The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 15) visited the Hong Kong Customs College (HKCC) and the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) in Tuen Mun, joining members of the public to participate in the open day activities at the training schools of the disciplinary forces organised in support of National Security Education Day.
 
     The nation designated April 15 each year as National Security Education Day in 2015. This year marks the sixth National Security Education Day, the first one held after the implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). In this connection, the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR (the National Security Committee) has organised a series of promotion and education activities to enhance people's awareness of national security. Among the activities, the five training schools of the disciplinary forces of the HKSAR Government including the Correctional Services Department Staff Training Institute, the HKCC, the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, the Hong Kong Police College and the ISITD opened for the public today to enhance public understanding of the disciplinary forces' facilities and training as well as the forces' work in safeguarding national security.
 
     Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Hermes Tang, and the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, respectively, visited the HKCC and the ISITD to watch the foot drill performances by the two disciplinary forces with members of the public, visit the exhibitions showcasing their work and effectiveness in relation to safeguarding national security, view demonstrations by Customs detector dogs, etc. Mrs Lam praised the performance of the two disciplinary forces and encouraged them to dutifully continue their efforts in work on counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling, in combating illegal immigration and forged documents as well as other areas to contribute to safeguarding national security. Many of the participants of the open day activities were teenagers and children. Mrs Lam chatted and took pictures with them, and said she was pleased to note that they found the relevant activities and performances interesting and considered that the activities would help enhance their understanding of national security.
 
     "National security is the cornerstone of national stability and the bedrock of people's well-being. Every citizen is duty-bound to understand and safeguard national security. I hope that through a range of public engagement and promotion events organised by the National Security Committee and various departments, members of the public would deepen their understanding of the work of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security in different aspects, thereby enhancing their awareness of national security and the obligation to abide by the law to share the obligation to safeguard national sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity," Mrs Lam said.
 
     Mrs Lam also attended this morning's National Security Education Day 2021 Opening Ceremony, during which she delivered a speech, to launch with a number of guests a series diverse events held in the community, in schools and online.

                

     The Government exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and published in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at five specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     Currently, in all districts in Hong Kong, if one or more new confirmed cases are found in the residential buildings (including buildings for both commercial and residential uses), or there are sewage samples tested positive, or there are other factors which implied possible infection risks, the buildings will be included in the compulsory testing notice.

     For testing targeting at workplaces, if one or more confirmed cases are found in a workplace, it will be included in the compulsory testing notice.

     Three premises fulfilling the above criteria are included in the compulsory testing notice today (April 15). In addition, since there were outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in a nursery school and a nursery, and the symptoms of URTI are similar to those of COVID-19, for prudence's sake, these two schools are also covered in the compulsory testing notice.
 
     Details of the compulsory testing notice are as follows:

1. Any person who had been present at any specified premises listed in Part A of Annex 1 for more than two hours at any time during the period from April 2 to April 15, 2021 (including but not limited to residents, visitors and workers), has to undergo testing by April 17, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone testing between April 13 and April 15, 2021, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice.  
 
2. Any person who had been present at any specified premises listed in Part B of Annex 1 for more than two hours at any time during the period from April 2 to April 15, 2021 (including but not limited to full-time, part-time and relief staff and visitors), has to undergo testing by April 17, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone testing between April 13 and April 15, 2021, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice.  

3. Any person who had been present at any specified premises listed in Part C of Annex 1 for more than two hours at any time during the period from April 2 to April 15, 2021 (including but not limited to full-time, part-time and relief staff, students and visitors), has to undergo testing by April 17, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing choose to undergo testing using the specimen bottles distributed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), they have to return the specimen bottle with the sample by April 19, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone testing between April 13 and April 15, 2021, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice.

     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau reminded the public that in accordance with the compulsory testing notice issued earlier, all household members of close contacts are required to undergo compulsory testing. Any person who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant to section 22 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (person under quarantine) in the same residential unit on the date of commencement of quarantine or during the 14 days before that day, and who becomes aware of the quarantine of the person under quarantine when the relevant quarantine has not yet been completed, has to undergo testing within two days of him or her becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine and report to the Government the result of the test by phone (at 6275 6901), fax (at 2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) within three days of undergoing the test.

