Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 7) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza.

     The case involves a 16-year-old boy with underlying illness. He has presented with fever, cough and vomiting since August 4 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital the next day (August 5) due to worsening symptoms, and was transferred to United Christian Hospital for management on the same day. His respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. He is in stable condition after treatment and is still being hospitalised.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic. The CHP’s investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, “Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.”

     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• 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;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 7) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

     From July 30 to August 5, three community-acquired LD cases were reported:
 

1. A male patient, aged 59 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Block E, Ming Wah Dai Ha, Shau Kei Wan;
2. A male patient, aged 69 with good past health, who lives in Bonham Crest, Mid-levels; and
3. A male patient, aged 85 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Block G, Kornhill, Quarry Bay.

     “Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     As of August 5, 63 LD cases had been reported this year. In 2022 and 2021, there were 80 and 69 cases respectively.

     “Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems leading to stagnant water; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels,” the spokesman said.

     Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

     Immunocompromised persons should:
 

• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices. A shower may also generate small aerosols; and
• If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily. 

     
    â€‹The public should observe the health advice below:
 

• Observe personal hygiene;
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
• If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
• Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
• Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes: 

1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

    â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD. read more

The following press release is issued on behalf of the Advisory Council on the Environment:
     
     The Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE) is saddened by the recent discovery of the carcass of a young Bryde’s whale in the waters near Port Shelter in Sai Kung.

     The ACE noted that the Secretary for the Environment and Ecology and the relevant departments have spoken and issued press releases on the subject matter. The ACE is also aware of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)’s and the relevant experts’ efforts in monitoring and striving to tackle the issue through stepping up patrols, publicity, public education, etc, since the report of the sighting of the Bryde’s whale. There were also attempts to explore ways to help the whale leave the shallow waters of Hong Kong in consultation with the experts. The ACE is in support of the four tasks announced by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology aiming to prevent recurrence of similar events in the future, which included strengthening public education, formulating a set of protocols to handle similar situations, learning from the experience of other places and reviewing and modifying the law. While understanding that law amendments will take time, the ACE hopes that the relevant departments will endeavour to implement some short-term solutions and feasible measures for handling different species that may enter the Hong Kong waters.   

     The ACE spokesman said, “Some people were excited about the sighting of the Bryde’s whale and might have sailed the sea to watch the whale out of curiosity, posing pressure and threats to the young Bryde’s whale. This unfortunate incident has taught us a valuable lesson with which the general public would resonate, that is, understanding human beings should abide by the laws of nature. After this incident, we should strengthen our understanding and conservation of the nature, learn to be members who respect and live harmoniously with the nature, and give all fauna and flora species the space they need to grow in a natural way based on the principles of understanding and mutual respect. Apart from the above, we should also enhance our learning through different channels, such as by participating in the Orienteering into the Country Parks, public guided tours and public workshops organised by the AFCD, or browsing its Hong Kong Biodiversity Online; understand more about and cherish the natural treasures of Hong Kong; and strengthen the protection and conservation of biodiversity.” read more

​     The Home Affairs Department will continue to open 19 community halls/community centres as temporary heat shelters today (August 7).

     The temporary heat shelters will remain open for people to take refuge from the heat when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. From 10.30pm to 8am the next day, the temporary heat shelters will also provide bedding and a sleeping place for people in need. The shelters are manned by duty attendants.

     For further information, please call the department’s hotline before midnight on 2572 8427.

     The heat shelters are located at:

Hong Kong Island:
———————
 
Central and Western –
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
 
Eastern –
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
 
Southern –
Wah Kwai Community Centre
Wah Kwai Estate, Kellett Bay
 
Wan Chai –
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
 
Kowloon Districts:
——————
 
Kowloon City –
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
 
Kwun Tong –
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
 
Sham Shui Po –
Lai Kok Community Hall
Lai Kok Estate, Cheung Sha Wan

Wong Tai Sin –
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
 
Yau Tsim Mong –
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
 
New Territories Districts:
————————–
 
Islands –
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung
 
Kwai Tsing –
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Chung
 
North –
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
 
Sai Kung –
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
 
Sha Tin –
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po –
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
 
Tsuen Wan –
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
 
Tuen Mun –
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun 

Yuen Long –
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long

Yuen Long –
Tin Yiu Community Centre
Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai

     In addition to the above heat shelters, a number of community halls/community centres can also be used for taking refuge from the heat during their operating hours. For their address details, please browse the following document: www.had.gov.hk/file_manager/en/documents/public_services/emergency_services/List_CH_CC_Day_E.pdf. read more

     The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (August 7) said that the Secretary for Justice has decided to appeal against the decision of the Court of First Instance (CFI) of the High Court made on July 28 to refuse granting an interim injunction for prohibiting four classes of unlawful acts relating to a song. The DoJ has filed the application for leave to appeal to the court.

     “The Secretary for Justice acting as a guardian of public interest applied for the interim injunction for the purpose of discharging the constitutional responsibility of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security by effectively preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment on acts or activities endangering national security, and to preserve the dignity of the National Anthem,” a spokesman for the DoJ emphasised.

     The DoJ’s spokesman pointed out that the CFI in its judgment agreed there can be little doubt that the song, “Glory to Hong Kong” (the Song), was used to incite secession, and the four classes of acts that the application for interim injunction sought to prohibit are plainly or likely to constitute criminal activities. The court’s views include:

(1) The court considered there can be little doubt that the Song was used and used effectively by people with intention to incite secession and/or sedition, and was designed to arouse anti-establishment sentiment and belief in the separation of Hong Kong from the People’s Republic of China;

(2) The court also considered there is reasonable ground to believe that the existence of the videos on YouTube entitled “Hong Kong National Anthem” had contributed to the playing of the Song erroneously as the national anthem in international sports events on numerous occasions;

(3) The four classes of acts that the application for interim injunction sought to prohibit are plainly or likely to constitute criminal activities. And as the unlawful acts of insulting the National Anthem is aimed at arousing emotion for the “independence of Hong Kong”, it therefore also endangers national security; and

(4) The court hopes that its decision may serve to remedy the misconception that conducting the relevant acts does not constitute a crime.

     “The CFI made the decision to refuse granting an interim injunction not because the acts in questions are legal, but because the court considered that such acts already constitute criminal offences even without the injunction, and therefore was not satisfied that the injunction would be of real utility. The court was also of the view that there is a real risk that the enforcement of the injunction would conflict with the prosecution procedure of cases concerning offence endangering national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). The Secretary for Justice considered it necessary to appeal to put forward views and request the Court of Appeal to consider granting the interim injunction,” the spokesman said.

     The spokesman added, “As a matter of fact, the court’s judgment has pointed out that, had the court been satisfied that the injunction is of real utility and there exists no conflict with the NSL, the court would accept the interim injunction as satisfying the proportionality test, in that the restriction imposed on freedom of expression is no more than necessary to safeguard national security and would not result in an unacceptably harsh burden on the individual, and would have held in favour of granting the interim injunction.”

     The Government reiterated that it is a criminal offence to disseminate or perform the Song with the intention of inciting others to commit secession or with seditious intention, or to disseminate or perform the Song as the “National Anthem of Hong Kong” with the intent to insult the National Anthem. Intentionally aiding or abetting others to commit such acts also constitutes an offence which has serious consequences. Members of the public are urged not to take their chances or attempt to break the law. read more