Tag Archives: China

     In response to the developments of COVID-19, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has previously announced that, based on the vaccine bubble concept, the Government of Guangdong Province agreed to implement facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who have received two vaccine doses for 14 days. The Transport Department (TD) gave an update on the latest situation today (April 22).

     Starting from 0.00am tomorrow (April 23), if cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers receive a message in the mini-program of WeChat on the Yuekang Code (粵康碼) System at the Yueshengshi (ç²µçœ�事) showing that they have received two vaccine doses after 14 days, the drivers concerned, when entering Shenzhen and Zhuhai, are only required to possess proof of a negative result of a nucleic acid test conducted within 72 hours. They can access through an ordinary immigration clearance area by scanning the Yuekang Code message direct and complete the clearance procedure, and are not required to undergo a nucleic acid test once every day. For those cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who have not been vaccinated, have not received two vaccine doses or have received two vaccine doses for less than 14 days, or have not yet received a message on the Yuekang Code System, in addition to possessing proof of a negative result of a nucleic acid test conducted within 72 hours when entering Shenzhen and Zhuhai, they are required to undergo a nucleic acid test at the sampling collection point in Mainland control points when they first enter Shenzhen and Zhuhai daily.

     Since the announcement of the facilitation measures, the Government of the HKSAR, through the cross-boundary freight companies and trade members, has contacted the cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who have completed the vaccinations and obtained their personal consent to facilitate the passing of the relevant information to the Government of Guangdong Province for uploading to the Yuekang Code System, in order to disseminate the information about the immigration clearance facilitation measures. If the drivers have completed the vaccinations for 14 days, they will benefit from the relevant measures. As of yesterday (April 21), the System had completed the registration of more than 4 200 cross-boundary drivers. Eligible drivers who have submitted an application to the TD but have not yet received the relevant message on the Yuekang Code System after three working days are advised to contact the TD’s hotline at 2399 6925 as soon as possible for follow-up action.

     Since the implementation of the vaccination programme, around 6 900 cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers have received the first vaccine dose and around 6 200 have received their second dose, representing 98 per cent and nearly 90 per cent of active cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers respectively. The TD appeals again to the cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who have not yet been vaccinated to receive vaccination early to protect themselves from infection as well as to benefit from the facilitation measures. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      As at 9am today (April 22), 14 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 11 316 patients with confirmed or… read more

     The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about the recent occurrence of a number of fatal accidents that happened on new works sites at Kai Tak Development area and Kowloon Bay. The LD is saddened by the deaths of workers in these accidents.

     To curb unsafe work activities for protecting workers’ safety, the LD will commence a four-week Special Enforcement Operation tomorrow (April 23) to step up enforcement at new works sites located at the above-mentioned areas.
    
​     The LD’s spokesman said, “During the operation, we will focus particularly on high-risk processes, such as lifting operations, use of heavy machinery, work-at-height, scaffolding work, etc, and to monitor whether duty holders have provided safe systems of work for the work activities concerned. We will take vigorous enforcement actions pursuant to the law if any violation of the occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation is detected, including issuing suspension notices and improvement notices, and taking out prosecutions without prior warning.”        
     
     The spokesman added, “To ensure the safety of high-risk processes, contractors and employers should conduct task-specific risk assessments, formulate safe work methods and adopt necessary safety measures and procedures, including providing appropriate personal protective equipment to workers and ensuring its proper use, so as to prevent and eliminate all work-related hazards.”        

     The general duty provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and safe 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.       

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

     To mark the 30th anniversary of the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) and to support Earth Day, the HKScM’s new Earth Science Gallery will be open to the public from tomorrow (April 23). The gallery features around 30 sets of interactive exhibits, models and installations for visitors to better understand the causes of natural phenomena. It also showcases the rich diversity of Hong Kong’s geology and displays invaluable and colourful minerals as well as rock specimens.
 
     Comprised of four areas, this new permanent gallery guides visitors through the secrets underneath the Earth’s crust, and illustrates how its internal and external forces lead to drastic natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons. The amazing journey will inspire the public to consider the human impact exerted on the planet’s system. The interactive models, installations and typhoon simulator at the gallery offer visitors unique insights into the power of nature.
 
     The breathtaking geology of Hong Kong is also featured at the Earth Science Gallery through its display of rock specimens from different geological ages, such as samples from the hexagonal rock columns in the High Island region, part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can view the stunning world-renowned scenery of the Geopark and learn more about Hong Kong’s geology.
 
     Visitors to the HKScM will need to use hand sanitiser and will be subject to temperature checks before admission. They also need to wear their own masks. Children under 12 will only be allowed to enter the venue when accompanied by an adult. Enhanced measures, including cleaning and disinfection, will be conducted. For details please visit the HKScM’s website at hk.science.museum/en_US/web/scm/pe/1f/esg.html or call 2732 3232 for enquiries.
 
     Appeals are made to members of the public to use the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app and scan the QR code with the app before entering the LCSD venues. For visitors who opt for registering personal information for entering, the venue staff may immediately call the contact number provided by the visitor to verify the authenticity of information. Visitors are reminded to arrive earlier to avoid delaying their visit as a longer time is required for such registration. To tie in with the Government’s anti-epidemic efforts, the aforesaid arrangements aim to enable necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found, thus minimising the risk of further transmission of the virus.
 
     The Hong Kong Science Museum is located at 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East.

            

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, April 22, the CHP was investigating 14 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 719 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 718 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, 12 are imported cases and two are local cases with unknown sources.
 
     A total of 165 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (April 8 to 21), including 37 local cases (including one possibly local) of which 14 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. read more