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     Two teams of students representing Hong Kong achieved remarkable results in the 64th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2023) and the 53rd International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2023) respectively. 

     The IMO 2023, hosted by Japan, was held from July 2 to 13, with the participation of 618 students from 112 countries or regions. The Hong Kong team won one gold medal, one silver medal and four bronze medals. The six awardees are as follows:
 

Gold medal:	Chu Cheuk-hei (St. Paul’s Co-educational College)
Silver medal:	Yiu Chun-hei (S.K.H. Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School)
Bronze medal:	Chase Sebastian (The Harbour School)
	Hsieh Chong-ho (Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School)
	Kwan Yung-ho (Diocesan Boys’ School)
	Ng Hok-lai (St. Paul’s Co-educational College)

                 
     The IPhO 2023, also hosted by Japan, was held from July 10 to 17. A total of 394 students from 82 countries or regions competed for the medals. The Hong Kong team won one gold medal, three silver medals and one bronze medal. The five awardees are as follows:
 

Gold medal:	Lam Chung-wang (St. Paul’s Co-educational College)
Silver medal:	Hui Pok-shing (Queen Elizabeth School)
	Kwok Ching-yeung (S.K.H. Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School)
	Liu Lincoln (Sha Tin College)
Bronze medal:	Kwok Tsz-yin (CNEC Christian College)

     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, congratulated the Hong Kong teams today (July 18) on their excellent results in the two competitions. “The outstanding performance of the Hong Kong teams has demonstrated their persistent work and the concerted efforts of their schools, teachers, parents and different stakeholders in nurturing and guiding them. The Education Bureau (EDB) will continue to enhance the promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools by enriching curriculum, enhancing teacher training, providing schools with resources support, etc, so as to nurture students’ innovation,” Dr Choi said. 

     “We attach great importance to gifted education. This year, the EDB will inject an additional $600 million into the Gifted Education Fund to strengthen support for the work of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) and organise more territory-wide, cross-territory, national and international training and competitions. Also, more diversified, high-quality and challenging off-school education services, particularly in STEAM-related areas, will be provided so that students with potential may have more opportunities to widen their horizons and showcase their talents,” she added.

     The members of the Hong Kong teams of the IMO 2023 and the IPhO 2023 achieved excellent results in the local selection contests. They subsequently received specific training under the enhancement programmes arranged by the HKAGE. The outstanding students in the programmes were then selected as contestants to represent Hong Kong to participate in the above competitions. The Hong Kong teams were fully funded by the EDB to join these competitions.  read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 18) 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 9 to 15, six LD cases were reported:
 

1. A male patient, aged 89 with underlying illnesses, who lived in Block 3, Elegance Garden, Tai Po. It was classified as a community-acquired case. The patient passed away on July 13;
2. A male patient, aged 64 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Block 2, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan. It was classified as a community-acquired case;
3. A male patient, aged 87 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Lee Cheung House, Shun Lee Estate, Kwun Tong. It was classified as a community-acquired case;
4. A female patient, aged 71 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Lai Kwai House, Lai Kok Estate, Sham Shui Po. It was classified as a community-acquired case;
5. A male patient, aged 70 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Chui Ho House, Sheung Chui Court, Tsuen Wan. He had a travel history during the incubation period; and
6. A male patient, aged 58 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Kam Shing House, Kam Tai Court, Ma On Shan. It was classified as a community-acquired case.

     “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 July 15, 54 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 overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in June showed a drop of 478 cases, representing a decrease of 0.2 per cent compared with that of May, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics r… read more

     â€‹The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, will lead a delegation to commence a two-day visit to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area tomorrow (July 19). He will visit Zhaoqing, Foshan and Zhongshan, and return to Hong Kong next evening.
      
     Mr Tang will call on the public security bureaux of the three cities, as well as conducting visits to, among others, a local enterprise and a historical and cultural facility.
      
     Members of the delegation include the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Patrick Li; the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Lui Kam-ho; and the Assistant Director of Fire Services Department (New Territories North), Mr Lee Koon-yau.
      
     During Mr Tang’s absence, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, will be the Acting Secretary for Security. read more

     To raise the public’s interest in planting and promote greening, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold a horticultural education exhibition entitled “Let’s learn about edible plants” and related activities this weekend (July 22 and 23) from 10am to 5pm at the Arcade and the Green Education and Resource Centre of Kowloon Park. Admission is free. Meanwhile, the LCSD will hold a prize presentation ceremony for the Greening School Project Award on July 22 (Saturday) at 11am at the Secondary Hall of Kowloon Park Sports Centre to commend schools for the contributions to environmental greening. Photos showing the winning school projects will be on display during the ceremony.
 
     Edible plants are essential food items that provide people with calories and nutrients. Many parts of edible plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits and seeds, can be used in cooking. Adding herbs or natural spices when cooking enriches the aroma, taste and visual appeal of dishes. Some plants also have a medicinal value.
 
     Edible plants can be broadly categorised into leafy vegetables, roots and rhizomes, flowers and fruits, herbs, seeds, mushrooms and fungi.
 
     Members of the public can learn more about the categories of edible plants, ways to consume and preserve, and edible plants that are ideal for planting at home through the descriptive display panels. Some important notes on cultivation, common types of organic fertilisers, plant propagation methods, as well as organic means to prevent and control pests and diseases can also be found on the panels.
 
     Game stalls and workshops will be set up and visitors can enjoy the fun of pot planting under the guidance of horticulture instructors.
 
     Three talks in Cantonese entitled “Yummy Fruit Families”, “Introduction to Edible Plants” and “Flora Conservation in Hong Kong” will be held at the Green Education and Resource Centre in Kowloon Park. While admission is free, tickets are required and available at the Centre on the event day on a first-come, first served basis.
 
     For enquiries, please call 2723 6053 or 2723 6767 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/green/gerc/activities/exhibitions.html. read more