     The Government will set up a mobile specimen collection station at Block 19 of Meadowlands in Hung Shui Kiu tomorrow (April 16) for residents and workers subject to compulsory testing.
 
     The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations in various districts providing free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services for the general public are stated in Annex 2. Apart from mobile specimen collection stations, persons subject to compulsory testing can also choose to attend any of the community testing centres across the territory to receive testing free of charge. Persons with "LeaveHomeSafe" COVID-19 exposure notification or SMS notification from the Centre for Health Protection reminding them to undergo testing as soon as possible may receive free testing at community testing centres or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable).

     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:

1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;
2. To attend any of the community testing centres (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en);
3. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the 121 post offices, vending machines set up at 20 MTR stations or 47 designated general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
4. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority;
5. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the Department of Health (DH) and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf); or
6.To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the sample collected as per relevant guidelines.

     The spokesman cautioned that testing received at Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority or during hospital stays, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.

     "If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the community testing centres."

     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notification containing the result of the test for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

     Furthermore, persons subject to testing under the compulsory testing notices should, as far as reasonably practicable, take appropriate personal disease prevention measures including wearing a mask and maintaining hand hygiene, and, unless for the purpose of undergoing the specified test, stay at their place of residence and avoid going out until the test result is ascertained as far as possible.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm. If persons subject to compulsory testing plan to conduct testing at any of the community testing centres, they can check the centre's appointment status in advance. The hotlines of the community testing centres are available at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/info.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to the relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     Relevant officers of different government departments are empowered to perform certain functions under the relevant Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), including requesting individuals to provide information and assistance when necessary. Any person who fails to comply with the relevant request commits an offence and would be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000). Collection and use of any personal data for conducting COVID-19 tests must meet the requirements under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486). Government departments or testing service providers which handle the relevant information may provide the data to the DH or other relevant departments for anti-epidemic purposes as necessary. The workflow does not involve the provision of any personal data to organisations or persons outside Hong Kong.

     The spokesman said, "The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or contacted confirmed cases), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons."

     In response to and in support of the National Security Education Day organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (April 15), the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) held an open day. A series of interactive activities, including exhibitions, videos, game booths, expert talks and professional demonstrations, were held to give the public an introduction to the mission and work of the Immigration Department (ImmD) in safeguarding national and Hong Kong security.
 
     During the ISITD Open Day, a Chinese-style foot drill performance was also held, during which the flag bearers holding the national flag marched neatly and solemnly, while the Departmental Contingent gave a ceremonial rifle foot drill performance in Chinese style in co-ordination with the music played by the Immigration Band. Members of the Departmental Contingent also interacted with the public by letting them try out the words of command and postures of the Chinese-style foot drill.
 
     To tie in with the theme of National Security Education Day 2021, i.e. "Uphold National Security, Safeguard Our Home – Improve Electoral System, Ensure Patriots Administering Hong Kong", game booths on national security were set up for the ISITD Open Day to enhance in an interactive way the understanding of the importance of national security to the country, to the HKSAR and to every Hong Kong citizen.

     In addition, various booths were set up at the exhibition venue to introduce the ImmD's work in safeguarding national security, including the display of a Video Spectral Comparator used for detecting forged and unlawfully altered documents. Through their introduction and demonstration, staff of the ImmD let members of the public know how they strive to guard the southern gateway to the country by intercepting lawbreakers who attempt to evade immigration clearance with false identities through the detection of doubtful documents in a professional manner in their everyday work. Members of the public also had the opportunity to see the latest tactical outfits of staff of the ImmD and understand the work of the Counter-Terrorism Division, which enables them to enhance their awareness of counter-terrorism and their response capability, thereby increasing their awareness and capability of safeguarding national security. Furthermore, members of the public could visit the ISITD's training facilities and find out about the ImmD's recruitment requirements and the latest information in this respect.

