The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (February 11) invited local non-profit making non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to make submissions for the development and provision of services of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud.

     As set out in the 2020 Policy Address, the DoJ is tasked to actively explore the development of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud to enhance the capability of the profession to harness modern technology in the provision of legal and dispute resolution services. The Hong Kong Legal Cloud is an advanced and user-friendly online facility situated in Hong Kong, with specific requirements on security, reliability, affordability, functionality and scalability, etc, to provide safe, secure and affordable data storage services for the local legal and dispute resolution communities.

     The DoJ will provide around $15.7 million (Hong Kong Legal Cloud Fund) for the development of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud by selected NGO(s) through a public-private partnership. The actual subscription fees as incurred by eligible subscribers to the Hong Kong Legal Cloud will be disbursed from the Hong Kong Legal Cloud Fund to the listed service provider(s) for up to three years to finance its costs for set up, initial operation and promotion of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud.

     In order to be considered for becoming a listed service provider of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud, interested NGOs should submit relevant information and documents (including all necessary supporting information and documents demonstrating that its system could meet the requirements, and its ability to provide high quality services to the local legal and dispute resolution sectors) on or before June 1, 2021, to the Inclusive Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Office, Department of Justice, 7/F, Main Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong. For more details, please visit the DoJ's webpage at www.doj.gov.hk/en/community_engagement/announcements/hk_legal_cloud.html.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (February 11), 55 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 10 077 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
 
     At present, there are 679 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 237 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 413 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 23 public hospitals and a community treatment facility, among which 21 patients are in critical condition, 19 are in serious condition and the remaining 373 patients are in stable condition.
 
     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.
 
     Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
 

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (February 11) that, in order to let the public relax while maintaining social distancing, 10 sports grounds will be open for jogging from 9am to 5pm during the Lunar New Year (February 12 to 14) as a special arrangement this year.

     The relevant list of the sports grounds is as follows:
 

Remarks:
* Changing rooms and toilet facilities will be suspended
# No toilet facilities at the venue

     According to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), users are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or register their name, contact number and the date and time of the visit before being allowed to enter sports premises for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. Appeals are made to members of the public to download and install the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app in advance and scan the QR code with the app before entering. Members of the public who opt for registering their personal information at the scene are reminded to arrive earlier to avoid delaying their visits as longer time is required for such registration.

     The spokesman for the LCSD reminded members of the public to take note of social distancing. The number of people in group gatherings should not be more than that as stipulated by the law. The public must wear a mask before and after exercise at outdoor leisure venues. Moreover, the LCSD will adopt special measures at leisure facilities. Measures include limiting the number of joggers in sports grounds and closing spectator stands. Furthermore, disinfectant carpets and alcohol-based handrub will be in place.

     The LCSD will continue to monitor the latest developments of the pandemic closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner.

     In light of the Government's announcement on the full resumption of normal public services yesterday (February 10), Hongkong Post today (February 11) announced that all post offices (including mobile post offices) will resume their normal business hours from February 18.

     Hongkong Post will continue to adopt various measures on social distancing and infection control at all post offices, and provide front-line staff with protective gear such as face shields, protective goggles, masks, alcohol swabs, alcohol-based handrub and gloves.

     For further enquiries, please call the Hongkong Post enquiry hotline at 2921 2222.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients in a medical ward having been confirmed to be carriers of Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter (CRA), the spokesperson for Prince of Wales Hospital made the following update today (February 11):
 
     In accordance with prevailing guidelines, the hospital has commenced contact tracing and confirmed one more male patient, aged 70, to be a CRA carrier. The patient has been discharged earlier.
 
     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up. The hospital will continue to adopt enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation in the concerned ward.