Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) has completed the review on the export control of powdered formulae. Having analysed the market situation and taken into due consideration the stakeholders’ views, the FHB has decided to maintain the status quo for the export control at this stage.
 
     The Import and Export (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2013 prohibits the export of powdered formulae for infants and young children under 36 months from Hong Kong except with a licence issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry. Having regard to the need for personal use, each person aged 16 or above may carry not more than a total net weight of 1.8 kilograms of powdered formulae (equivalent to about two cans) on his or her first departure from Hong Kong within a 24-hour period.
 
     A spokesman for the FHB today (February 25) said, “Before making the decision, we have listened to the views of the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene, the Committee on Supply Chain of Powdered Formula, those District Councils which have expressed concerns on the review and different stakeholders in society, as well as the outcome of market surveys.
 
     “We expect that the potential non-local demand for powdered formulae in the local market will remain huge. In fact, the volume of powdered formulae re-exported from Hong Kong through normal trading activities has increased significantly since the implementation of the export control in 2013. Meanwhile, the number of convicted cases in breach of the export control has maintained at around 3 800 per year since 2016. No downward trend has been seen. These show that parallel trading activities on powdered formulae are still persistent.”
 
     For the purpose of the review, the FHB conducted six rounds of market surveys in 2018, covering pharmacies and chain stores selling powdered formulae in the 18 districts territory-wide. The survey results showed that nine out of 10 times fieldworkers were able to buy designated powdered formula products immediately at the retail outlets randomly sampled. For those occasions when the retail outlets did not have readily available stocks of the designated powdered formula products, the fieldworkers could buy the same products after visiting one to two retail outlets within around a five-minute walking distance nearby on the same day in most circumstances. The export control has a significant role in safeguarding the stable supply of powdered formulae at local retail outlets. The stable supply of powdered formulae over the past few years has put local parents at ease. There are no other measures which can easily replace the export control at this stage.
 
     The spokesman added that the Government will keep in view the operation of the supply chain of powdered formulae, as well as the changes in the potential non-local demand for powdered formulae in the local retail market, so as to safeguard the stable supply of powdered formulae in Hong Kong.
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 25) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, and that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.
 
     From February 17 to 23, two community-acquired LD cases were reported. They are:
 

1. A male patient, aged 60 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Tak On House, Hau Tak Estate, Po Ning Road, Sai Kung; and
2. A male patient, aged 68 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Big Wave Bay Village, Southern District.

     “Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     As of February 23, five LD cases had been reported in 2019. In 2018 and 2017, there were 105 and 72 cases respectively.
 
     “Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems leading to stagnant water; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels,” the spokesman said.

     Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus which support breathing. People may get infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

     Immunocompromised persons should:
 

• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices. A shower may also generate small aerosols; and
• If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

    
     The public should observe the health advice below:
 

• Observe personal hygiene;
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
• If a fresh water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
• Drain or purge for at least one minute the infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
• Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

     1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
     2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
     3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
     4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
     5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

     The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD. read more

     Firing practice will take place at two military sites, namely the San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range and the Tsing Shan Firing Range, next month (March).        Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing a… read more

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (February 25) reminded students who have plans to enrol in the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions that they should file their online applications starting from March 1.
      
     According to the detailed arrangements for the Admission Scheme in 2019 announced by the Ministry of Education, 112 Mainland higher education institutions (listed in the Annex) will consider the admission of Hong Kong students based on their results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, thus exempting them from taking the Joint Entrance Examination for Universities on the Mainland. Candidates sitting for the HKDSE Examination in 2019 are eligible for enrolment in the Admission Scheme.
      
     A spokesperson for the EDB said that, similar to last year’s arrangements, the enrolment process of the Admission Scheme will consist of online application and subsequent on-site confirmation of application. The Ministry of Education has commissioned the Co-Office of the Mainland Chinese Universities and Colleges of the People’s Republic of China for the Joint Examinations and Enrolment of the Students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese-Resident Areas and Countries (the Joint Enrolment Office) to handle online application and admission screening. It has also commissioned the China Education Exchange (HK) Centre for on-site confirmation of applications, eligibility vetting and admission publicity.
      
     “Eligible Hong Kong students enrolled in undergraduate programmes of designated Mainland institutions can apply for a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy under the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS). Application details for MUSSS for the 2019/20 academic year will be announced in mid-2019,” he added.
      
