The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (May 27) released the latest maintenance cost information on lifts in private residential and commercial premises for public reference.
     
     The EMSD had earlier engaged an independent consultant to conduct a sampling survey on the maintenance costs of lifts in private residential and commercial buildings in Hong Kong. The consultant analysed the data collected from some 7 060 lifts at about 1 710 locations, and calculated the average monthly maintenance costs of the lifts as follows:

Private Residential Buildings

Private Commercial Buildings

     The cost information is available in the Responsible Persons' Corner on the EMSD's website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/lifts_and_escalators_safety/responsible_persons_corner/index.html). The EMSD will update it on a half-yearly basis.
     
     In choosing registered lift contractors, the responsible persons for lifts are advised to make reference to the materials published in the Responsible Persons' Corner in addition to the price factor. The materials include:
 

• performance ratings of registered contractors;
• sample contracts for procurement of lift maintenance services;
• a guidebook for persons responsible for lifts;
• guidelines for selection of registered contractors for provision of maintenance services;
• guidelines for modernisation of existing lifts;
• guidelines for management of lift maintenance works;
• a checklist for building management staff to conduct daily safety inspection of lifts; and
• common questions and answers on lift management.

Note: The above price figures were updated on March 31, 2021, whereas the previous price figures were updated on September 30, 2020.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, May 27, 2021 is 100.2 (same as yesterday's index).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, May 27, no new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remained at 11 837 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 836 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     A total of 23 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (May 13 to 26), including five local cases from unknown sources and one possibly local case.

     Meanwhile, the CHP reported the latest epidemiological investigation progress regarding a previously announced preliminary positive case involving a 61-year-old female nurse working in the Community Vaccination Centre at Kwun Chung Sports Centre. The analysis of the specimen conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the DH revealed that the specimen was compatible with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine strain. Further genetic analysis conducted by the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong also suggested the same finding. After examining the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory findings, this case will not be classified as a case of COVID-19 infection. Her close contacts will be released from quarantine centre if they obtain a negative test result.
 
     Separately, according to the epidemiological and genetic sequencing analysis of cases 11643 and 11550, it is revealed that both cases are epidemiologically linked with an imported case, 11544. The CHP has subsequently amended the classification of cases 11643 and 11550 as epidemiologically linked with an imported case. Hence, cases that are epidemiologically linked with case 11643 will also be reclassified as cases with epidemiological linkage with an imported case, including cases 11672, 11773, 11774, 11792, 11793, 11797, 11800, 11815, 11816 and 11825. (Please refer to the Annex for details of updated cases).
 
     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on other confirmed cases announced earlier are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
 
     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to the compulsory testing notices (CTNs). The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to CTNs published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop and undergo testing as soon as possible.
 
     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).
 
     The CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
 
     The spokesman said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases including mutant strains reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
 
     "The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Moreover, vaccination may help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19, and, generally speaking, vaccines can also reduce the chance of transmission by those who have been vaccinated. People vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine can also generate herd immunity. Members of the public are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and book their vaccination appointments at the website (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp).
 
     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
 
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
 
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 
• 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;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) reminded parents today (May 27) that the results of the Central Allocation for Primary One Admission (POA) 2021 will be sent to parents by post from next Wednesday to Thursday (June 2 to June 3).

     "A total of 24 211 children took part in Primary One Central Allocation. Among them, 18 645 children were allocated to schools of their first three choices," a spokesman for the bureau said.

     "Taking into account discretionary places and the number of children allocated to schools of their first three choices in the Central Allocation, the overall satisfaction rate is 88.1 per cent."

     The Central Allocation of POA is composed of two parts. Ten per cent of the places for the Central Allocation, which are not restricted by school nets, are under Part A and parents may choose up to three schools in any school net. The remaining 90 per cent of the places for the Central Allocation are under Part B and parents are required to select schools in the school net/Choice of Schools List in respect of the applicant child. Of the places allocated to children in the Central Allocation, 2 643 are under Part A and 21 568 are under Part B.

     Parents who completed a Choice of Schools Form for the Central Allocation on January 30 or January 31 this year will receive the Primary One Registration Form delivered by post from June 2 to June 3 through the Local CourierPost service provided by Hongkong Post. If parents have not received the Primary One Registration Form or the Mail Collection Notification Card issued by Hongkong Post by June 4, they could collect the Primary One Registration Form at the designated collection centre from June 5 to June 6 (please refer to the EDB's Primary One Admission System webpage for details then). In addition, if parents have provided a mobile phone number on the Choice of Schools Form and indicated their consent to receive the Central Allocation results via this mobile phone number, they will also receive the results of their applicant children via SMS message on June 2.

