The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, May 14, the CHP was investigating one additional confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 819 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 818 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     The newly reported case is an imported case.
  
     â€‹Subsequent to the announcement by the CHP on the updated quarantine arrangements of local COVID-19 cases with the N501Y mutant strain, the CHP reminded that persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases and had been released from the quarantine centres will be subject to compulsory testing on days 3, 7, 12 and 19 following the announcement of the relevant confirmed cases by the Department of Health. A Compulsory Testing Notice (CTN) was issued on May 7 (www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/202125124e/egn202125124278.pdf). They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day.

     Specified persons in relation to the following specified premises are reminded to undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the CTN tomorrow (May 15):
–  Beauty Mansion, 69-71A Kimberley Road, Yau Tsim Mong; and
–  Block R, Allway Gardens, 2 On Yat Street, Tsuen Wan.

     Members of the public can check the deadlines of compulsory testing for respective specified premises as stipulated in the aforementioned CTN on the Government's website (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf).

      A total of 47 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (April 30 to May 13), including nine local cases of which one is from an unknown source.
 
     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases 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 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 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.

     "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.

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the conference on "The Future of Hong Kong Economy" organised by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Business School this morning (May 14):
 
Richard (the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy, Professor Richard Wong), Hongbin (the Dean of the HKU Business School, Professor Cai Hongbin), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
     Good morning.
 
     I'm pleased to join you today for the conference on The Future of the Hong Kong Economy. Delighted to see you all in person – as big as life rather than the size of my computer screen.
 
     My thanks to the University of Hong Kong Business School for organising today's high-profile gathering. This eventful day is part of the Business School's 20th anniversary celebrations. I understand it is also the first in what will become an annual HKU Business School series centred on "thought leadership".
 
     Thought leadership means many things to many people. For pure creativity, I like the definition US writer and brand guru Guy Kawasaki offers, and I quote: "A thought leader is someone who creates something before people realise that they need it".
 
     Professor Paul Romer, this morning's keynote speaker, certainly fits that description.
 
     Professor Romer was the 2018 joint Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences for being the first to integrate ideas into economic models. Or, in his words: what he did was "make the trivial observation that ideas belong to neither of the standard analytical categories: private goods and public goods". Ideas, said Professor Romer, belong to all of us. And they make progress possible. Hardly trivial, right? Without new ideas – without continually coming up with new and better ways to produce goods and services – economic growth, over the long run, isn't sustainable.
                                                                                                          
     Major breakthroughs in economic development have always been led by technological breakthroughs. To name a few: steam power in the 18th century, electricity in the 19th and computers in the 20th century all changed the way people live and work. And now the digital wave is changing the way we live and work. But the process doesn't happen by itself – we have to seize the opportunity.
 
     The Government recognises how important innovation and technology is in realising Hong Kong's economic potential. That is why, in 2015, we set up the Innovation and Technology Bureau. It co-ordinates I&T efforts across our society, expediting the development of I&T industries and initiatives. That is also why, over the past three years, the Government has allocated more than HK$110 billion to fast-track our I&T progress.
 
     The unstoppable wave of innovation and technology may be transforming economies, disrupting industries and digitising communities and their institutions everywhere. But change is not always welcome, and more often, resisted. Sometimes fiercely. The weavers and other textile workers who tried to destroy the knitting machines in 19th century in Nottingham is just one such example.
 
     Another change defining the global economy in the past few years is the escalating tension in China-US relations, from trade tensions to geopolitical disagreements and disputes with allies of the US. Hong Kong, a small and open economy that depends on trade, is inevitably affected by such developments. Yet, facing this new normal in the bilateral relations between the world's two biggest economies, we are edging our way forward carefully seeking to turn risks into opportunities.
 
     Such widespread friction and deep-rooted differences, unthinkable a few years ago, underlines just how much the world has changed since China joined the WTO (World Trade Organization) in 2001. In the 20 years since then, China's inexorable rise has created enormous opportunities for globalisation and international co-operation. Those opportunities, in turn, have spurred mutually rewarding business relations with partners all over the world.
 
     Most of those relationships have endured, and new ones continue to emerge. But given today's evolving political landscape, including the rise of protectionism and the fading of multilateralism, the next steps won't be as easy.
 
     The pandemic, of course, is another turn of the screw, exposing many vulnerabilities and reshaping global supply chains.
 
     That said, Hong Kong's strategies will not change. We continue to seek every opportunity to create new partnerships, to diversify our export markets, to reach out to the world. We will continue to pursue free trade and investment agreements with like-minded trading partners, including early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest trade agreement.
 
