In light of the spate of fatal accidents that happened at new works sites in the Kai Tak Development Area and Kowloon Bay in April this year, the Labour Department (LD) commenced a four-week special enforcement operation on April 23 targeting the new works sites located in the above-mentioned areas to curb unsafe work activities for protecting workers' safety.

     The LD's spokesman today (May 11) said, "In the second week of the operation, we inspected 18 new works sites with 129 improvement notices issued and 12 prosecutions initiated. The above-mentioned legal notices and prosecutions mainly involved work at height, electrical work and lifting operations."

     The spokesman added, "During the operation, the LD noticed that some contractors had failed to comply with the safety legislation regarding lifting operations, including failing to thoroughly examine lifting gear in the preceding six months before it was used and failing to clearly mark on the lifting gear its safe working load. Using such lifting gear in lifting operations may overload the gear beyond its safe working load, causing the loads to collapse and hence resulting in serious accidents. In addition, the LD also detected that some contractors had failed to properly segregate and clearly demarcate the operating zones for the operation of earth moving equipment, and failed to provide physical barriers, signs, notices, etc. Workers were prone to being struck by mobile plant while staying in these operating zones."

     Pursuant to the general duty provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, employers shall provide safe working environments, safe plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the above provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     During the first two weeks of the operation, the LD inspected a total of 37 new works sites with 217 improvement notices issued and 22 prosecutions initiated. The special enforcement operation is still in progress. The LD will take vigorous enforcement action pursuant to the law if any violation of the occupational safety and health legislation is detected.

     The LD reminds contractors and employers to provide plant and devise systems of work for their work activities that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use the provided personal protective equipment properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers. 

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, May 11, the CHP was investigating one additional confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 813 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 812 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     The newly reported case is an imported case.
  
     Meanwhile, the CHP's further epidemiological investigation on case number 11672 revealed that one of the patient's close contacts who had attended family gatherings on April 13 and 18 at Fung Hing House of Hing Wah (II) Estate in Chai Wan and 37 Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po respectively tested positive for immunoglobulin G (IgG), indicating that the close contact had recent infection with COVID-19.

     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 counting from the day on which the confirmed case left the relevant building. A Compulsory Testing Notice 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 premise are reminded to undergo compulsory testing tomorrow (May 12):
– Kennedy Terrace, 8 Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels.

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

     A total of 71 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (April 27 to May 10), including 11 local cases of which one is from unknown sources.
 
     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 compulsory testing notice. 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 compulsory testing notices 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.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 11) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in the District of Mühldorf in the State of Bayern in Germany, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the district with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 180 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 0.53 million poultry eggs from Germany in the first three months of this year.

     "The CFS has contacted the German authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

     The chamber opera "Kungfood" will stage a work-in-progress preview in June.
 
     "Kungfood" is an original Cantonese comic opera which pays tribute to the kung fu world. Local composer Chan Hing-yan joins hands with scriptwriter and librettist Mak Su-yin to create the chamber opera with an original story, which integrates Western chamber opera with Chinese kung fu and culinary art. The work-in-progress preview will contain a guided introduction, a preview and an open discussion session. The programme will be performed in Cantonese by a group of outstanding local opera singers.
 
     Led by Japanese director Tomo Sugao and Singaporean conductor Joshua Tan, the chamber opera will be performed by renowned local opera singers including tenor David Quah, bass-baritone Apollo Wong, sopranos Candice Chung and Athene Mok and mezzo-soprano Samantha Chong, as well as pianist Timmy Tsang, percussionist Jojo Ho and the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble. The opera is backed by a strong production team that includes set and costume designer Ricky Chan, lighting designer Billy Chan, video designer Oliver Shing and movement director Ata Wong.
 
     "Kungfood" tells a story about the catastrophe of a kung fu sect. On Wu Lung Mountain, the leader of the Black Dragon Sect, Master Shifu, was killed by an usurper sect uncle, leaving behind a wife and three male disciples with mediocre kung fu skills, and a secret book of kung fu that no one can find. The sect uncle, himself injured, flees Wu Lung Mountain and studies the dark arts. Renaming himself "Divine Lord of the Coiled Dragon", he returns to Wu Long Mountain to claim leadership over the sect and transform it into the "Coiled Dragon Cult". The Black Dragon Sect is thus on the cusp of being annihilated. The master chef and his three female apprentices of the Black Dragon Diner, a noodle shop at the foot of Wu Long Mountain, also get caught in this conflict. A fierce battle between good and evil is about to unravel.
 
     The work-in-progress preview of chamber opera "Kungfood" (with Chinese and English surtitles) is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The performance will be staged at 8pm on June 8 (Tuesday) at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $160 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_1134.html.

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will allocate some 20 000 new extendable niches at Block B of Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling, which are open for application from today (May 11) to June 10.
      
     An FEHD spokesman said, "The 22 050 public niches concerned include 21 720 standard niches (11 490 smoke-free niches and 10 230 non-smoke-free niches) and 330 large niches (160 smoke-free niches and 170 non-smoke-free niches)."
 
     Members of the public can visit the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk) for details and to download the application forms. Leaflets and application forms are also available at the department's Hong Kong and Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices, District Environmental Hygiene Offices and Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department. In addition, members of the public may call 2841 9111 or email apply_newniche@fehd.gov.hk for enquiries and to request the application forms by fax.
 
     The spokesman advised applicants to use the online application form and submit application forms online so as to avoid postal delays or non-delivery. Applications can also be submitted by fax (2333 1716), by email (apply_newniche@fehd.gov.hk), by post or in person to the FEHD Hong Kong and Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices.
  
     Information on the Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices and the Public Niche Allocation Office of the FEHD is as follows:
 
Hong Kong Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Address: 1J Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Tel: 2570 4318
Fax: 2591 1879
 
Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Address: Upper Ground Floor, 6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Tel: 2365 5321
Fax: 2176 4963
 
Public Niche Allocation Office
Address: Units 3501-3511 and 3520-3525, 35/F, Tower 1, Metroplaza, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Fong, New Territories
Tel: 2330 5635
Fax: 2333 1716
 
     The spokesman reminded those who wish to apply for allocation of the above niches for the deceased to submit the completed application forms together with the copies of required documents on or before June 10 to avoid missing the application deadline this time.