The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 24) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From May 17 to 23, the CHP recorded three imported DF cases. The patients had been to Thailand (two cases) and Malaysia (one case) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (May 23), 51 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported. The cases were mainly imported from Malaysia (11), Indonesia (10) and Thailand (10). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas of Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2019 reveal that 22 203 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 3 789 in Singapore (since December 30, 2018) and 108 in Japan.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or exposed parts of the body when doing outdoor activities.

    
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF and Zika virus infection should apply insect repellent for 14 days or at least 21 days respectively upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

 
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged two months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, May 24, 2019 is 105.4 (down 0.3 against yesterday's index).

     A Government spokesman said today (May 24) that consent was given to resume the building works of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL)'s Tin Wing Stop development project (the Project).

     The spokesman said that since the readings recorded in the settlement monitoring checkpoints installed at the Platform No. 7 of Light Rail Tin Wing Stop had exceeded the pre-set trigger level, the piling works of the Project were suspended on June 25, 2018. The Government announced the situation on July 11, 2018, and the Buildings Department (BD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) respectively confirmed the structural safety of the relevant railway facilities and safe operation of the railway.

     The registered building professional appointed for the said building works subsequently submitted to the BD an incident report and a proposal of mitigation measures to alleviate the effects of the said building works on the structural safety of the nearby railway facilities. The registered building professionals have also requested resumption of the suspended works.

     The BD has confirmed the structural safety of the railway facilities concerned. The MTRCL has been consulted and confirmed that the resumption of works will not affect the structural safety of the railway facilities and safe operation of the railway. The EMSD, which regulates and monitors the safety of railway operation according to the Mass Transit Railways Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations, has also confirmed the safe operation of the railway. Regarding the resumption of works, the EMSD has also confirmed that the MTRCL has put in place stringent monitoring measures to ensure the safety of railway operation.

     Having considered the above advice, the request for resumption of works was accepted today. The suspended building works will be resumed in phases on May 31, starting with the proposed grouting works as mitigation measures as well as an assessment on the effectiveness of the grouting works upon their completion to be submitted to the BD. The developer may only commence the remaining works having obtained the BD’s satisfaction with regard to the effectiveness of the grouting works.

     In addition, in processing the piling and excavation amendment plans, the BD requested the registered structural engineer appointed for the Project to conduct comprehensive and detailed engineering analyses for each works procedure and detail of the remaining works in order to assess the possible effects on the nearby buildings and public facilities (including railway structures and facilities). The assessment has confirmed that structural safety of the platform would not be affected within the estimated range of settlement (i.e. 150mm). The Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department has accepted the settlement level estimated by the registered structural engineer of the project. The MTRCL has also indicated that the revised pre-set trigger level will not affect the safety of the railway operation. As the proposed amendments have fulfilled the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance, the BD has accepted the pre-set trigger level for the platform to be revised to 150mm.  

     The spokesman further said that having considered the circumstances of the Tin Wing Stop, the BD has imposed extra conditions when approving the piling and excavation amendment plans, requiring the developer, registered structural engineer, registered geotechnical engineer and registered contractor of the Project to implement a series of measures to enhance site supervision and safety of works, including regular submissions of settlement monitoring data, as well as review, on a monthly basis and before commencement of each type of the construction works, the magnitude of estimated settlement values and the structural assessment of the railway facilities having regard to the settlement monitoring data. The BD will closely monitor the situation and take timely and necessary follow-up action. If the settlement situation exceeds again the revised pre-set trigger level, the relevant works would be suspended immediately and the Government would make an announcement of the situation to the public immediately. The staff of the New Buildings Divisions and the Site Monitoring Section of the BD will also carry out regular inspections of the site and Tin Wing Stop to ensure the structural safety of the Tin Wing Stop facilities and the nearby buildings.

     The BD, the EMSD and the MTRCL will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the structural safety of the railway facilities and the safe operation of the railway, the spokesman said.

     â€‹The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Lam Sai-hung, officiated at the Heung Yuen Wai Highway Opening Ceremony today (May 24). The Heung Yuen Wai Highway will open to the public at 8am on May 26.
      
     With a total length of about 11 kilometres, the Heung Yuen Wai Highway connects the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, which is now under construction, to the Fanling Highway near Kau Lung Hang. With four interchanges along the highway, the Heung Yuen Wai Highway comprises the 4.8km Lung Shan Tunnel, the 0.7km Cheung Shan Tunnel and 5.5km of viaducts and at-grade roads. The Lung Shan Tunnel is the longest land road tunnel in Hong Kong.
      
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lam paid tribute to the project team for completing this major transport infrastructure by overcoming difficulties and challenges in the course of construction, and introducing state-of-the–art engineering technology to enhance efficiency in construction and minimise impacts on the environment.
      
     He said that, upon the opening of the Heung Yuen Wai Highway, residents in North District and drivers may take this highway to reach the Fanling Highway for accessing Sheung Shui, Tai Po and Kowloon. The highway can improve the traffic in North District and, in particular, alleviate the busy traffic conditions in the area around Sha Tau Kok Road. The highway can greatly facilitate long-term economic and social development in North District.
      
     With effect from May 26, the section of the Heung Yuen Wai Highway between the Fanling Highway Interchange and the Lin Ma Hang Road Interchange will be open to the public. Upon completion of the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, the highway will seamlessly connect the boundary control point, providing efficient cross-boundary access between Hong Kong and eastern Shenzhen, Huizhou and eastern Guangdong, enhancing the "one-hour living circle" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. For the details and driving guide of the Heung Yuen Wai Highway, please refer to www.hywh.hk.
 
     Other officiating guests included the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Ricky Lau, and the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Mable Chan.

          

     The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a restaurant in Yau Ma Tei to suspend business for 14 days as the operator repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.
    
     The restaurant, located on the ground floor at No. 45 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, was ordered to suspend business from today (May 24) to June 6.
    
     "In March this year, two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the restaurant. A total fine of $6,000 was levied by the court and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department's demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day licence suspension," a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.
    
     The licensee of the restaurant had a record of two convictions for the same offence in April last year and January this year. A total fine of $2,400 was levied and 30 demerit points were registered. The breaches led to licence suspension for seven days in March this year.
    
     The spokesman reminded licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR, or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
    
     Licensed food premises are required to exhibit a sign, at a conspicuous place near the main entrance, indicating that the premises has been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/index.html).