The Transport Department (TD) has completed the balloting of applications for the Group 1 (Private Cars and Light Goods Vehicles) Private Driving Instructor's (PDI) Test today (April 17). The ballot results are available on the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk).

     Applicants can also check the ballot results by calling 2804 2600 or visiting the Driving Services Section of the TD at 19 Pui Ching Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, during office hours from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

     The TD will send letters to individual applicants informing them of their ballot order numbers and process the applications according to the ballot order. Written test invitations are expected to be sent to eligible applicants of the Group 1 PDI Test by post from around mid-May. Details of the tests will be stated in the invitation letter. For applicants who fail to meet the qualification requirements, the TD will notify them in writing when their applications are dealt with according to the ballot order.
 

     The Yim Tin Tsai Arts Festival 2021 organised by the Tourism Commission was launched today (April 17). Following the adoption of the concepts of "Sky" and "Earth" for the first and second festivals respectively, the theme of "Human" is featured in the Arts Festival 2021, showcasing the harmonious co-existence of humans and nature on the island through a variety of artworks in different forms.

     As a three-year pilot scheme, the Yim Tin Tsai Arts Festival bears the three key concepts of "Sky", "Earth" and "Human". The Arts Festival 2021 with the theme of "Human" will be held from today to July 16 with 31 artworks created by local and overseas artists and youngsters to be displayed in Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung.

     Speaking at the online launch ceremony of the Arts Festival, the Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, said that the Yim Tin Tsai Arts Festival 2021 is the climax of the three-year pilot scheme as the number of artworks displayed is the largest among the three events and they are created in various forms.

     Ms Sum said that during the planning and organising process of the Arts Festival, the Tourism Commission worked closely with the villagers of Yim Tin Tsai, collaborative parties, artists and participating youngsters. The Arts Festival is truly collaborative with the concerted efforts of different parties. In addition, through the Arts Festival, both the island and the community are revitalised.

     Apart from the artworks, a series of programmes including online guided tours, arts performance, workshops, ecology activities and talks will be held during the event period so that participants can experience the artistic atmosphere of Yim Tin Tsai and understand its unique history and culture.

     Local and overseas participants can enjoy the Arts Festival comfortably at home through a 360-degree virtual reality function available on the official website that displays the scenic spots and artworks in Yim Tin Tsai. Together with the audio guides on the website, participants can further understand the stories of the island and the creative concepts of the artworks.

     For details of the Yim Tin Tsai Arts Festival 2021, please visit the official website at www.YimTinTsaiArtsFestival.hk.

      

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 17) said that it is following up on a confirmed case of COVID-19 with the preliminary test result involving N501Y mutant strain recorded at Parkes Building, 17-23 Parkes Street, Jordan last night. The CHP decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control and prevention to arrange compulsory quarantine for asymptomatic residents of all units on all floors of Parkes Building, so as to stop the potential risk of spread of N501Y mutant strain. 

     Starting from last night, the CHP has transferred asymptomatic residents of all units on all floors of Parkes Building (Ground Floor to 11th Floor with around 48 units) to quarantine centres; symptomatic residents were sent to the hospital for treatment. As of now, 81 residents were transferred to quarantine centres by the CHP.

     A spokesman for the CHP said that as N501Y mutant strain is with high transmissibility and that sub-divided units are common in the building which is relatively old, the Government immediately made a "restriction-testing declaration" for the relevant area immediately after the test result was found positive last night, so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.

     Moreover, the Government issued a compulsory testing notice yesterday, requiring persons who had been present at the above building for more than two hours from April 9 to 16, 2021, even if they were not present in the "restricted area" at the time when the declaration took effect, to undergo compulsory testing on or before April 18. The Government reminds relevant persons to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to the compulsory testing notice.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     During the service demand surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 17) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.