The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 8) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From November 1 to yesterday (November 7), the CHP recorded six imported DF cases. The patients had been to Guangdong Province (Foshan (four cases) and Zhongshan (one case)) and India (one case) during their incubation periods.

     As of yesterday, 131 cases of DF, including 127 imported and four local cases, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmissions, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, had resulted in close to a historic high of over 6.5 million cases, and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, have recorded about 12 million cases, a record number.
 
     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) compared to the same period last year.
 
     According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, the number of DF cases recorded in Guangdong Province in the past three months continued to increase. Most of the cases were locally acquired infection. Information from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention further showed that in the past week from October 28 to November 3, more than 1 700 local DF cases were recorded, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Zhanjiang and Zhongshan.
 
     In addition, the number of DF cases in Macao has been increasing recently. Since the first local case of this year reported on October 23, eight local cases have been reported in Macao as of yesterday.
     
     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     The continued occurrence of DF cases outside Hong Kong, coupled with the frequent travel by residents to and from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and other areas, has resulted in an increased risk of importing DF cases into Hong Kong, posing a risk of local transmission.

     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     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.

     
     â€‹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
• Reapply 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 following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Chek Lap Kok last night (November 7), in which a male worker, while installing a suspended walkway at the roof level of the concourse under construction, fell from height to the ground. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

     The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident, and issued suspension notices to the relevant contractors, suspending the installation of the walkway at the location concerned. The contractors cannot resume the work until the LD is satisfied that measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

     The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."

     To prevent workers from falling while working at height, the LD reminds employers to take suitable safety measures, including providing workers with suitable working platforms and ensuring that they are properly used throughout the work. If the provision of suitable working platforms is not practicable, employers should provide suitable full-body harnesses to workers, which shall be attached continuously to suitable and secure anchor points, or independent lifelines with fall arresting systems; and ensure the proper use of the personal fall protection equipment by workers.

     The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years on conviction on indictment; or $3 million and imprisonment for six months on summary conviction.

     In regard to yesterday's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

     The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

     For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and properly use personal protective equipment provided to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers. 

    The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed "Contribute", "Fastrack", "Lightshadow" and "Twilight", and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed "Powerplayer" and "Windsand", for four consecutive days from November 4 to yesterday (November 7). A total of 19 suspected illegal workers, six suspected employers, two suspected aider and abettors, and four illegal immigrants were arrested.

     During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 61 target locations including tea shops, massage parlours, residential buildings and restaurants. Fifteen suspected illegal workers, five suspected employers and two suspected aider and abettors were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised five men and 10 women, aged 31 to 58. Among them, one man and one woman were suspected of using and being in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards. Two men and three women, aged 25 to 54, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were arrested. Two women, aged 44 and 63, who were suspected of aiding and abetting a person who breached the condition of stay in Hong Kong, were also arrested.
 
     During operation "Powerplayer", enforcement officers raided 78 target locations in the New Territories North district. Four suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer and four illegal immigrants were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised two men and two women, aged 40 to 65. Among them, one man was a holder of recognisance form, which prohibits him from taking any employment. One woman, aged 43, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was arrested. The arrested illegal immigrants comprised four men, aged 39 to 69.

     An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."

     The spokesman warned, "As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years' imprisonment."

     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (November 8) that a tender of 2-year RMB Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on November 14, 2024 (Thursday), for settlement on November 18, 2024 (Monday).
      
     A total of RMB1.0 billion 2-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on November 18, 2026 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.04 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
      
     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
      
     Tender results will be published on the HKMA's website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK <GO>) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
      
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender information
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     Tender information of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: 
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (November 8) that a tender of 10-year RMB Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, for settlement on Monday, November 18, 2024.

     A total of RMB1.5 billion 10-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on November 20, 2034 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.46 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.

     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

     Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK<GO>) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information
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     Tender information of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: