The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: As at 0.00am today (July 14), a total of 1 060 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 137 new patients…. read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 14) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, July 14, the CHP was investigating 3 417 additional locally acquired cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 1 365 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (547 confirmed cases, 588 asymptomatic cases and 230 cases with pending case status) and 2 052 cases tested positive by rapid antigen tests (RATs) verified in the past 24 hours.
Separately, 257 additional imported cases were reported, including 251 cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests (21 confirmed cases, 181 asymptomatic cases and 49 cases with pending case status) and six cases tested positive by RATs.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 791 640 and 491 874 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.
Meanwhile, according to the analysis by the DH’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, as of yesterday (July 13), Hong Kong had recorded a total of 19 cases, 1 020 cases and 895 cases carrying the sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively (including suspected cases), among which zero, 793 and 236 of them are local cases.
In addition, as of 0.00am, July 14, a total of 9 214 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded, with 9 136 and 75 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as three deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 9 427 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday, the total number of confirmed cases was 343 520, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 214 005, 24 and 232 475 respectively.
The spokesman for the CHP stressed that as the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings. This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.
​​The spokesman reminded that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who have yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected. read more
The Government today (July 14) announced enhancements on the management of cases tested positive for COVID-19. With regard to control points, starting from today, outbound travellers travelling to the Mainland or Macao via the Shenzhen Bay Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, or the Hong Kong International Airport, whose special nucleic acid test results are positive, would be issued with isolation orders immediately and sent to a community isolation facility (CIF).
The Health Bureau announced yesterday (July 13) the launch of an online booking system for the special nucleic acid test service at the Shenzhen Bay Port. The Government today further announced enhancement measures on the arrangement of cases without negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results in a more stringent manner. To prevent the exportation of local cases and support the Mainland’s anti-epidemic efforts as well as to match with their relevant entry requirement, outbound travellers at relevant boundary control points currently can only continue with their journeys if they receive a negative result of their special nucleic acid test. As the transmission risk of those who did not obtain a negative result could not be ruled out, they could not continue their journeys. These travellers have to stay in the designated isolation areas set up on site starting today. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health will issue isolation orders to them and arrange designated transport to send them to the Penny’s Bay CIF.
Specimen will be collected for another PCR test on the next day upon their admission. The CHP will conduct epidemiological investigations according to relevant test results. Travellers have to continue their isolation at the CIF in accordance with their isolation orders if they are considered new infection cases. For those who are considered re-positive cases, their isolation orders will be lifted and they can leave the CIF.
In respect of management of confirmed cases in the community, the Secretary for Health earlier announced that, starting from tomorrow (July 15), infected persons undergoing home isolation will be required to put on electronic wristbands. For reported cases or cases reported via online platforms (“Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test” and “Online self-reporting for COVID-19 patient“) from that day, relevant government department will arrange the distribution of anti-epidemic kits and distribute the electronic wristbands at the same time.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will assist the cases and confirm the activation of the electronic wristbands. Confirmed cases must put on the electronic wristbands during the home isolation period with a view to ensuring compliance with the isolation requirement under the law that the infected persons must not leave their household area and to further minimise the chance of community transmission. The Government provides assistance through various channels. For details, please refer to the “Handbook for Persons Tested Positive for COVID-19“.
​A Government spokesman reiterated that, in view of the epidemic developments, the Government will continue to formulate targeted strategies and measures that may achieve the greatest effects with the lowest costs, thereby protecting the safety and health of citizens while minimising the impact to normal social activities. read more
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has all along been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat, and in a blitz operation today (July 14) raided one licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) and one unlicensed FPS in Sai Kung District suspected of selling chilled meat as fresh meat.
During the operation, FEHD officers raided the abovementioned two premises at Tong Ming Street, Tseung Kwan O, and marked and sealed around 1 135 kilograms of suspected chilled meat for further investigation. Samples were also collected for testing for preservatives, and prosecution will be initiated if there is sufficient evidence. The licensee of the licensed FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing condition for the display and sale of chilled meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of its FPS licence. FEHD officers also initiated prosecution against the proprietor of the other premises for operating an unlicensed FPS business.
In addition, FEHD officers also initiated prosecution against the operator of the licensed FPS for dirty food premises. A verbal warning was also given to the operator for non-compliance with the relevant licensing condition for failing to provide delivery notes for inspection.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat breaches the licensing condition and causes food safety problems. Also, the operation of these profiteers is unfair to other shops that comply with the requirements.”
The spokesman added, “Anyone selling chilled or frozen meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment on conviction. The department will continue to conduct regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls, and will actively handle the complaints received. In detecting any irregularities, the FEHD will carry out an immediate investigation and take appropriate enforcement action. In addition, the FEHD also proactively investigates suspected violations from time to time and conducts surprise inspections and enforcement action as necessary. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecutions will be initiated and follow-up action will be taken on the breach of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements. The licences of fresh provision shops breaching the licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching the tenancy agreements may be terminated.”
In addition, under section 31(1)(d) of the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), any person who carries on any food business which involves the sale of fresh, chilled or frozen beef, mutton, pork, reptiles, fish or poultry must obtain a FPS licence granted by the FEHD. Any person who operates a food business without a licence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months, and an additional daily fine of $900 should the offence persist.
The spokesman stressed that the FEHD is very concerned and has been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat by taking stringent enforcement action against the violations.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) today (July 14) to learn more about the ITC’s work to support the development of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub .
Professor Sun first met with the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Rebecca Pun, and other directorate staff. He was briefed on the Commission’s major work in supporting research and development (R&D), promoting technology adoption, nurturing I&T talent, supporting technology start-ups and promoting I&T culture. Such work includes the provision of funding support through the 17 funding schemes under the Innovation and Technology Fund such as the Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme, the Innovation and Technology Support Programme, the STEM Internship Scheme, and the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund; the establishment of InnoHK to promote global research collaboration in Hong Kong, in which 28 research laboratories have commenced operation; supporting five R&D centres to carry out applied R&D and technology transfers to the industry in their respective areas; provision of infrastructure and technological support to the industry through major I&T quangos such as the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong Productivity Council; I&T collaboration with the Mainland such as supporting the 22 State Key Laboratories and Hong Kong Branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres in Hong Kong; as well as providing assistance to the testing and certification industry in Hong Kong.
Professor Sun later toured the Standards and Calibration Laboratory (SCL) of the ITC to learn more about the SCL’s operation and calibration services. He observed an introduction of primary standards of electrical quantities and a demonstration of the submicron automatic precision line scale measurement system.
Professor Sun said that the ITC, in collaboration with and supported by public I&T quangos and R&D centres, had been playing a key role in the implementation of various initiatives to drive the I&T development in Hong Kong, ranging from supporting R&D, nurturing I&T talent to translation of the R&D outcomes into applications that bring benefits to the society. He recognised the efforts made and results achieved by ITC colleagues over the years and encouraged them to continue with their good work to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.
Professor Sun then met with the management of the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) and was briefed by the Chairman, Mr Simon Chan, and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wilson Wong, on the latest development of the HKIRC. He learned about the “.hk” and “.香港” registry services, as well as schemes and services that were launched in recent years, such as the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme, the Cyber Youth Programme, the Cybersec Infohub and the Free In-depth Website Security Scan Services. The Cybersec Training Hub to be launched in August this year was also mentioned.
Professor Sun said that the wider use of information technology among various industries brings new opportunities, but at the same time, poses greater challenges to information security. He affirmed the work of the HKIRC in assisting the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the community in enhancing cybersecurity awareness, providing cyber security training and assisting the SMEs in uplifting their overall information security capability.
