1823 responds to media report
In response to a media report today (August 24), the Efficiency Office made the following clarifications: The public can attach photos/videos when lodgin… read more
Author Archives: hksar gov
CHP investigates one additional local case of dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (August 24) one additional local case 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.
The case is detailed below:
| Sex | Male |
| Age | 66 |
| Any underlying illness | Yes |
| Onset date | August 18 |
| Symptoms | Fever, headache and rash |
| Residence | Lung Tsai Tsuen, Cheung Chau |
| Local movement during incubation period | Cheung Chau |
| Recollection of mosquito bite history | Yes |
| Travel history during incubation period | Nil |
| Medical attendance | Sought medical attention at St John Hospital on August 18 and 23; admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on August 23 |
| Condition | Stable |
| Condition of home contact(s) | Not applicable |
| Dengue virus laboratory result | Positive |
“We are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent possible spread of infection. The FEHD’s vector investigations, surveillance and control are ongoing. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
“The CHP, together with the FEHD, will conduct a health talk at Chuk Yuen Estate Community Centre at 8pm tonight to deliver health advice. The CHP has also provided information and details of geographical distribution on the local DF cases on the CHP’s designated webpage for DF to facilitate handy access to information for the public,” the spokesman said.
The CHP appeals to members of the public not to visit Lion Rock Park during the closure period in order to prevent contracting DF. Scientific studies have shown that infected persons can transmit the virus to mosquitoes through mosquito bites even if they remain asymptomatic or before their onset of symptoms, leading to further spread of the disease. Hence, people who have visited Lion Rock Park are advised to apply insect repellent for 14 days after their last visit, and those with DF symptoms should seek medical advice as early as possible.
Persons who have been to the vicinity of Wong Tai Sin (particularly Lion Rock Park), Kwai Shing West Estate, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Cheung Chau (Hillside Road, Tsan Tuen Road, Fa Peng Road, San Hing Street, Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road, Lung Tsai Tsuen and Xavier House), Highland Park, Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground, Wing Yiu Street, Tak Long Estate, Portland Street, Shanghai Street, Greenfield Garden, Jade Villa, Le Point and Ki Lun Tsuen with DF symptoms should call the CHP’s hotline (2125 1122) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. The hotline operates from 9am to 5.45pm daily.
“We have informed the Guangdong and Macao health authorities to alert them to the latest situation,” the spokesman added.
This is the 24th local case recorded this year. Separately, from August 18 to 24, the CHP recorded four confirmed imported DF cases. The patients had been to the Philippines (two cases), Indonesia (one case) and Thailand (one case) during the incubation period. Excluding the local cases, as of today, 61 imported cases had been recorded in 2018. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (26), the Philippines (12) and Cambodia (seven).
Separately, from August 18 to 24, the CHP recorded one imported chikungunya fever (CF) case. The patient had been to the Philippines during the incubation period. As of yesterday, one confirmed case of CF had been recorded in 2018.
In the rainy season, 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.
SCMA visits Basic Law Library (with photos)
The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Basic Law Library (the Library) this afternoon (August 24) to see for himself the facilities and collections there and to keep abreast of its operation.
Joined by two summer interns and accompanied by colleagues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and library staff, Mr Nip paid a visit to the Library located at the City Hall Public Library in Central. The Library opened in 2004 as a joint project of the LCSD and the Basic Law Institute.
Mr Nip was informed that the Library collections included the Basic Law Collection originally housed in the Hong Kong Central Library, as well as about 17,600 items such as books, journals and multimedia information; reference materials on the Basic Law collated by the Government professional bodies, academic institutions and community organisations; and documents and newspaper clippings relating to the drafting and implementation of the Basic Law. Online database workstations are also available in the Library for use by the public.
He then toured the Extension Activities Room of the City Hall Public Library and listened to a briefing by staff members on the various kinds of activities organised in the past to promote the use of the Library.
Mr Nip said, “The Constitution and the Basic Law form the constitutional basis of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Basic Law sets out clearly the country’s basic policies regarding Hong Kong. It enshrines the important concepts of ‘one country, two systems’, ‘Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong’ and a high degree of autonomy. It also prescribes the various systems to be practised in the HKSAR and sets out the blueprint for the HKSAR’s future development.
“Since the establishment of the HKSAR, the Government has been promoting the Basic Law through civic education, school education and training for civil servants. To step up the promotional efforts, the Government established in 1998 a Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee to provide steer on the overall programme and strategy in promoting the Basic Law and to co-ordinate promotional efforts of the Government and the community.
“The Basic Law is closely related to our daily lives. It is therefore very important to have an accurate understanding of the constitutional document. With its resourceful collections, the Library offers a wide variety of channels for the public to understand the Basic Law. I hope that members of the public can make the best use of the Library to deepen their understanding of the Basic Law.”
Asian Youth Orchestra performs in Tokyo (with photo)
The Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) played a concert in Tokyo, Japan, today (August 24) as part of its concert tour across Asia. Comprising about 100 young musicians from various parts of Asia, the AYO had e… read more
Toll levels of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Main Bridge announced
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority (HZMBA) announced yesterday (August 23) that with the approval and consent of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the toll levels of the HZMB Main Bridge (per vehicle per trip) have been confirmed as follows:
Light passenger vehicles (private cars, hire cars): RMB150
Heavy passenger vehicles (cross-boundary coaches): RMB200
Shuttle buses: RMB300
Container trucks: RMB115
Goods vehicles: RMB60
For details, please refer to the following website with the relevant information released by the HZMBA (Chinese only): mp.weixin.qq.com/s/li28iBugb6P4MnAbPdbRPA
A spokesman for the Transport Department said that the HZMB Main Bridge is located within Mainland waters and the toll plaza is also situated in the Mainland. According to the territoriality principle (i.e. handling all issues in accordance with the respective local laws) and the Inter-Governmental Agreement in Respect of the Construction, Operation, Maintenance and Management of the HZMB, the HZMBA, which is responsible for the operation of the Main Bridge, will collect tolls from vehicles using the HZMB Main Bridge in accordance with the laws of the Mainland. The toll levels have been approved according to the Mainland’s laws and procedures (including the holding of the hearing on toll levels with the participation of representatives from the three places) after the completion of relevant discussion by the three governments. read more