Author Archives: hksar gov

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.      To prevent heat stroke, avoid pro… read more

     â€‹The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at 73 specified places during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     In view of a number of cases testing positive, 49 specified places are included in the compulsory testing notice. Furthermore, since some sewage samples collected in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon City, Yau Tong, Diamond Hill and Tung Chung have tested positive, 24 specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo testing on time as required. Mobile specimen collection stations have been set up by the Government in different districts to facilitate testing to be conducted in compliance with the compulsory testing notice. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     Persons who have tested positive in the past three months (including positive cases tested either by nucleic acid tests recorded by the Department of Health (DH) or by rapid antigen tests (RATs) that have been self-declared to the DH) do not need to undergo compulsory testing. For those who are subject to compulsory testing (save for those who have declared their positive RAT results as mentioned above), they must undergo nucleic acid tests in accordance with relevant compulsory testing notices and cannot use RATs to fulfil the requirement of such notices. In other words, a negative RAT result cannot be deemed as fulfilling the compulsory testing requirement. Furthermore, unless a person subject to compulsory testing has obtained a medical certificate proving that he or she is unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons, the person cannot provide a deep throat saliva sample to fulfil the compulsory testing requirement.

     Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)’s website via the following link: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20220905.pdf.

     If any persons test positive under compulsory testing, such positive cases will be handled in the same manner as in those identified through other nucleic acid tests or self-declared through RATs. Their isolation arrangements (as well as the quarantine arrangements of their household members) are no different from other positive cases.

     Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen. For details on obtaining stool specimen bottles, please refer to the COVID-19 thematic website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/Stool_bottle_collection_points.pdf.

     If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon “extreme conditions” announcement by the Government is in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be extended for one day.

     The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated without delay. The Government is working towards the goal of boosting the vaccination rates of children, teenagers and the elderly so that they can be protected by the vaccines as early as possible. Furthermore, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the CHP of the DH has earlier updated the consensus interim recommendations that a three-dose series of Comirnaty vaccine (each dose is one-tenth of that for an adult) may be administered to children aged six months to under five years; and a three-dose series of CoronaVac vaccine (each dose of the same dosage as that for an adult) for children aged six months to less than three years. Besides, persons aged 50 and above may receive the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine after at least three months from the third dose. Members of the public who are eligible should get the fourth dose as early as possible for better protection.

     CTCs provide testing services for the public. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming two weeks to facilitate the public’s planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm today (September 5), there was around 95 per cent availability for booking places for the coming two weeks. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
 
     The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Shek Pai Wan Estate in Southern District, Chuk Yuen North Estate in Wong Tai Sin, Bellagio in Sham Tseng and Hung Fuk Estate in Hung Shui Kiu tomorrow (September 6). Separately, ticketing machines have been installed in a number of service points for on-site ticket arrangement. Members of the public who have obtained a ticket can visit the CTC website (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to check the real-time queueing ticket status. Booking service is also provided for some large-scale mobile specimen collection stations, and members of the public may use the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to reserve a suitable time slot for testing.
 
     Other than persons subject to compulsory testing, all members of the public may conduct free testing at CTCs or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable). The Government will also continue to provide free nucleic acid testing service for eligible persons of targeted groups, visitors to public hospitals and residential care homes and all elderly people aged 60 or above at CTCs and mobile specimen collection stations. The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations are stated in the Annex.
 
     Outdoor mobile specimen collection stations will be closed if the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 or Red Rainstorm Warning Signal has been issued, while all mobile specimen collection stations together with all CTCs will be closed when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force. Any changes in the arrangements of testing service will be announced on site, and members of the public may also pay attention to the relevant press releases.
 
     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:

(a) For tests which require using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs
1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;
2. To attend any of the CTCs (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en);
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf), and the relevant sample must be taken through combined nasal and throat swabs; or
4. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the stool sample collected as per relevant guidelines.

(b) For persons holding a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner proving that they are unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons
1. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from post offices, vending machines set up at MTR stations or designated general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
2. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority; or
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results.

     A Government spokesman cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.

     “If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the CTCs.”

     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing the result of the test and the relevant medical certificate (if applicable) for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. The fixed penalty for discharging the liability is $10,000. The person may also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Any person in breach of the compulsory testing order would be liable to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     The spokesman said, “The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons.” read more

     The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is holding a Mid-Autumn Lighting Festival themed “Beauty of the Moon” and “River Revitalisation” at Jordan Valley Channel and Kai Tak River from today (September 5) to September 18, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

     The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, and the Director of Drainage Services, Ms Alice Pang, officiated at the lighting ceremony. Ms Linn also visited the Jordan Valley Channel and a works site of the Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River Project to learn about the DSD’s river revitalisation work.

     Ms Linn noted the DSD’s efforts in the implementation of river revitalisation projects to enhance the drainage capacity of rivers, and the introduction of innovative ideas into works design so as to enrich the ecological and scenic value of the rivers, and develop them into public spaces.

     The Jordan Valley Channel was revitalised with the concept of rivers in the city under the Revitalisation Works of Jordan Valley Nullah, incorporating design elements such as enhancing biodiversity, greening the channel, increasing public open space, promoting a water-friendly culture and more. The Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River Project, which is under construction, also integrates landscaping and ecological elements to create a green river corridor in the area to beautify the community.

