

     All of the lectures, to be conducted in Cantonese, will be held at 7.30pm at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Details are as follows:

August 11 (Wednesday)
Topic: “The 1980s and 1990s: The Golden Age of Canto-Pop”

August 18 (Wednesday)
Topic: “From the 2000s: The Evolution of Canto-Pop”

August 25 (Wednesday)
Topic: “The Charm of Canto-Pop through Lyrics and Music Arrangement”

     Yim started his career in the Hong Kong pop music industry after graduation from Canada. His breakthrough came in 2004 when he won first prize in the 16th CASH Song Writers Quest. Since then, he has produced hundreds of hits that were young audiences’ favourites, for which he has been dubbed the “BAP man” (Best Arranger-Producer) of the local pop scene.

     Kan is a lyricist, writer, pop culturalist and food blogger. She has collaborated with local pop singers including Alan Tam, Kenny Bee, Kelly Chen, Shirley Kwan, Gin Lee, Pakho Chau and Hana Kuk. She is currently a full-time creative artist and column writer.

     The Canto-Pop Lecture Series: “Arranger’s Point of View” is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets priced at $100 for each lecture (with free seating) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1168.html. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 15) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more