The Buildings Department approved 15 building plans in February, with one on Hong Kong Island, nine in Kowloon and five in the New Territories.
     
     Of the approved plans, nine were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, three were for factory and industrial developments, and three were for community services developments.
     
     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 18 building projects which, when completed, will provide 60 021 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 1 682 units, and 90 328 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for seven building projects.
     
     The department also issued 11 occupation permits, with four on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and six in the New Territories.
     
     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 46 452 sq m involving 783 units, and 2 386 sq m was for non-domestic use.
     
     The declared cost of new buildings completed in February totalled about $3.1 billion.
     
     In addition, 10 demolition consents involving 10 building structures were issued.
     
     The department received 2 512 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in February and issued 306 removal orders on UBWs.
     
     The full version of the Monthly Digest for February can be viewed on the Buildings Department's homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 0.00am, April 26, the CHP was investigating four additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 741 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 740 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     The four newly reported cases are imported cases.
 
     A total of 155 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (April 12 to 25), including 37 local cases (including one possibly local) of which 17 are 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 Government today (April 26) announced the extension of the Return2hk Travel Scheme (Return2hk Scheme) from Guangdong Province and Macao to other Mainland provinces and municipalities. Starting from April 29 (Thursday), Hong Kong residents staying in other Mainland provinces and municipalities, upon fulfillment of all specified conditions under the Return2hk Scheme, including not having stayed in places other than Hong Kong, the Mainland or Macao, or any places in the Mainland which are designated as "medium-risk" and "high-risk", in the past 14 days before arriving in Hong Kong (not including the period where a person has been undergoing compulsory quarantine in the Mainland or Macao under the requirement in that place) could be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement when returning to Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme. The online booking system for the Return2hk Scheme will be open for applications by Hong Kong residents who plan to return from the Mainland to Hong Kong via the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), starting from April 27 at 00:00 midnight.
 
     The Government spokesman said that as a first step to resume normal cross-boundary activities amongst residents of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in a gradual and orderly manner, the Return2hk Scheme has been implemented since 23 November 2020 for Hong Kong residents to return from Guangdong Province and Macao without being subject to quarantine upon fulfillment of the specified conditions under the Scheme. The Scheme has been operating smoothly and over 135 900 passenger trips have been made by Hong Kong residents to return to Hong Kong under the Scheme. As the epidemic situation in the Mainland is currently under control, the Government considers that there is scope to extend the Return2hk Scheme in an orderly and controllable manner to cover Hong Kong residents returning to Hong Kong from other Mainland provinces and municipalities in addition to the Guangdong Province and Macao, so that these residents can choose to return to Hong Kong via the HKIA or the existing land boundary control points without being subject to 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement upon fulfillment of the specified conditions under the Scheme.
 
     To ensure that Hong Kong residents would be returning to Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme in a gradual and orderly manner to avoid increased public health risks at overcrowded HKIA and ports, a quota arrangement will still be put in place under the extended Return2hk Scheme. A daily quota of 1 000 has been set for the HKIA, while those for entry into Hong Kong through the land boundary control points of the Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port will remain unchanged. They are 3 000 per day for the Shenzhen Bay Port and 2 000 per day for the HZMB Hong Kong Port.
 
     Hong Kong residents who wish to return to Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme, whether they choose to return via the HKIA or any one of the land boundary control points, must apply for a quota through the online booking system of the Scheme. They must return to Hong Kong on the date and via the boundary control point as specified in the booking. The detailed arrangements for entry into Hong Kong via the HKIA and land boundary control points are provided below:
 
Returning to Hong Kong via the HKIA
 
     Starting from April 27 at 00:00 midnight, Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who plan to return from the Mainland to Hong Kong by flight can apply for a quota during the two-week period from April 29 to May 16 through the online booking system of the Return2hk Scheme. Hong Kong residents who have successfully reserved a quota and fulfilled other specified conditions may take a flight from the Mainland arriving in Hong Kong on April 29 the earliest and be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement. The online booking system will be operating 24/7 after inception and open the 14-day period of the following two weeks for quota application by Hong Kong residents every Wednesday at 00:00 midnight. An applicant may also apply for the quota for three accompanying Hong Kong residents. Applications for Hong Kong residents who are under 18 should be made on their behalf by their parents or guardians, and the number of their Hong Kong Identity Card or other personal identity document(s) should be provided. Quotas are administered on a first-come-first-served basis.
 
     The Government spokesman reminded that Hong Kong residents with a quota for returning Hong Kong via the HKIA must take the COVID-19 (RT-PCR) nucleic acid test in a nucleic acid testing organisation which is recongised by the National Health Commission and obtain the original copy of a paper-based proof of a valid negative nucleic acid test result. Information about the nucleic acid testing organisations recongised by the National Health Commission can be accessed through the nucleic acid testing organisation enquiry function of the State Council portal WeChat Mini Program.
 
     Before boarding, the Hong Kong residents with a quota should fill in the electronic health declaration form through the electronic health declaration system of the Department of Health (DH), including declaring relevant travel history and whether the specified conditions under the Return2hk Scheme have been fulfilled. A Return2hk Green QR code will be issued to those who have fulfilled all the specified conditions; otherwise, a Pink QR code will be shown, indicating that the Hong Kong resident may still be subject to 14-day compulsory quarantine upon arrival in Hong Kong. 
 
