The following is issued on behalf of the Sir David Trench Fund Committee:
 
     The Sir David Trench Fund Committee is inviting eligible organisations to apply for the Main Fund of the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation (the Fund) for 2021-22.
 
     The Fund is to be used for the provision of facilities and purchase of equipment for projects in the furtherance of the objectives of the Main Fund. In keeping with the donor's wishes, emphasis is placed on encouraging the purposeful use of leisure by young people.
 
     Three categories of grants available under the Fund are listed as follows:
 

 
     Each applicant organisation can only submit one application under each type of project within the same year.
 
     The application guidelines and application forms are available on the website of the Home Affairs Bureau (www.hab.gov.hk/en/public_forms/forms.htm) and are also obtainable from the Secretariat of the Sir David Trench Fund Committee upon request.
 
     Completed application forms should be submitted before the respective deadlines at the following address:
 
Secretariat of Sir David Trench Fund Committee
13/F, West Wing
Central Government Offices
2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar
Hong Kong
 
     For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Sir David Trench Fund Committee at 3509 7068 or 3509 8039.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

     The Government today (January 26) announced that the sixth round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
    
     In accordance with section 10(1) of the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J), the Secretary for Food and Health issued a compulsory testing notice yesterday (January 25), requiring persons who are employed by and will be on duty at RCHEs, RCHDs, nursing homes and day service units attached to the premises of residential care homes during the period from February 7 to 20, 2021, or who will provide services to residents or users through hire-of-service contracts with residential care homes and the aforementioned units during that period (including full-time, part-time and relief staff), to undergo polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid tests for COVID-19 during the period from January 28 to February 6, 2021, according to the requirements and procedure set out in the notice (the Specified Test). The samples must be collected by using combined nasal and throat swabs and must not be taken by the person to be tested.
    
     The staff of the aforementioned institutions must choose one of the following means to undergo the Specified Test:
 
(1) To receive free specimen collection services in any of the Community Testing Centres (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/), Temporary Testing Centres (if any) (see the list at www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_supportser/sub_ttc/), or mobile specimen collection stations (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
 
(2) To have specimen collection by a healthcare professional or trained personnel as arranged by institution operators for testing at a laboratory listed on the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf); or
 
(3) To self-arrange testing provided by a laboratory listed on the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" at their own expense (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf).
  
     Any person who fails to comply with the testing notice commits an offence and may be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000. He or she 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.
    
     A spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said that the SWD and the Department of Health would issue letters to institutions to inform them of the relevant arrangements and requirements. Institution operators should remind their staff members to properly keep the SMS notifications of their test results or their test result reports.
    
     Institution operators are required to keep records of their staff having received the Specified Test and the results within the time frame specified by the Government. Institution operators also have to co-operate with Checking Officers (Compulsory Testing) of the SWD who are enforcing the regulations at residential care homes.

     The Government has exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and published in the Gazette compulsory testing notices, which required any person who had been present at 21 specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.
 
     The Government has delineated earlier the "Sham Shui Po specified area" bounded by Yen Chow Street to its northwest, Tai Po Road to its northeast, Maple Street to its southeast and Lai Chi Kok Road to its southwest. The threshold for compulsory testing in the area was lowered in order to cut the transmission chain in the community as soon as possible. For buildings within the specified area, if there is one or more confirmed cases found in a unit in the past 14 days, or where no confirmed case was found but the sewage samples were constantly tested positive, the buildings would be covered by the compulsory testing notices under Cap. 599J. 18 buildings in the "Sham Shui Po specified area" fulfilling the above criteria were included in the compulsory testing notices on January 25, among which 16 buildings had sewage samples constantly tested positive. 
       
     Furthermore, for all districts in Hong Kong outside the "Jordan specified area" and the "Sham Shui Po specified area", if confirmed cases not epidemiologically linked to each other were found in two or more units in the same building in the past 14 days, the building would be included in the compulsory testing notice. One building fulfilling the above criteria was included in the compulsory testing notice on January 25.

     The Government also published on January 15 and January 19, 2021 compulsory testing notices on 15-27A Pitt Street, Yau Tsim Mong and Nam Fong House, 141-145 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po respectively. As a number of cases were detected in the compulsory testing of 15-27A Pitt Street, Yau Tsim Mong and it is possible that the incubation period of the virus could be long, and the sewage samples of Nam Fong House, 141-145 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po were constantly tested positive, the relevant persons have to undergo a second test.
 
     Details of the compulsory testing notices are as follows:

1. Any person who had been present at any specified premises listed in Annex 1 for more than two hours at any time during the period from January 12 to January 25, 2021 (including but not limited to visitors, residents and workers), have to undergo testing by January 28, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone testing between January 23 and January 25, 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 15-27A Pitt Street, Yau Tsim Mong and Nam Fong House, 141-145 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po for more than two hours at any time during the period from January 12 to January 25, 2021 (including but not limited to visitors, residents and workers), have to undergo testing by January 28, 2021.

     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) said today, "The Government will seriously follow up on the compliance of compulsory testing notices by persons subject to compulsory testing, and continually review the compulsory testing arrangement of the above specified areas taking into account the epidemic development. Since the infection risk in the community of the specified areas might be higher, the Government encourages residents in the areas to undergo testing proactively and promptly, even if they are not subject to compulsory testing. The mobile specimen collection stations will provide free testing services for all residents in the areas regardless of whether they are subject to compulsory testing or not."