     The lighting festival features giant moon lanterns at the Jordan Valley Channel and Kai Tak River as well as bird-shaped lanterns along the river banks to create a festive atmosphere and show the biodiversity element of river revitalisation. An arch walkway at the Jordan Valley Channel is also decorated with lighting and gingko leaves.

     For the details of the Mid-Autumn Lighting Festival, please visit the website of the DSD (www.dsd.gov.hk/EN/What_s_New/What_s_New/news30812.html)

          

     As part of a series of activities in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) sponsored the 23rd Hongkong-Berlin City Cup.
 
     The dragon boat races were held from September 3 to 4 (Berlin time) at the Olympic Regatta Course in Grünau of Berlin, with more than 40 teams from all over Germany participating. Sports fans and families enjoyed the annual dragon boat-themed tug of war, as well as culinary highlights, alongside the thrilling competition on the water.
 
     At the award ceremony on September 3, the Director of HKETO Berlin, Ms Jenny Szeto, congratulated the athletes for their outstanding performance and presented trophies to the winning teams. HKETO Berlin also hosted a booth to promote Hong Kong to visitors and athletes.
 
     “Dragon boat races have a long history which could date back to over 2 000 years ago in China. However, it was not until 1976 that Hong Kong started revitalising it as a modern international sport and promoting it worldwide. That year, the Hong Kong Government staged the first Hong Kong International Races, an event recognised today as the start of the ‘modern era’ of dragon boat racing as a sport,” Ms Szeto said.
 
     HKETO Berlin is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR by hosting and participating in a series of events ranging from gala dinners, receptions, a photo exhibition, dragon boat races, a street food festival to film festivals across Central and Eastern Europe.
 
     For details on the celebration events of HKETO Berlin, please visit www.hketoberlin.gov.hk/en/events_25th.htm.
 
About HKETO Berlin
 
     HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the HKSAR Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

    

      The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and relevant Mainland ministries held the fifth Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in and Contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) today (September 5) via video-conferencing.
 
     The meeting discussed the strategies and future work priorities of the new-term HKSAR Government in taking forward the B&RI. These included maintaining and leveraging Hong Kong’s unique competitive edges and premier business environment under “one country, two systems”, actively dovetailing with the opportunities brought about by national development strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, and adherence to the spirit of the important speech of President Xi Jinping as well as following the “four hopes” raised by Vice Premier of the State Council Mr Han Zheng at the Belt and Road Summit, with a view to seeking the betterment for Hong Kong.
      
     Leading the HKSAR Government officials to attend the conference, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its long support for the HKSAR Government and community in taking part in and contributing to the B&RI. He said that Hong Kong will fully utilise its distinctive status and advantages, and proactively take forward its work to seize the opportunities brought by the nation’s development, with a view to making remarkable contributions to high-quality Belt and Road co-operation.
 
     Mr Chan added that Vice Premier Han has clearly charted the way forward for Hong Kong’s participation in the B&RI. The HKSAR Government is working hard to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness, and create strong impetus for growth. In addition to strengthening Hong Kong’s professional services, the HKSAR Government will seek to strengthen co-operation with Mainland provinces, regions and municipalities to open Belt and Road markets together. Hong Kong will also step up efforts to foster people and cultural exchanges as well as practical co-operation with Belt and Road countries. These will allow Hong Kong to better serve as the key link and functional platform for the B&RI.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and Hong Kong-side Convenor of the Joint Conference, Mr Algernon Yau, said that despite the tough challenges posed by the pandemic, the HKSAR Government has taken forward a lot of B&RI-related work in the past year with progress made, such as strengthening connectivity in various areas.
      
     Mr Yau pointed out that the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) will strengthen its work according to the “four hopes”, including fostering wider connectivity between all sectors in the community and the international markets; promoting the advantages of Hong Kong’s professional services through various means to consolidate and enhance competitiveness; promoting Hong Kong’s dual function of “attracting foreign investment” and “going global” through the continued publicity work carried out by overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in Belt and Road countries and regions, with a view to enhancing cultural exchanges and attracting more Mainland and overseas enterprises to invest in Hong Kong; and planning to invite major Mainland enterprises to visit Hong Kong for exchanges and exploring innovative co-operation when the pandemic stabilises.
      
     Today’s meeting also reviewed the work of the HKSAR Government in promoting Hong Kong’s participation in and contribution to the B&RI in the previous year, including the implementation of initiatives under the six key areas of the Arrangement between the NDRC and the HKSAR Government for Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in and Contribution to the B&RI.
      
     Vice Chairman of the NDRC Mr Lin Nianxiu attended the conference with officials led by him, including Deputy Secretary General of the NDRC Mr Su Wei who is also the Convenor of the Joint Conference, and representatives from the NDRC, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Transport, the People’s Bank of China, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission.
      
     Also attending the conference were HKSAR Government representatives from the CEDB, the Department of Justice, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Belt and Road Office of the CEDB, the Innovation and Technology Commission, Invest Hong Kong, and the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing. Other attendees included the Chairman of the HKTDC, Dr Peter Lam, and representatives of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Insurance Authority.
      
     The Arrangement signed between the HKSAR Government and the NDRC in 2017 provides the direction and a blueprint for Hong Kong’s full participation in and contribution to the B&RI. The Joint Conference mechanism was set up to follow up on the implementation of the Arrangement, and meetings are convened at least once a year.