     In light of the development of the COVID-19 epidemic situation, the EDB will assign timeslots for parents to register with the allocated school on June 8 (Tuesday) or June 9 (Wednesday) according to the last digit of the applicant children's POA application number so as to reduce the gathering of people and maintain social distancing. Parents are requested to complete the registration formalities within the specified date and time as listed on the Arrangements on Registration attached to the Primary One Registration Form. Parents who cannot proceed with the registration within the specified date and time can register on June 10 (Thursday) instead, from 9am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm.
      
     Parents who cannot register their child with the school on the above dates due to matters of grave importance should notify the person in charge of registration of the school concerned in advance to make alternative arrangements; otherwise, they would be deemed to have given up the school place allocated.

     Due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on cross-boundary travel, parents of Cross-Boundary Students (CBS) (and individual parents of applicant children outside Hong Kong) may not be able to register with their respective allocated schools in person. In view of this, the EDB has made special arrangements for these parents. They could register with their allocated school by fax, email or post, or authorise a representative to register with the school on their behalf on the specified registration dates. The EDB has already informed all parents of applicant children concerned about the special arrangements.

     Should parents decide to give up the place allocated because of special circumstances, such as moving to another school net far from the school allocated, they should not register their child with the school allocated. Under such circumstances, they are advised to go to the EDB's School Places Allocation Section, Office 2, 2/F, Manulife Financial Centre, 223 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, to make necessary arrangements. They should bring along the Primary One Registration Form, the original and copies of documents showing proof of the new address, such as a rental contract, rates demand notes, or water or electricity bills bearing the name of the parent or the guardian of the child.

     Any parent who finds it necessary to transfer his/her child to another school after registration is strongly advised to obtain an assurance of acceptance from that school before retrieving the Primary One Registration Form from the original school because retrieval of the registration form means cancellation of the allocated school place.
      
     Should the territory be affected by adverse weather or other special circumstances during the period for the announcement of results or on any day(s) designated for registration, parents should listen to announcements on radio and television for special arrangements for Central Allocation or registration.

     Parents wishing to obtain general information regarding POA procedures can call the 24-hour enquiry service of the EDB at 2891 0088. Further enquiries can be made to the School Places Allocation Section at 2832 7610 (for Hong Kong Island and Islands), 2832 7620 (for Kowloon), 2832 7635 (for New Territories West), 2832 7659 (for New Territories East) and 2832 7700/2832 7740 (for general enquiries) during office hours, as well as from 9am to 4.30pm on June 5 and June 6.

     The results of the 2021 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination will be released on July 21. To assist Secondary Six students to prepare for the release of the HKDSE Examination results, the Education Bureau (EDB) has specially produced the "Three useful tools for the release of the HKDSE Examination results", namely e-Navigator, Further Studies and Career Map, and Compass@HKDSE. These tools, uploaded to the EDB website today (May 27), allow Secondary Six students, parents and schools to obtain the latest information of multiple pathways in a timely manner.
      
     Students, parents and schools can use the e-Navigator to search for programme information across different levels, including degrees, sub-degrees and the Diploma Yi Jin. Further Studies and Career Map provides a checklist of multiple pathways and key dates for course registration. Compass@HKDSE provides students with essential information to make better preparation for the release of the HKDSE Examination results. It includes useful information on further studies, multiple pathways and various supporting services.
      
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "The broad and balanced senior secondary curriculum provides diversified choices to cater for students' diverse learning needs. It promotes students' whole-person development, stretches students' potential fully and equips them with lifelong learning capabilities by the time of graduation. We hope that all Secondary Six students will make good use of the three useful tools, through the flexible and diversified study and career pathways with multiple entry and exit points, to choose their right directions according to their interests, needs and aptitudes, so as to develop their full potential and realise their aspirations."
      
     The spokesman added that as the COVID-19 pandemic is still unstable globally, some of the international and professional examinations have been cancelled. Yet, the HKDSE Examination was smoothly completed thanks to the co-operation of schools and students in Hong Kong. The EDB will continue to maintain close communication and collaboration with schools and other stakeholders to help students plan for their future. For the arrangements of the HKDSE Examination results release, schools are advised to refer to the latest announcements on the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority website (www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/).
      
     The three useful tools are available on the revamped "Designated Webpage for Secondary 6 Students" (www.edb.gov.hk/s6/en), which also provides other latest information about multiple pathways.