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 11) 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

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (January 11) the progress made in its handling of banking complaints received as at end-December 2018…. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 11) 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 January 4 to 10, the CHP confirmed two imported DF cases. The patients had been to the Philippines (one case) and Sri Lanka (one case) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (January 10), six cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were imported from Malaysia (two), Maldives (one), the Philippines (one), Sri Lanka (one) and Vietnam (one). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas of Asia and beyond. The latest figures revealed that 365 cases have been recorded in Singapore since December 30, 2018, and 201 cases in Japan last year. In Taiwan, no local cases have been recorded to date in 2019. In the Americas, the latest figures indicated that 247 393 and 78 621 cases were filed in Brazil and Mexico respectively in 2018.

     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 2 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. read more

     To meet changing circumstances, the Definition of Terms used in Statutory Plans (DoT), Broad Use Terms (BUT) and Master Schedule of Notes to Statutory Plans (MSN) are reviewed by the Town Planning Board from time to time. Further to the last revisions made in June 2017, the Board today (January 11) promulgated a revised set of DoT, BUT and MSN for clarity and to streamline the planning application process.
      
     In order to allow greater flexibility for uses/activities of “Art Studio” that would be allowed in industrial buildings in the “Industrial”, “Residential (Group E)” and “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Business” zones, an additional remark to the DoT for “Art Studio” has been added to state that “Art Studio (excluding those involving direct provision of services or goods)” means “any art studio which would not involve uses/activities that would attract visiting members of the general public by providing direct services or goods, such as hobby classes, seminars and sales of goods, or providing rehearsal facilities for any party other than the operator, owner and tenant(s) of the premises”.
      
     Given that district health centres are similar to medical consulting rooms in nature and modern markets are akin to general retail stores in operation, the BUT and DoT of “Shop and Services” are revised to include “health centre” and “market”. Opportunity is also taken to revise the DoT of “Public Clinic” to include health centre co-ordinated by the Government with a view to facilitating the provision of district health centres co-ordinated by the Government. Corresponding technical amendments are also made to the MSN as a result of the above revisions.
      
     Revisions to the DoT of “Telecommunications Radio Base Station” (RBS) are also made to provide flexibility on the location for installation of an RBS. An RBS may be installed at the rooftop or other parts of a building or structure with a view to fostering the development of 5G mobile services. The Board has also made revisions to the DoT of “Public Utility Installation” and “Utility Installation for Private Project” to allow small-scale electricity installations not exceeding 12 square metres (area) x 3 metres (height) within the “Village Type Development” zone to support Small House/New Territories Exempted House developments.
      
     The amendments take immediate effect while revisions to individual Outline Zoning Plans, as appropriate, will be made when the opportunity arises.
      
     The revised DoT, BUT and MSN are now available at the Secretariat of the Board at 15/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong (Tel: 2231 4810 or 2231 4835), the Board’s website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb), and at the Planning Enquiry Counters of the Planning Department in North Point and Sha Tin. read more

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (January 11) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches which are open all year round for swimming.  

     Four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).

Grade 1 beaches are: 
 

Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Golden Beach
Repulse Bay Beach
Silverstrand Beach

     Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.

     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. read more