Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 3) 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 August 26 to September 1, three community-acquired LD cases were reported. They are:
 

1. A male patient, aged 61 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Ka Ming House, Ka Shing Court, Fanling;
2. A male patient, aged 58 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Tai On Building, Sai Wan Ho; and
3. A male patient, aged 58 with good past health, who lives in Stage 4, Marina Cove, Sai Kung.

     “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 September 1, 63 LD cases had been reported in 2018. In 2017 and 2016, there were 72 and 75 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:
 

1. Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
2. Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices. A shower may also generate small aerosols; and
3. If using these devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not tap water. Also, clean and maintain them regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water. 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;
• 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 medical advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile (not distilled or tap) water to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain them 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. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

     1. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
     2. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
     3. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
     4. 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

The following is issued on behalf of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council:
 
     The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council reminded interested applicants today (September 3) that its Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies for the academic year 2019/20 have been accepting applications since July 3. The closing date for all applications is September 14, 2018.
 
     The fellowships and scholarships aim at encouraging outstanding students to pursue further education in reputable institutions overseas. Successful candidates for the awards are expected to have a strong sense of commitment to Hong Kong and be ready to contribute significantly to the community upon graduation. 
 
     The fellowships are for studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or by coursework; the scholarships are for studies leading to undergraduate degrees.
 
     The applicants will be responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.
 
     The maximum value of a fellowship is HK$300,000 per year, tenable for up to three years for a doctoral degree or two years for a master degree. The maximum value of a scholarship is HK$280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.
 
     Application forms and information notes can be downloaded from the website of the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency at www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/forms/form.htm.
 
The documents are also available at the following offices:
 
(a)     Student Finance Office
         Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency
         Reception Hall, 11/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices
         303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon
         Hong Kong
 
(b)     Trust Funds and Temples Joint Secretariat
         Reception Counter, 34/F, Wu Chung House
         213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
         Hong Kong
 
     For enquiries, please call (852) 2150 6097 or (852) 2150 6098.
 
     Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend interviews in person in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for January 2019. If found suitable, applicants will be invited for a final interview to be held around February/March 2019. read more

     Traffic conditions were mostly smooth and public transport services were generally adequate to meet demand this morning on the first school day today (September 3), the Transport Department said.
 
     The department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) has been closely monitoring the traffic situation and public transport services since 6.30am today. Staff were deployed to monitor the traffic and transport situation on-site at various major public transport interchanges and school areas. They provided updated information to the ETCC for arranging public transport service enhancement or informing the Police for traffic regulation when necessary.
 
     “As in previous years, students are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school during the first few days of the new school term to determine the most suitable travel patterns,” a department spokesman said.
 
     The department will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services in the next few days when more schools begin to resume their normal school hours. Close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments will also be maintained.
 
     The spokesman reminded students to allow more time for travel and pay attention to road safety. Those living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands are advised to check in advance the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and journey times on their intended ferry trips. Meanwhile, in view of possible congestion in school areas, motorists should avoid driving to these areas.
 
     Drivers of nanny vans and school buses are also reminded to drive carefully, especially on steep roads, in narrow lanes or at locations where driving in reverse is necessary. Overloading is prohibited and they are not allowed to leave students unattended in the vehicles. An escort should be provided on board when serving kindergarten or primary school students.
 
     The road traffic, especially on major trunk roads and in some cross-harbour tunnels, is likely to become busier as compared with the situation in the summer holidays. Passenger demand for public transport services will also increase sharply. Members of the public are advised to allow more time for their trips during the morning peak hours.
 
     Members of the public should pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news on radio and television before leaving home. For enquiries, please call the department’s hotline at 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre.
 
     For enquiries on schedules of bus, ferry or railway services, please call the following hotlines or visit the websites of the major public transport operators:
 

Operator	Hotline	Website
New World First Bus	2136 8888	www.nwstbus.com.hk
Citybus	2873 0818	www.nwstbus.com.hk
Kowloon Motor Bus	2745 4466	www.kmb.hk
Long Win Bus	2261 2791	www.lwb.hk
New Lantao Bus	2984 9848	www.newlantaobus.com
New World First Ferry	2131 8181	www.nwff.com.hk
Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry	2815 6063	www.hkkf.com.hk
MTR Corporation Limited	2881 8888	www.mtr.com.hk

 
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     To widen the scope of the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF), the Education Bureau announced today (September 3) the launch of an initiative for recognition of professional qualifications under the HKQF.
      
     A spokesperson for the Education Bureau said, “Before the launching of the initiative, qualifications recognised under the HKQF were confined to those obtained from completion of learning programmes as well as through the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ mechanism for recognising work experiences and competencies. Recognition of professional qualifications promotes a wider application of the HKQF and uplifts the professional image of vocational and professional education and training.”
      
     Professional qualifications recognised under the HKQF refer to qualifications granted by bona fide local organisations that are not underpinned by associated learning programmes. Individuals should meet the requisite academic qualifications and prescribed years of industry or professional experience, as well as complete robust assessments in written or practical formats in order to obtain the qualifications.
      
     Eligible organisations including professional and regulatory bodies may apply to become assessment agencies for issuing professional qualifications under the HKQF. Upon successful completion of accreditation by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and appointment by the Secretary for Education as assessment agencies, the professional and regulatory bodies can issue qualifications which are recognised under the HKQF and registered on the Qualifications Register.
      
     “The Education Bureau invited the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) and the Marine Department to undergo accreditation by HKCAAVQ for issuing professional qualifications during the pilot phase. Both the HKICPA and the Marine Department have successfully completed the accreditation and been appointed by the Secretary for Education as assessment agencies for issuing Associate Level qualification and seven types of Certificates of Competency (CoCs), namely CoCs for Deck Officer Class 3, Class 2 and Class 1; CoCs for Marine Engineer Officer Class 3, Class 2 and Class 1; and CoC for Electro-technical Officer respectively for five years with effect from today. These qualifications are now recognised under the HKQF,” the spokesperson added.
      
     Guidelines for organisations to become assessment agencies for issuing professional qualifications under the HKQF can be downloaded from the HKQF website www.hkqf.gov.hk. read more

     The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) is inviting applications under the 2019 Children’s Rights Education Funding Scheme (the Scheme). The deadline for application is October 31, 2018.

     A spokesman for the CMAB said today (September 3), “The Government is committed to working together with community organisations to promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and enhance the public’s understanding of children’s rights.” 

     Enthusiastic support from organisations for the Scheme has been received in every round of applications since the establishment of the Scheme in 2006. The community activities funded under the Scheme are targeted at different social groups, and have enhanced the public’s awareness of children’s rights. So far, the Scheme has funded over 300 projects carried out by various non-government organisations, including community organisations, children’s groups, ethnic minority groups, and secondary and primary schools.

    The Scheme in 2019 continues to offer sponsorships under the “General Project” and “Theme Project” categories. Projects sponsored under the “Theme Project” category shall adopt “Growing Up in a Fulfilling Childhood with Care and Inclusion” as the theme. Through organising different types of activities or services, applicants may encourage children with diverse backgrounds and special needs to proactively participate in community activities together, thereby facilitating mutual understanding and acceptance amongst children. The Government aims to encourage and enable more community organisations to undertake educational projects to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the children’s rights enshrined in the Convention.
  
     Application forms are available from the website of the CMAB(www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/child_funding.htm). For enquiries, please contact the Children’s Rights Unit of the CMAB at 3655 4179. read more