     Students should file their online applications and make online appointments for on-site confirmation from March 1 to 20 at the website of the Joint Enrolment Office (www.eeagd.edu.cn) by clicking on “Admission of Hong Kong Students” under the menu of “Application and Examination”. In addition, applicants can choose to upload Student Learning Profiles via the online application system during the period from March 1 to May 31. Students who have completed online applications and made appointments for on-site confirmation should attend in person from March 11 to 29 at one of the following venues:
 
1. On-site confirmation centre in Hong Kong Island district
    (Monday to Saturday 1000 to 1800)
    Function Room 3, 38/F,
    Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Soho,
    83 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
    Enquiry hotline: 2542 4811
 
2. On-site confirmation centre in Kowloon district
    (Monday to Friday 1000 to 1800)
    Room W404,
    4/F, West Block,
    Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre,
    Education Bureau, 19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong
    Enquiry hotline: 3698 4466
 
     Candidates should bring along the following documents in order to complete on-site confirmation:
      
(a) Hong Kong identity card and valid “Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents” or “Residence Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents” and their copies;
(b) a printed copy of the completed online enrolment form;
(c) a digital photo (format: JPG; size in pixels: 168(W) x 240(H), within 35KB) (candidates can either upload their photos to the online application system or take photos during on-site confirmation free of charge); and
(d) relevant original documents of proof if they have filled in activity or award information via the online application system.
 
     Candidates should, after completing online application, attend on-site confirmation in person at the time and place confirmed by the online application system. They should also pay an enrolment fee of HK$420 in cash during on-site confirmation.
      
     All applicants enrolling in the Admission Scheme should complete the on-site confirmation process before entering the admission stage. In case applicants cannot attend on-site confirmation at the time and venue previously confirmed by the online application system, they should log in to the online application website (www.eeagd.edu.cn) again and reserve another time and venue for on-site confirmation.
      
     According to the admission procedure for 2019, institutions may arrange interviews based on the application information submitted by candidates and will announce admission results on the website in late July. As some institutions may advance the practical examinations, interested candidates should pay attention to the institutions’ related arrangements for interviews or practical examinations. Institutions will also, based on their admission results, arrange on-line supplementary enrolment (offer of surplus admission quotas) in late July and announce the clearing admission results via the web.
      
     Jointly compiled by the EDB, the China Education Exchange (HK) Centre and Hok Yau Club, a Chinese handbook on the Admission Scheme provides comprehensive information on the Scheme and further study on the Mainland, including information on all institutions participating in the Scheme, programmes offered, strategy on programme choices, and sharing by graduates of Mainland universities. The e-version of the handbook and details of the Scheme have been posted on the website of the EDB (www.edb.gov.hk/expo18). read more

     The Public Records Office (PRO) of the Government Records Service is holding the “Pleasure and Leisure: A Glimpse of Children’s Pastimes in Hong Kong” exhibition at the Hong Kong Public Records Building from today (February 25) to showcase how children’s pastimes in Hong Kong evolved from the 1950s to the 1980s through the display of a variety of the PRO’s holdings. Apart from reliving joyful childhood moments, one can also learn more about the transformation of Hong Kong’s society and livelihoods in those years.
 
     The historical photographs, audio-visual materials and government archival records on display in the exhibition document how children spent their leisure time in the old days, as well as how toys and games, recreational facilities and community activities catering for children evolved over the decades.
 
     The variety of the exhibits is enriched by the Hong Kong Museum of History and local toy collectors Mr Chong Hing-fai, Mr Ricky Lau and Mr Eddie Yuen, who generously allowed their precious toy collections to be displayed in turn during the exhibition period. While immersing in childhood joy, visitors will also be able to understand more about the different facets of Hong Kong’s society and people’s lives in those days.
 
     The PRO has for the first time combined an exhibition with two public engagement programmes, namely “Childlike Innocence on Camera” and “Share the Joy”, inviting members of the public to contribute photographs taken from the 1950s to the 1980s that depict their childhood play times and contribute plastic or metallic toys popular at any time during the same period. Selected photographs and toys contributed by the public will be uploaded to the exhibition’s dedicated webpage and displayed in the Exhibition Hall respectively, thereby completing the exhibition as a collage of fond memories of fun childhood times unique to each and every person.
 
     The dedicated webpage (www.grs.gov.hk/ws/online/pal/en/index.html) for the exhibition contains reference resources, details of the aforementioned public engagement programmes and information on the upcoming roving exhibitions and talks under the same theme which will be held from April to December at various Hong Kong Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Members of the public are welcome to view some 200 photographs from archival holdings which depict interesting moments of childhood play in the old days in the “Image Gallery” section of the webpage.
 
     The “Pleasure and Leisure: A Glimpse of Children’s Pastimes in Hong Kong” exhibition is open from today at the Exhibition Hall, 2/F, Hong Kong Public Records Building, 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.45pm (closed on public holidays). Admission is free.
 
     For enquiries or group visit reservations, please contact the Public Records Office at 2195 7700 during office hours.

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