Author Archives: hksar gov

     The latest test results of the opening-up investigation in the second stage of the holistic assessment strategy for the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) project (as at January 28) are now available at the Highways Department’s website for the SCL project (www.hyd.gov.hk/en/road_and_railway/railway_projects/scl/index.html) for reference by the public. read more

     â€‹â€‹The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (January 28) officiated at the presentation ceremony for the Secretary for Home Affairs’ Commendation Scheme 2018 and presented commendation certificates and pins to 35 volunteer leaders and 18 youth volunteer leaders of youth uniformed groups, as well as to 48 youths who have performed outstandingly in volunteer services and youth activities.
 
     Mr Lau congratulated the volunteer leaders and youths who received the awards. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, he said that uniformed groups have always been reliable partners of the Government in carrying out youth development work. By providing diverse activities and training for youths to develop a positive attitude and can-do spirit, uniformed groups have helped their members to become outstanding leaders and good citizens. Their activities and training have also enabled young people to broaden their horizons beyond regular classes, enhance their confidence and sense of responsibility, and learn the benefits of co-operation and discipline with the aim of attaining whole-person development, he said. He added that he was pleased to see that uniformed groups have continuously contributed to society, produced countless future pillars of society and laid a solid foundation for society’s development.
 
     Mr Lau also praised the awardees in the youth category for demonstrating excellent leadership skills and a spirit to serve. He said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development and will continue to promote diverse pathways for the development for young people. It will also provide platforms for youths of various backgrounds, interests and potential to excel, in the hope that they will contribute to both society and the country in future.
 
     Established in 2002, the Secretary for Home Affairs’ Commendation Scheme recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community building, community service, youth work and other areas, including a category dedicated to uniformed group volunteer leaders to commend their efforts and contributions in youth development. All the volunteer leaders commended in the ceremony have provided services for their respective uniformed groups for at least 10 years, while the youth volunteer leaders commended were aged 30 or below and had served their respective uniformed groups for at least five years.
 
     The youth category aims to recognise outstanding young people who have actively participated in social services, or have excelled in individual volunteer service or youth activities. It is also hoped that the Scheme’s awardees will serve as role models for the younger generation and encourage young people to participate enthusiastically in volunteer services and youth activities.

      

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 28) investigating an influenza A outbreak at a primary school in Sha Tin, and again reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
 
     The outbreak involves 12 boys and 12 girls aged 6 to 8 who have developed fever, cough and sore throat since January 11. All of them sought medical attention. Among them, one student required hospitalisation and was discharged following treatment. All patients are in a stable condition.

     The nasopharyngeal aspirate of one affected student tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the school to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
 
     A spokesman for the CHP said, “To prevent outbreaks of influenza and other respiratory infections, it is of prime importance that children with fever, regardless of the presence of respiratory symptoms, should not be allowed to attend school. They should seek medical advice and avoid school till 48 hours after the fever has subsided. Schools should also measure and record students’ body temperature properly.”

     Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up.
 
     “The latest surveillance data indicated that the local seasonal influenza activity may remain at an elevated level for some time. We urge the community to continue heightening its vigilance against seasonal influenza. As young children are particularly affected in the influenza season, we appeal to parents who have not yet arranged vaccination for their children in this season to do so as soon as possible to strengthen their personal protection,” the spokesman said.

     Apart from children, people aged 50 to 64 years, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses who have not yet received influenza vaccination this season are also urged to get vaccinated as early as possible to prevent seasonal influenza as it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body after vaccination. Medical advice should be sought promptly if influenza-like symptoms develop so that appropriate treatment can be initiated as early as possible to prevent potential complications. Parents and carers are reminded to render assistance in prevention, care and control for vulnerable people.

     Besides receiving seasonal influenza vaccination as early as possible for personal protection, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses. For more information, please visit the CHP’s influenza page and weekly Flu Express. read more

     Hong Kong Customs today (January 28) seized about 3.1 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $650,000 at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted a 33-year-old incoming male passenger at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point this morning and found in his rucksack about 3.1kg of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside tinfoil packets.

     The male passenger was thus arrested and investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drugs is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Customs also reminds that cannabis and tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) are classified as dangerous drugs under the Ordinance. Importation of products (including food and drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of food and drinks.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     Police today (January 28) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Lantau South.      Chung Kwok-fai, aged 45, went missing after he was last seen on South Lantau Road near Fu K… read more