     The Government will set up mobile specimen collection stations between Pak Fuk Building main entrance and rear door of Metropole Building in North Point and in Queen Elizabeth Hospital today (January 26) and also extend the service period of the mobile specimen collection station at Maple Street Playground to January 28, 2021 (Thursday). 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 in all districts to receive testing free of charge.
 
     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 Centre for Health Protection (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 notices.

     "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 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.
 
     Members of the Auxiliary Medical Service and the relevant officers of departments such as DH, Home Affairs Department, Social Welfare Department, Housing Department and Hong Kong Police Force, 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 DH or other relevant departments for anti-epidemic purpose 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. The FHB will publish compulsory testing notices regarding particular groups when necessary taking into account the epidemic developments and the testing participation rate."

     The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) authorised today (January 25) the COVID-19 vaccine by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech (i.e. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection) for emergency use in Hong Kong in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K) (the Regulation).

     According to the Regulation, SFH may, with reference to the advice of the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel), authorise the use of COVID-19 vaccines which fulfil the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality for specified use in Hong Kong under emergency situation, which is basically for vaccination programmes led by the Government. The Advisory Panel has submitted its recommendations to SFH. It considers that, under the current epidemic situation, the benefits of authorising the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech for protecting against COVID-19 outweigh the risks.

     Having regard to the advice of the Advisory Panel and having considered the threat to public health posed by COVID-19, SFH considers that the authorisation is necessary and is in the public interest. SFH has exercised the powers conferred upon her under section 3 of the Regulation to authorise the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech in Hong Kong for a specified purpose. The relevant authorisation will take effect from January 25, 2021. To ensure that the relevant vaccine continues to fulfil the requirements of safety, efficacy and quality, SFH has attached conditions to the aforesaid authorisation, including requiring the applicant to continue providing the latest clinical data on the vaccine, safety update reports, and quality certification documents by the drug manufacturer for each batch of vaccines, etc.

     The Advisory Panel also noted reports of suspected adverse events in some overseas countries after administration of the Fosun Pharma/BioNTech vaccine. According to the information released by the relevant authorities, some common side effects of the vaccines, such as fever or nausea, may affect individuals who already have serious illnesses and are particularly weak. In response to the recommendations of the Advisory Panel, the Department of Health (DH) has requested the vaccine supplier to provide the relevant information. The Joint Scientific Committees under the Centre for Health Protection will review the relevant information in order to assist with determining the precautions for use by priority groups for receiving the relevant vaccine. With a view to strengthening the transparency of information regarding vaccines, the expert advice on vaccines given by the Advisory Panel has been uploaded to the website of the Food and Health Bureau. (www.fhb.gov.hk/en/our_work/health/rr3.html)

     According to the information provided by the vaccine supplier, the first batch of 1 million doses of the Fosun Pharma/BioNTech vaccine to be supplied to Hong Kong have completed production and are undergoing safety and quality testing. Subject to the completion and passing of the relevant tests, the relevant vaccines are expected to arrive Hong Kong from Germany in late February. The territory-wide vaccination programme led by the Government will be launched as soon as possible after completing all necessary quality assurance procedures. The Government will continue to actively follow up on the emergency use authorisation and supply schedule of the remaining vaccines already purchased and make preparations for the arrangements for administration of the relevant vaccines. The Government will also continue to adhere to the vaccine procurement strategy and make advance purchases of vaccines which fulfil the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality, including vaccines which are still in the development stage, with a view to ensuring availability of different types of vaccines and sufficient supplies for the whole of Hong Kong.

     To tie in with the vaccination programme as well as to monitor any adverse event that occurs to the recipient associated with the administration of the relevant vaccine, the Government has set up the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation (the Committee). The Committee will perform continuous monitoring of the possible adverse event following administration of COVID-19 vaccines, and provide professional views and suggestions on safety monitoring of the authorised vaccines. The Committee will be co-chaired by the Clinical Professor of Department of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Ivan Hung, and the Chief Executive and Medical Director of Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Lee Cheuk-kwong. Other members of the Committee are from local universities, the Hospital Authority and the DH. Their professional disciplines cover forensic pathology, haematology, immunology, microbiology, neurology, pediatrics, pharmacology, pharmacy, etc. The membership list of the Committee is at Annex.

     The Government spokesman reiterated, "The Government will ensure that vaccines satisfy the requirements of safety, efficacy and quality, and obtain emergency use approval in accordance with the relevant requirements as well as stringent approval procedures under the Regulation, before arranging for members of the public to receive the vaccines. We noticed the statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety that after reviewing the deaths reported in Europe and in the WHO global database, it was considered that the reports were in line with the expected, all-cause mortality rates and causes of death in the sub-population of frail, elderly individuals. There were no unexpected or untoward increase in mortality rate after frail, elderly individuals were vaccinated with BNT162b2 (COVID-19 vaccine by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech), and the administration of the vaccine was still considered to be beneficial for the elderly. To enhance the public's confidence in vaccines, the Government's work in vaccine administration will be based on scientific evidence and adhere to the principles of openness and transparency. At the same time, we will continue to monitor the use of the vaccines. The Government will provide members of the public with the latest information on the relevant vaccines through different channels in a timely manner, and make public the views of experts on the vaccines, so that the public can grasp correct and comprehensive information on them."