The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 5) 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 September 28 to October 4, the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Mainland China during the incubation period. 

     As of yesterday (October 4), 110 cases had been confirmed this year, 29 of which were local cases and 81 imported cases. The imported cases were mainly imported from Thailand (30), the Philippines (15) and Cambodia (nine). Since September 4, the number of local DF cases recorded this year has remained at 29.
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2018 revealed that 61 917 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 2 139 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 130 in Japan. In Taiwan, 142 local cases have been recorded to date in 2018. In the Americas, the latest figures indicate that 36 101 cases have been filed in Mexico 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 light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) 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.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 5) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places of visit. The case is detailed below:
 

     "Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.    

     Locally, the CHP's surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed fever or lower respiratory symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.

     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) House Committee and Finance Committee held separate meetings today (October 5) to elect Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen for the 2018-2019 session.

     Ms Starry Lee and Mr Dennis Kwok were elected Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee respectively; Mr Chan Kin-por and Mr Chan Chun-ying were elected Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Finance Committee respectively.
 

     The Government announced today (October 5) that the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has appointed Ms Agnes Chan Sui-kuen and re-appointed Mr Edward Cheng Wai-sun as non-executive directors of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The two-year term of Ms Chan will begin on October 20, 2018, and that of Mr Cheng will begin on January 1, 2019. 
 
     Ms Chan is the Managing Partner, Hong Kong and Macau of Ernst & Young and Mr Cheng is the Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of Wing Tai Properties Limited. 
 
     Mr Chan said, "Ms Chan has a wealth of expertise and experience in financial services. I am confident that she will provide invaluable contribution to the work of the SFC.
 
     "Mr Cheng has provided valuable advice and guidance to the SFC during his tenure. I look forward to his continued support for the work of the SFC."
 
     He added, "I would also like to thank the outgoing non-executive director, Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau, for his active contribution to the work of the SFC over the past six years. His wise counsel has been conducive to enhancing the SFC's role as a regulator that focused on market quality. I look forward to his continued support for the further development of the financial services sector in Hong Kong."
 
     The SFC is currently chaired by Mr Carlson Tong. Other serving non-executive directors are Mr Albert Au Siu-cheung, Mr Lester Garson Huang, Mr James C Lin, Ms Mary Ma Xuezheng and Dr William Wong Ming-fung. 

     The Lands Department (LandsD) issued 12 pre-sale consents for residential developments and three pre-sale consents for non-residential developments in the third quarter of 2018.

     The 12 pre-sale consents for 11 residential developments (of which four are phased developments) involve a total of 6,979 residential units. Three developments in Lei Yue Mun, Tai Po and Yuen Long and a phase of each of two phased developments in Mid-Levels West and Yuen Long comprising a total of 2,164 residential units, are expected to be completed in 2019. Five developments in West Kowloon, Ma Tau Wai, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun and a phase of each of two phased developments in Mid-Levels West and Tseung Kwan O, comprising a total of 4,815 residential units, are expected to be completed in 2020.

     As at the end of September 2018, 28 applications for pre-sale consent for residential developments and four applications for pre-sale consent for non-residential developments were being processed.

     The 28 applications in respect of residential developments being processed involve a total of 15,341 residential units. Details are set out as follows:
 

 
     In addition, four applications for consent to assign involving a total of 2,380 residential units were being processed.

     Members of the public can obtain up-to-date information on consents issued for the past quarter and cases pending approval as at the end of September 2018 by visiting the LandsD’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk).

     Intending purchasers are advised to study carefully the details of the development and the sale procedures, through information available from public advertisements, and sales brochures and price lists released by the developer, before making a deposit for purchase. The sales brochure for a development also contains a summary of the provisions of the Deed of Mutual Covenant, including information on the common parts, the number of undivided shares assigned to each unit, the term of years for which the manager is appointed, the basis on which the management expenses are shared among the owners of the units, the basis on which the management fee deposit is fixed and the retained areas (if any), as well as a summary of the provisions of the government land grant, which intending purchasers are recommended to read carefully.