     The specified conditions under the Return2hk Scheme for entry in Hong Kong through the HKIA include having reserved a quota; not having stayed in places other than Hong Kong, the Mainland or Macao (not including the period of undergoing compulsory quarantine in the Mainland or Macao under the requirement in that place); and obtaining the aforementioned negative nucleic acid test result before arriving in Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents are required to present the relevant documentary proof, including the original copy of a paper-based proof of a valid negative nucleic acid test result, and the screenshot of the WeChat Mini Program to show that the relevant testing organisation is recognised by the National Health Commission to the crews at airline check-in counters.
 
     Upon their arrival, the Hong Kong residents with a quota should, apart from presenting their identification documents, the Return2hk Green QR codes, the aforementioned test result and screenshot upon arrival at Hong Kong, follow the instructions and arrangement of airport staff and proceed to the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre of DH at the airport for the COVID-19 test. They should then wait at the designated Return2hk area for the test result. If the test result is negative, they can proceed with immigration procedures and be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement. However, they must still undergo testing on the 12th day following their arrival in Hong Kong.
 
Returning to Hong Kong via Land Boundary Control Points
 
     The Government spokesman reminded that after the extension of the Return2hk Scheme, Hong Kong residents who are staying in Mainland provinces and municipalities other than Guangdong and who have reserved a quota through the online booking system can also choose to return Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port or the HZMB Hong Kong Port. The relevant conditions, arrangement and number of quotas remain unchanged. Therefore, all Hong Kong residents returning to Hong Kong via land boundary control points under the Return2hk Scheme must still take a COVID-19 (RT-PCR) nucleic acid test in one of the medical institutions mutually recognised by the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong/Hong Kong and Macao. The sample should be taken from the person concerned on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or within the three days before that day so that he/she can present the proof of a valid negative nucleic acid test result at the boundary control point. The list of recognised medical or testing institutions in Guangdong Province is available at 
www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_GD.pdf;
whereas the list of recognised medical or testing institutions in Macao is available at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_MO.pdf. Before arriving at the boundary control points, they should also transmit the valid negative test result to the electronic health declaration system of DH through "Yuekang code" (粵康碼) or "Macao health code" (澳康碼). They should also fill in and submit the electronic health declaration form. A Green QR code will be issued to those who have fulfilled all the specified conditions, with which they would be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement upon their return to Hong Kong. However, they must still undergo testing on the 2nd and 12th day following their arrival at Hong Kong.
 
     The Government spokesman also emphasised that Hong Kong residents who can fulfil all the specified conditions and are returning to Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme should still exercise self-monitoring of their health conditions for at least 14 days after their entry into Hong Kong. They should observe the points listed in "The Health-monitoring Checklist for Inbound Travellers". If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and reveal their travel history to medical practitioners.  If there is any concern about their symptoms, they may make a request to their doctors for taking a relevant virus test.
 
Re-entry into the Mainland
 
     The Government spokesman reminded Hong Kong residents who are returning to Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme that they would still be subject to the prevailing quarantine arrangements of the Mainland (e.g. 14-day compulsory quarantine) when they subsequently return from Hong Kong to the Mainland, unless exemption has been granted to them separately. They should therefore take note of the latest quarantine arrangements of the Mainland, and make necessary preparations.
 
     Details of the Return2hk Scheme are available at the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (return2hk.gov.hk or å›žæ¸¯æ˜“.政府.香港). Members of the public may also call the hotline of the Return2hk Scheme at 3142 2330 if they have any enquiries.
 
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will maintain close communication with the relevant authorities in the Mainland and Macao SAR Government to discuss the further resumption of cross-boundary people flow amongst the three places having regard to the latest epidemic situation. The Come2hk Scheme now scheduled for launch in mid-May will facilitate non-Hong Kong residents staying in Guangdong and Macao to come to Hong Kong without being subject to compulsory quarantine requirement upon fulfillment of specified conditions under that Scheme. The co-ordination and preparation work for that Scheme is currently underway and the HKSAR Government will promulgate the relevant details at suitable juncture.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     As the Legislative Council Bills Committee on Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021 has completed the clause-by-clause examination of the Bill, Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of the Bills Committee, has instructed that the meeting originally scheduled for today (April 26) at 2.30pm be cancelled.
 
     The next meeting will be held on Friday (April 30) at 9am in Conference Room 1 of the Legislative Council Complex to discuss the draft amendments to the Bill proposed by the Administration and members.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
     
     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender notice:
 

 
Note: Licensed Banks interested in participating in the tender for the first time are encouraged to provide US dollar settlement instructions by email (settlementsection@hkma.gov.hk) to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Settlement Team in advance, preferably two days prior to the tender. Required information includes name of corresponding bank, name of final beneficiary (must be the Licensed Bank participating in the tender), and account or CHIPS number of a US dollar bank account to be settled in the US. Such information needs to be provided once only, unless there is further change.