Tag Archives: China

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, April 15, the CHP was investigating six additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 619 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 618 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, four are imported cases and one is a local case with unknown source, while the remaining one is epidemiologically linked with a local case.
 
     A total of 145 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (April 1 to 14), including 30 local cases of which eight 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).
 
     A passenger flight (TR980), operated by SCOOT arriving from Singapore to Hong Kong on April 11, had two passengers confirmed to have COVID-19 through specimens collected at the DH’s Temporary Specimen Collection Centre, with one passenger who failed to comply with requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H). The DH thus invoked the regulation to prohibit landing of passenger flights from Singapore operated by SCOOT in Hong Kong from April 16 to 29.
 
     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

     The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 15) that it registered 15 lease modifications and four land exchanges in the Land Registry during the quarter ending March 2021, of which one was a modification of a tec… read more

     In support of the National Security Education Day organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (April 15), the Fire Services Department (FSD) held an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O to introduce its training facilities through a guided tour, with an aim of enhancing the public’s understanding on the work of fire and ambulance personnel, as well as its efforts in safeguarding national security.

     In order to strengthen the emergency preparedness of the public, promotions of the three basic skills of emergency preparedness, which include a demonstration of the use of a fire extinguisher, a demonstration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency evacuation experience, were arranged on the open day. Simulated training facilities, the simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station and the Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum were also open to the public. The FSD personnel also performed the Chinese-style marching to the public for the first time.

     The Director of Fire Services, Mr Joseph Leung, pointed out that in terms of safeguarding security in Hong Kong, the responsibilities of the FSD include conducting risk assessments for possible large-scale incidents; strategically and flexibly deploying resources for firefighting and rescue operations; handling incidents involving hazardous materials; promoting emergency preparedness education through social media and clarifying false information; as well as striving to prevent dangerous goods from being used to endanger national security by combating illegal activities and initiating prosecution.

     He also said that the FSD has always fully supported the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in implementing the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Led by the Security Bureau, the department will work with other disciplinary forces to fulfil resolutely the responsibility of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, so that the safety of Hong Kong citizens can be better protected.

            

     In support of the National Security Education Day on April 15 organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Police Force held an open day today (April 15)… read more

     Following is the video speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at an online celebration of the 73rd Israel Independence Day today (April 15):

Consul General (Consul General of the State of Israel in Hong Kong, Mrs Ahuva Spieler), distinguished guests, friends of Israel, 

     I’m delighted to offer my congratulations to the great State of Israel on its 73rd Independence Day.

     Our two economies, our two peoples, have much in common. Most notably, we share an entrepreneurial spirit built on resilience, adaptability and hard-won success. 

     Hong Kong has long admired Israel’s innovation and technology prowess. And there is much we can learn from you. That was central to my business mission to Israel, in September 2018. 

     Hong Kong has much to offer as well. We remain your fast-track business bridge to the Mainland. 

     And China’s 14th Five-Year Plan deepens our role in the nation’s progress and expands our opportunities. That, in turn, opens up fresh prospects for Israel and the Israeli companies that work with us.

     While COVID-19 has, for the moment, blunted our ties, I am confident that Hong Kong and Israel will be back to mutually rewarding business in short order. And for the long haul.

     My congratulations once again to the people of Israel on your nation’s 73rd Independence Day.

     Thank you. read more