In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Security Bureau today (August 24) gave the following reply:

     The legal representative of the spokesman of the Hong Kong National Party wrote to the Security Bureau earlier, requesting an extension of the deadline for making written representations in accordance with section 8(3) of the Societies Ordinance. Having considered the matter, the Secretary for Security has decided to extend the period for representation. The Hong Kong National Party may make representations to the Secretary for Security on or before September 11. The Security Bureau has informed the Hong Kong National Party of the decision.

     In response to a media report today (August 24), the Efficiency Office made the following clarifications:
      
     The public can attach photos/videos when lodging enquiries/complaints with the 1823.  The channels include emails (tellme@1823.gov.hk), web form (www.1823.gov.hk) or the 1823 mobile app (Tell me@1823).  In general, photos taken by mobile phones can be uploaded.  In the past two months alone, 1823 has received more than 43 000 photo/video attachments.
      
     Regarding the case in the news report, following established procedures, 1823 has referred the case to the relevant departments for follow up action, and conveyed a reply to the complainant in a timely manner.
      
     A spokesman for the Efficiency Office indicated that in the light of rising aspirations on the quality of public services, 1823 strives to enhance its services.  The plans include improving and updating the 1823 system from time to time and the introduction of chatbot services in order to render better services through the adoption of innovation and technology.

     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:
 

     "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.
   

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the DF pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the FEHD's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding for more information.

     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."

        

     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 earlier performed in Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Xiamen, Xian, Beijing, Manila, Chiayi, Taipei and Ayase. The concerts in Tokyo today and tomorrow (August 25) will conclude this season’s tour.
 
     The performances by the AYO in Tokyo are supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo.
 
     Based in Hong Kong, the AYO attracts many bright young musicians from all over Asia to Hong Kong every year, and takes them to different parts of the world for performances and cultural exchange.
 
     The AYO has been playing a significant role in promoting arts and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan. The AYO’s first public concert in 1990 was held in Kumamoto, Japan. Since then, Japan has been one of the destinations for the AYO tour almost every year. The AYO was awarded Japan’s Praemium Imperiale Grant for Young Artists in 2010 in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the development of young artistic talent. It was also awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture and Community in 2015 for promoting friendship and understanding of young people across Asia through the common language of music.
 
     To tie in with the official visit to Japan by the Chief Executive, the AYO will present a special concert in Tokyo later this year with around 30 musicians from Hong Kong and Japan who have performed in the AYO previously.