     Beyond trade and its seemingly intractable problems, there's another, even larger, challenge: global climate change. In recent years, extreme weather has devastated businesses, communities and economies around the world. The Paris Agreement, which entered into force nearly five years ago, applies to Hong Kong as part of China. And we are doing our part, working to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. It requires changing some of the ways we do things. But by promoting sustainable living and economic development through structural reform, I'm confident we will create new businesses, and innovative opportunities, as well.
 
     In short, ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is determined to ride the mercurial waves of change. That means re-examining our focus and re-orienting our priorities. Sometimes that calls for reinforcing existing competitive advantages. Sometimes it demands that we create fresh advantages. Our key markets, for example, have long been Europe and the US. The Eastward shift of global economic gravity, however, means we must develop new markets closer to home.
 
     Fortunately, we have a road map. Our country's 14th Five-Year Plan, together with the long-range objectives through 2035, sets out a comprehensive development direction for the whole nation, Hong Kong included of course. Let me share with you some of the details that are particularly relevant to us.
 
     In the coming five years, China will pursue sustainable, quality economic development, with reform and innovation being the fundamental driving forces. The Plan put forward a "dual circulation" development strategy, whereby domestic demand will take the primary role in driving economic development, while enabling domestic and foreign markets to interact with and boosting each other. Domestic demand, technology and opening up are three critical aspects of the new approach.
 
     The Mainland's middle class is expected to double over the next decade, from 400 million to 800 million. Its increasingly rigorous demand for quality goods and services will create tremendous opportunities for Hong Kong and the businesses that work with us. We will, after all, enjoy access to the Greater Bay Area and its vast and growing consumer market.
 
     I&T is at the heart of our country's social and economic development. Self-reliance is a key part of the strategy. By establishing a comprehensive industrial system, making breakthroughs in core technologies, China will reduce its dependence on Western technology.
 
     In this, the Greater Bay Area will lead the way, rising as an international I&T hub. Hong Kong will play a central role in this, collaborating with the other 10 Greater Bay Area cities, particularly Shenzhen. Hong Kong and Shenzhen are establishing a "one zone, two parks" development, combining Hong Kong's R&D strengths and Shenzhen's capabilities in advanced manufacturing. In developing the region into an international I&T centre, we will contribute to China's technological self-reliance while creating new growth areas for the Hong Kong's economy.
 
     Over the course of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China will continue to open up, linking domestic circulation with international circulation, and strengthening co-operation with the rest of the world. That will surely boost Hong Kong's interaction and connections between the Mainland and the international markets.
 
     And by helping to align product standards, professional services standards between the Mainland and overseas markets, Hong Kong will become a more attractive place for Mainland companies to set up regional headquarters and research offices in "going out" to the world.
 
     Beyond supporting Hong Kong's development as an I&T hub, the Plan recognises Hong Kong's future as an international aviation hub and counts on our traditional competitive advantages in international finance, shipping and trade.
 
     While the Five-Year Plan presents great opportunities for Hong Kong, some of the mega trends I mentioned – from geopolitical tensions, to climate change and, of course, the pandemic – pose huge challenges. It is also important to recognise and tackle the key constraints, which impede the economic development and competitiveness of Hong Kong, including land supply and talent pool. Only by addressing these constraints, could we fully unleash our growth potential and turn opportunities into real social and economic benefits for Hong Kong.
 
     As befits a conference sponsored by HKU, the agenda promises rewarding discussion in a great many ways, and I know you're looking forward to that. Allow me for now to leave you with two questions, to get the ball rolling.
 
     First, with Hong Kong's comparative advantages and China's development road map in mind, how should we position ourselves that would enable us to play to our strengths in the country's development, benefiting both the country and ourselves? Taking financial services as an example, Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, has long been a world-class magnet for IPOs. However, going forward, with carbon neutrality becoming the cornerstone of future growth global sustainability, how can we further capitalise on our fund-raising platform to lead in green and sustainable finance in support of the country's drive to green economy?
 
     Second, with regard to Innovation and Technology, we have identified four key areas to concentrate our efforts and investment, namely artificial intelligence and robotics, smart city, fintech and biotech. Which sub-sector in these areas will Hong Kong have the best potential to develop into a rewarding industry? For example, biopharmaceutical seems to be one. What do you think?
 
     I look forward to your considered thoughts on those, and the many other significant issues this Conference will address. And I wish each and every one of you – thought leaders all – the best of health, and business, in the years to come.
 
     Thank you.

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 14) 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.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:
 
     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade, providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees and providing for employees as far as practicable covered space with good ventilation for rest and meals. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should rest in a cool or shady place and drink water immediately. They should also inform their supervisors to take appropriate action.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.