The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (August 5) announced eight countermeasures in response to the visit to Taiwan by the US Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and adopted sanctions on Pelosi. A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government reiterated that the SAR Government firmly opposes any external forces interfering in the internal affairs of China, and will fully support and facilitate all necessary measures by the Central Government to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
      
     The spokesman added that the SAR Government will closely monitor developments and keep in contact with the relevant authorities of the Central Government.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (August 5) that its Aberdeen Sports Ground artificial turf pitch will reopen for public use from August 12 (Friday). The facility was temporarily closed earlier for anti-epidemic purposes.

     Members of the public can reserve the fee-charging facilities of the following venue from tomorrow (August 6) via the Internet booking services of Leisure Link, counter bookings and self-service kiosks at venues already reopened, or via the Booking Offices of the District Leisure Services Offices during office hours: 
 

     For further information, please visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist/landsports.html).

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (August 5) visited the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) headquarters and the North Plant of the District Cooling System (DCS) at Kai Tak to learn more about the work of the EMSD and its latest developments.
      
     Mr Tse began his visit at the EMSD headquarters by meeting the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Eric Pang, and other directorate staff. He received an update on the department's work in regulating gas and electricity safety and how the department enhances the safety of electrical and mechanical (E&M) facilities in buildings by deploying innovation and technology. He also learnt more about EMSD's work in providing digitalised E&M engineering solutions for government departments to tie in with the policies on smart city and combating climate change.
      
     Accompanied by Mr Pang, Mr Tse toured the EMSD's Regional Digital Control Centre to learn more about how colleagues adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to monitor remotely the operating status of E&M equipment at various locations, which can help enhance their energy efficiency through data analysis.
      
     Mr Tse then visited the E&M InnoZone where the collection of exhibits, covering applications like Internet of Things (IoT), automated technology and AI, jointly developed by EMSD and local universities, start-ups and research institutions, are showcased. He was also briefed on various smart city development trial projects, including the Government-Wide IoT Network (GWIN) and various systems supported by GWIN, such as smart drainage, smart public toilets, etc.
      
     Mr Tse also visited the North Plant of the Kai Tak DCS to receive a briefing on its operation and the latest progress of the remaining works, and inspected the control room, chillers and the associated equipment at the basement of the plant.
      
     Mr Tse said, "The Government published last year Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, which mapped out Hong Kong's decarbonisation strategies and climate resilience measures, as well as more aggressive energy saving targets. I am impressed to see that EMSD has adopted new thinking and new perspectives to bring a safe and energy-efficient smart living environment through E&M innovation so as to enhance living quality and bring benefits for the public. I look forward to the department continuing its adoption of innovative ideas in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency."

        

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 0.00am today (August 5), a total of 1 492 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 197 new patients. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 411 patients are in isolation wards, 85 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 448 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 145 in total are new patients. There are six newly reported critical patients and no newly reported serious patients. There are a total of 28 patients in critical condition and 16 are in serious condition, of which eight critical patients are receiving intensive care. Moreover, there are 213 patients who have recovered, including 189 patients who have been discharged. In addition, four patients who passed away in public hospitals were reported.
 
     In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 56 488 patients who have recovered so far, including 56 238 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 68 868 patients who have recovered, including 68 618 patients who have been discharged.
 
     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 5) announced that an edible ice sample was found to contain coliform bacteria exceeding the limit set out in the Microbiological Guidelines for Food. Follow-up is in progress.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The Centre collected a sample of edible ice produced at a restaurant in Shek Tong Tsui for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained coliform bacteria at a level of 150 colony-forming units per 100 millilitres." 

     According to the Guidelines, the microbiological criteria for coliform bacteria for loose edible ice from retail outlets should be less than 100 colony-forming units per 100ml. The fact that the coliform count exceeded the Guidelines' level indicated unsanitary conditions or poor hygiene practices during or after production of ice, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning.

     "The CFS has informed the restaurant concerned of the above irregularity and instructed it to suspend the sale of cold drinks with ice cubes. The CFS has also inspected the food premises, provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the person-in-charge and staff of the restaurant, and requested it to review and improve the food production process and carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection," the spokesman said.

     Traders are advised to follow the Guidelines on Hygienic Production and Handling of Ice in Food Premises and observe good hygiene practices when handling ice. The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.