Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Guangzhou Industry and Trade Technician College (GITTC) today (June 1) signed a memorandum of co-operation to strengthen their collaboration in the training of el… read more

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, June 1, 2018 is 99.8 (up 0.1 against yesterday’s index). read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 1) 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 May 25 to 31, the CHP recorded one confirmed DF case and the patient had been to Thailand during the incubation period.  
 
     As of yesterday (May 31), 23 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (10), the Philippines (six), Cambodia (two) and Vietnam (two).
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia. The latest figures for 2018 reveal that 13 164 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 1 096 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 46 in Japan. In the Americas, the latest figures indicate that 101 863 and 8 801 cases have been filed in Brazil and Mexico respectively 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 concentration of DEET of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP’s tips for using insect repellents for details. read more

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, concluded his visit to San Francisco, the United States, today (May 31, San Francisco time).
 
     He visited Visa Inc in the morning and met with the Vice President of Global Government Relations, Mr Todd Fox, to understand the company’s technological adoption and how it would remain relevant in the world of mobile payments and an Internet of Things environment.
 
     Mr Lau went on to pay a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco, Mr Luo Linquan, and gave updates on the latest developments in Hong Kong and how Hong Kong is embracing innovation and technology as an engine of growth.
 
    In the afternoon, Mr Lau met with Partner at 500 Startups Ms Edith Yeung to listen to her describe venture capitalist experience in investing in start-ups and training up early stage companies.
 
     Mr Lau was in San Francisco for three days to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in financial services and financial technology developments. He concluded his visit in the evening and will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow morning (June 2).

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     The 24th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tripartite Heads of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Meeting was held in Macao yesterday (May 31). Led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Lau Yip-shing, represen… read more