The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited on fraudulent websites and phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the websites should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 10) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 9) investigating a fatal case of paediatric influenza A infection.

     The nine-year-old girl, with underlying illnesses, has developed fever and convulsion since July 1. She was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on July 1 and was subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Prince of Wales Hospital for further management on July 2. Her condition deteriorated after admission and she passed away on July 4.
 
     Her nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A complicated with encephalitis.
 
     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history in the incubation period. Her elder brother had upper respiratory tract infection symptoms since June 27 and had recovered. Her other home contacts are asymptomatic so far.
 
     The case was referred to the Coroner for investigation.
 
     Epidemiological investigations revealed that there was an outbreak of influenza A infection in the school the girl attended. Apart from the patient, 12 students (nine boys and three girls) aged 6 to 17 and two staff members of the school have developed fever, cough and sore throat since June 27. All have sought medical attention and nine students required hospitalisation. They are now in a stable condition.
 
     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit to the school and advised the management on necessary infection control and preventive measures. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
 
     The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
 
     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
 

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub as an effective alternative;
• Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
• Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     For more information, please visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express.

     Concerning recent public requests on adopting greyhounds from the closing Canidrome Club in Macao, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has conducted a risk assessment on importation of the dogs and agreed with the Macao Authority on a special arrangement for importation of the greyhounds concerned by Hong Kong residents while ensuring that public and animal health in Hong Kong is not compromised.
 
     According to the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap 421A), any person who imports a live animal into Hong Kong must obtain a special permit from the AFCD in advance to prevent introduction of animal diseases into Hong Kong and safeguard public health. For importation of dogs and cats, the AFCD classifies places into three groups based on the different risk of rabies. In determining the above classification, the AFCD has taken into consideration the information about the surveillance and control of animal diseases provided by the World Organisation for Animal Health and other relevant factors. 
 
     Macao is currently categorised as a Group III place for importing dogs. Applicants must apply for a special permit from the AFCD in advance and submit a valid dog immunisation record to register for the quarantine facility on a first-come, first-served basis. An applicant will only be allowed to import the dog into Hong Kong upon successful completion of all importation requirements. Due to the strong demand, the waiting time for the quarantine facility for dogs is currently around four to five months. Dogs and cats imported from any Group III country/place are subject to quarantine of at least 120 days at a quarantine facility. Since the Canidrome Club will close on July 21 this year and citizens interested in adopting those dogs will not have sufficient time to complete the procedures of importing dogs into Hong Kong, the following special arrangement will be implemented by the AFCD to assist applicants interested in adoption.
 
     According to the agreement between Hong Kong and Macao, greyhounds to be imported into Hong Kong must be vaccinated against rabies, as well as other infectious diseases including canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus by official veterinarians with records. The dogs must also undergo blood sampling on the rabies antibody level conducted by the Macao Authority for submission to an AFCD approved laboratory for testing. If the antibody level meets the AFCD's requirement, applicants shall then arrange for the dogs to stay within the territory of Macao for not less than 90 days after the blood test. Applicants must also obtain export health certificates issued by the Macao Authority.
 
     Applicants shall submit the report on the rabies antibody level and the vaccination record of each dog to the AFCD on or before August 31 this year to apply for the special permit. The dogs shall comply with the terms stated in the special permit when arriving in Hong Kong and undergo a home quarantine for no less than 30 days.
 
     For any enquiries, please contact the AFCD at 2150 7141 or email fopc2@afcd.gov.hk.
 
     The AFCD appeals to citizens planning to keep a pet to adopt rather than purchase. To ensure good animal welfare, the public should think twice before keeping a pet, and consider if their living environment, lifestyle, household situation and more are suitable for pets, and whether they are prepared to take responsibility for the pet for life.

     A woman who went missing in Tuen Mun has been located.

     Li Yuet-man, aged 18, went missing after she left her residence in Shan King Estate on February 11, 2015. Her family made a report to Police on February 23, 2015.

     The woman turned up at Tuen Mun Police Station with her family to cancel the missing person report this afternoon (July 9).