The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) today (March 26) announced that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away today.
 
     A 78-year-old male patient (case number: 8221) with chronic diseases was admitted to TMH on December 21, 2020, after being confirmed with COVID-19 infection and was admitted to an isolation ward for treatment. After treatment, the patient tested positive for antibodies and was released from isolation by the Department of Health on February 20. He continued to stay in the hospital for further treatment due to his health condition. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 9.32am today.
 
     The hospital is saddened by the passing away of the patient and will offer necessary assistance to his family.
 
     Including the above patient, 199 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited on fraudulent website and phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 26) released the latest grading of water quality for nine gazetted beaches (see Note).       
   
     Nine beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:         

 
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
 
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.
 
Note: In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced that all gazetted beaches were closed from December 10, 2020, until further notice.

     The Government announced today (March 26) that Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry), will take up the post of Commissioner for Tourism on April 15, 2021.
 
     Commenting on the appointment, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said, "Ms Sum is a seasoned Administrative Officer with proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that she will serve the community with professionalism in her new capacity."
 
     A brief biographical note of Ms Sum is set out below:
          
Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang
———————————

     Ms Sum joined the Administrative Service in August 1991 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2018. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Constitutional Affairs Branch, the former Finance Branch, the former Trade and Industry Bureau, the former Industry Department, the Trade and Industry Department, the Financial Secretary's Office and the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office. She was Deputy Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene from September 2010 to June 2013, Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service from June 2013 to September 2016 and has been serving as Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry) since September 2016.

  

     The Town Planning Board announced today (March 26) that the Chief Executive in Council has referred the approved Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) and the approved Ma Tau Kok OZP to the Board for amendment to reflect the latest land use proposals.

     Each OZP incorporating the respective amendment(s) will be exhibited for public inspection under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance.

     The Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun OZP and the Ma Tau Kok OZP were last approved by the Chief Executive in Council in April 2017 and January 2021 respectively.