            

     Following is the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, on works policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 15):

Chairman,

     In the new financial year, we have several priority tasks under the Works portfolio.

     Firstly, regarding studies on works projects, we obtained the Finance Committee's funding approval in December last year – thank you very much, and studies related to artificial islands in the Central Waters will commence in June this year. The studies will take about three and a half years to complete. The target is to have the first population intake in 2034. Separately, through the Lantau Conservation Fund, we will promote conservation and pursue local improvement works in Lantau, including cultural conservation and projects to improve hiking trails and cycle tracks.

     Secondly, we will continue to invest in infrastructure to support economic development and create job opportunities. The Development Bureau is proactively implementing "Construction 2.0" to facilitate the professionalisation and revitalisation of the construction industry with a wider adoption of innovation and technology. Apart from promoting the use of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) in public and private projects to accelerate work progress and enhance project effectiveness, we will implement an integrated digital platform in phases from this year onwards in order to enable the continuous monitoring of project performance and drive the digitalisation of public works. Moreover, to enhance the professional skills of mid-tier managers in the Government and raise their project delivery capabilities, we have earmarked $6 million for providing systematic training to them in the next three years.

     Thirdly, concerning the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, apart from constructing a community treatment facility at AsiaWorld-Expo, a temporary hospital and a number of quarantine camps to enhance Hong Kong's pandemic-combating capacity, we have joined hands with the construction industry to introduce a series of measures to support different stakeholders. These measures include launching a COVID-19 testing service scheme on construction sites, providing subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises for meeting operating expenses, offering allowances to underemployed or temporarily unemployed construction workers attending training courses to upgrade their skills, and creating time-limited jobs in the public and private sectors for construction workers.

     Fourthly, we will continue to develop Kowloon East into Hong Kong's second core business district. Currently, we are amending the outline zoning plan that covers the development at the Kwun Tong Action Area. We will also implement improvements to pedestrian connectivity in the Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay business areas in stages, and undertake works to revitalise the Tsui Ping River and improve Lam Wah Street Playground. Moreover, under the principle of "single site, multiple use", we will take forward the transformation of the open space at Sze Mei Street and Choi Hung Road Playground, so as to better utilise land resources and meet the community's needs.

     Fifthly, in taking forward various development projects, we will protect, conserve and revitalise historic and heritage buildings and sites through an appropriate and sustainable approach according to the actual situation for the public's benefit and enjoyment. In the coming year, we will continue to implement the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme; the revitalisation of three projects under Batch IV of the scheme will be completed for operation soon, and we will submit funding applications for projects under Batch V and assess applications under Batch VI.

     In addition, concerning the promotion of construction and engineering professional services, we have formulated new initiatives with the Guangdong Provincial Government to enable architectural and engineering consultants on the Government's approved lists and the relevant professionals to directly provide services in nine Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) after going through simple registration processes. We will continue to explore more facilitation measures with the Mainland Government to enhance business opportunities in the GBA for Hong Kong's construction and engineering sectors.

     Thank you, Chairman.

     In support of the National Security Education Day organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (April 15), the Government Flying Service (GFS) provided a static helicopter and search and rescue equipment display at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy. The GFS also demonstrated helicopter medical evacuations, and partnered with the Special Duties Unit for counter-terrorism exercises at the Hong Kong Police College. Through the participation of open day events held in the disciplined services training academies, members of the GFS were able to explain to the public on-site, and conduct flight demonstrations, deepening public understanding of the GFS' round-the-clock air support services and duties regarding social security.

     The scope of work of the GFS is closely related to the pursuance of a holistic approach to national security, in particular for its essential role in supporting the HKSAR Government and its policy for safeguarding national, social and ecological security, and nuclear safety. Being one of the disciplinary forces of the HKSAR Government, the GFS will continue to fulfil its mission, fully supporting and cooperating with relevant departments in the maintenance of national security to ensure the long-term stability and prosperous development in the HKSAR.