The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 10) that in view of a notification from the General Veterinary Inspectorate of Poland about an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ostrowiecki District of ÅšwiÄ™tokrzyskie Region in Poland, and a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Chungju-si and Goesan-gun of Chungcheongbuk-do Province in Korea, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 13,500 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 39.08 million poultry eggs from Poland, and about 1,190 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 11.15 million poultry eggs from Korea last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the Polish and Korean authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

     A pharmaceutical products trader was convicted and fined $200,000 today (February 10) at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts for exporting pharmaceutical products not under and in accordance with an export licence and providing false information when applying for the licence, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

     Hong Kong Customs earlier conducted a post-shipment inspection and the trader was found to be suspected of exporting a consignment of 1 000 bottles of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, with a value of about $1.28 million, to the Mainland of China not under and in accordance with an export licence. Follow-up investigations also revealed that the trader had provided false information on the departure of goods when applying for the export licence.

     Under the IEO, any person who imports or exports pharmaceutical products (including vaccines) without a valid licence, or furnishes false or misleading material particulars in a licence application, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the IEO to Customs' 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) announced today (February 10) that the HA will reopen some of its outdoor recreational facilities starting from tomorrow (February 11).
 
     The reopening facilities include badminton courts, table tennis tables, tennis courts, gateball courts, fitness equipment and peddle walk trails.
    
     A spokesman for the HA reminded that the prohibition by the Government on group gatherings is in force and that unless exempted, group gatherings of more than the permitted number in public places are strictly prohibited. Members of the public are required to wear a mask when using these facilities.
 
     The spokesman urged the public to download the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app in advance and scan the QR code with the app installed within the facilities before using them to keep a habit of maintaining a precise record of their whereabouts, so as to help minimise the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
          
     "We will step up the cleaning of our recreational facilities. Estate staff will also check the usage of the facilities from time to time," he said.
 
     "When irregularities are found, our staff will take appropriate action."

     â€‹The Transport Department (TD) today (February 10) reminded motorists and cyclists to observe road safety during the Lunar New Year holidays. Motorists must not drive after drinking alcohol and park their vehicles illegally, while cyclists must ride their bicycles with due care and attention.
      
     A spokesman for the TD appealed to motorists not to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, so as to avoid contravening the law. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs will significantly impair driving ability, jeopardising the safety of the motorist and other road users. After drinking alcohol or taking drugs, one should use public transport services or arrange for someone else to drive.
      
     Motorists must also not park their vehicles illegally. If necessary, they should park in a parking place or a car park with a view to maintaining smooth road traffic. This can avoid causing traffic jams, obstructing public transport operation or delaying emergency vehicles in rescue operations. This can also avoid obstructing the sight lines of pedestrians and other road users, which may cause traffic accidents. Fixed penalty notices will be issued for illegal parking and the vehicles may also be towed away.
      
     Some people go cycling for leisure during holidays. The spokesman reminded them to cycle within their abilities and observe road safety, wear suitable personal protective equipment and properly check their bicycles. They should always be attentive, patient and law-abiding when cycling.
      
     The spokesman emphasised that road safety hinges on the co-operation of every road user, and appealed to the public to exercise self-discipline and comply with traffic rules.  

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

     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender result: