â€‹In the preceding week till 11.59pm on June 5, the Department of Health (DH) received 50 reports (Note 1) of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. No death case was reported by the Hospital Authority (HA) involving individuals who had received vaccines within 14 days before they passed away and had potential association with vaccination.
      
     As at 8pm on June 5, around 17.25 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. Around 6.71 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine, including 93.5 per cent of the population aged 12 or above. The DH received 7 613 reports of adverse events (0.04 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered). Among the death cases concerning persons who had been vaccinated, including 111 cases (Note 2) with vaccination within 14 days before they passed away (0.0006 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered), none of the death cases was associated with vaccination.
      
     As of today, the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation had concluded that 72 death cases had no causal relationship with vaccination while for one case the causal relationship with vaccination could not be established (Note 3), and preliminarily considered that 11 cases were not associated with vaccination. Twenty-seven cases are still pending further information for assessment. The Expert Committee considered that there is no unusual pattern identified so far, and will continue to closely monitor the relevant situation and collect data for assessment.
      
     According to information from the HA, during the period from May 9 to June 5, the overall ratio of death cases was 45.5 cases for every 100 000 people, whereas the average ratio of death cases for the same period in 2018 to 2020 was 43.4 cases for every 100 000 people. Among these death cases, the ratio of death cases with acute stroke or acute myocardial infarction was 2.2 cases for every 100 000 people, whereas the average ratio of death cases under the same category for the same period in 2018 to 2020 was 2.8 cases for every 100 000 people. Furthermore, the ratio of miscarriage cases was 13.0 cases for every 100 000 people, whereas the average ratio of miscarriage cases for the same period in 2018 to 2020 was 22.0 cases for every 100 000 people. Based on the statistical analysis of the above figures, there is no evidence that vaccination increases the risk of death or miscarriage for recipients. The relevant reference statistics will be uploaded to the thematic website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
      
     The majority of non-death cases of adverse events received so far are relatively minor cases. The relevant details can be found in the "Report on the Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccines in Hong Kong" (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/doc/Safety_Monitoring_of_COVID-19_Vaccines_in_Hong_Kong.pdf).
      
     A Government spokesman said, "While the fifth wave of the epidemic has been substantially contained with daily new cases drastically decreased from tens of thousands during the peak in early March to several hundred in recent days, citizens should not overlook the risk of an epidemic rebound following the gradual resumption of social and economic activities. Deaths and severe cases involving children and elderly persons, who are our focus of protection in vaccination, have been recorded in the fifth wave of the epidemic. For elderly persons, the COVID-19 vaccination rate for the elderly aged 80 or above in Hong Kong is only around 68 per cent at present, meaning that around 32 per cent of the elderly in that age group are in a dangerous situation, which is alarming.
      
     "According to preliminary data analysis, out of the cases reported in the fifth wave, over 95 per cent of the fatal cases are elderly people aged 60 or above, with the proportion of death and hospitalised cases being the highest in those aged 80 or above. Most of the deceased cases are unvaccinated persons. As compared to the Hong Kong overall population, those who have received three doses of vaccine account for a much lower proportion among reported cases, and an extremely low proportion among the hospitalised critical/serious and deceased cases. This demonstrates the effectiveness of three doses of vaccine in preventing infection, serious illness and fatality from COVID-19. Even with just the first dose of vaccine, the risk of death can be significantly reduced. The latest research data from the University of Hong Kong also shows that receiving three doses of either the Comirnaty or CoronaVac vaccine is highly effective for preventing severe cases and deaths with over 90 per cent effectiveness. Members of the public who are currently eligible for a third dose should get the third dose as soon as possible.
      
     "Furthermore, in response to the latest advice from experts, we have started the administration of the fourth vaccine dose for persons aged 60 or above who have received three doses of the Comirnaty or CoronaVac vaccine. They may receive the fourth dose no less than three months after their last dose. For persons aged 18 to 59 with a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure, or a greater risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational setting, they may choose to receive a fourth dose no less than six months from their third dose. Members of the public may also receive a fourth dose due to personal needs (such as studying abroad or travelling). On the other hand, the minimum age for receiving the CoronaVac vaccine has been lowered to 3 years old, while the minimum age for receiving the Comirnaty vaccine is 5 years old. We call on parents to arrange vaccination for their children as early as possible for better protection."
 
Note 1: Provisional figures. In the preceding week till 11.59pm on June 5, the DH received two reports of suspected myocarditis or pericarditis involving adolescents in the age group of 3 to 15. The cases involved a female aged 12 and a male aged 13 respectively. They experienced chest pains within two days after receiving the Comirnaty vaccine. Their conditions are stable.

Note 2: In the preceding week till 11.59pm on June 5, the DH received three death reports involving individuals who had received COVID-19 vaccination within 14 days before passing away. The cases involved a female aged 95 and two males aged 77 and 72 respectively. There is no clinical evidence that the incidents arose from vaccination.
 
Note 3: The case involved a 74-year-old male. The cause of death as shown by the autopsy appears to be anaphylaxis and ischaemic heart disease. At the meeting in June, the Expert Committee reviewed the relevant information of the case and considered that a causal relationship between the death and vaccination could not be established.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (June 8) that it is proactively following up on a food poisoning outbreak involving tuna fillet, including inspecting the restaurant concerned. A sample of tuna fillet collected from the restaurant was found to contain a toxic metabolite, histamine. The CFS is following up on the case.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "Upon notification by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health of food poisoning cases involving tuna fillet, the CFS immediately sent staff to the restaurant concerned in Tsim Sha Tsui to conduct investigation and take samples for testing. The test results showed that a tuna fillet sample contained histamine at a level of 2 600 milligrams per kilogram, which can cause food-borne intoxication. The restaurant concerned has already stopped sale and discarded the affected product according to the CFS's advice. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the person-in-charge and staff concerned, and instructed them to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection, as well as to implement improvement measures to ensure food safety."

     According to section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), all food for sale in Hong Kong, whether locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     "Histamine is a toxic metabolite commonly found in certain kinds of fish such as tuna, sardine, mackerel and anchovy, as a result of bacterial spoilage. Consumption of fish containing high levels of histamine can cause food-borne intoxication. Symptoms of histamine poisoning include a tingling and burning sensation around the mouth, facial flushing and sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, dizziness and rash. The onset of intoxication symptoms is within a few hours after consumption and these symptoms will normally disappear in 12 hours without long-term effects," the spokesman said.

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
(Approved for Issue by the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee by Circulation)

Report on Currency Board Operations (December 25, 2021 – April 12, 2022)
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     The Sub-Committee noted that the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) traded within a range of 7.7832 – 7.8378 against the US dollar (USD) during the review period. The HKD had softened since February amid market concerns over the US Federal Reserve (Fed)'s policy normalisation and the risk-off sentiment triggered by the Ukraine situation. Amid expectation of further US rate hikes, HKD interbank interest rates (i.e. HIBORs) increased slightly during the review period but remained at low levels by historical standards. While the Fed's policy normalisation process was expected to proceed at a faster pace than the previous rate hike cycle in 2015-2018, the ample HKD liquidity suggested that increases in HKD interbank rates might lag those of the USD interest rates. The extent of lagging would depend on the supply and demand situation of HKD in the local market. Overall, the HKD exchange and interbank markets continued to trade in a smooth and orderly manner.
      
     The Sub-Committee noted that the Monetary Base increased to HK$2,147.48 billion at the end of the review period. In accordance with the Currency Board principles, all changes in the Monetary Base had been fully matched by changes in foreign reserves.
      
     The Report on Currency Board Operations for the review period is at Annex.
 
Monitoring of Risks and Vulnerabilities
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     â€‹The Sub-Committee noted that the global economic outlook worsened as a result of the Ukraine situation, which had driven up global commodity prices and triggered bouts of financial market volatility. Faced with sharp inflationary pressures, the Fed had telegraphed its intentions to deliver successive rate hikes and shrink its balance sheet. In turn, global financial conditions might tighten, especially if the pace of US monetary normalisation were to pick up. 

     The Sub-Committee noted that in Mainland China, economic growth could face potential headwinds arising from the Ukraine situation and new COVID-19 outbreaks. 
      
     The Sub-Committee noted that in Hong Kong, the fifth wave of local infections had brought significant pressures on the economy in early 2022. The challenging global environment had also posed downside risks to growth. The labour market weakened with the unemployment rate rising, while underlying inflation remained largely in check despite elevated external prices. Meanwhile, the housing market showed signs of stabilisation more recently amid easing local infections.

Hong Kong's Residential Mortgage Loans Offered by Non-bank institutions
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     The Sub-Committee noted a paper that examined the role of non-bank institutions in the residential mortgage market through the use of transactional big data. 

     Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 8):

Question:

     Currently, under the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) implemented by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), persons eligible for White Form status and allocated with quotas may buy flats with premium unpaid in the secondary market of subsidised sale housing flats (collectively referred to as "Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats"). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) given that the maximum mortgage guarantee period (guarantee period) for HOS flats currently provided by the HA is 30 years counting from the date of the first assignment, of a breakdown of the current number of HOS flats in the territory by the remaining guarantee period;

(2) as it is learnt that the remaining guarantee period of an HOS flat will affect the mortgage loan tenor to be granted to a home buyer under the WSM and the affordability of the flat to the buyer, and that currently quite a number of HOS flats are ageing with their remaining guarantee periods becoming shorter, whether the HA will consider extending the guarantee periods for HOS flats; if not, of the reasons for that; and

(3) given that only 10 per cent out of a quota of 4 500 was allocated to single persons under the new round of WSM launched in February this year, whether the HA will consider adjusting upward the quota for single persons, so as to increase the chance of single-person applicants in buying HOS flats; if not, of the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     In response to the aspirations of low-and middle-income families to buy their own homes, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) launched an Interim Scheme to extend the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Secondary Market to White Form buyers since 2013 so as to enrich the housing ladder. After a review and taking into account the sustained demand for Subsidised Sale Flats Scheme (SSFS) flats from White Form buyers, the HA endorsed the regularisation of the Interim Scheme as the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) from 2018.

     To encourage banks and authorised financial institutions to provide better mortgage terms for purchasers of SSFS flats, the HA provides a mortgage default guarantee to the participating financial institutions. In accordance with the Deed of Guarantee (DoG) entered between the HA and the participating financial institutions, the HA undertakes to meet the shortfall in repayment in the event of default by the mortgagors of SSFS flats, under specified circumstances during the mortgage default guarantee period as set out in the applicable DoG. The mortgage default guarantee applies to SSFS flats in the primary market and under the Secondary Market Scheme.

     As provided in the prevailing DoG, the maximum mortgage default guarantee period for flats under the HOS and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) is 30 years counting from the date of the first assignment of the flats.
 
     My consolidated reply to the Hon Leung Man-kwong's question is as follows:

(1) and (2) According to the information, the total number of HOS/GSH flats with premium unpaid is 271 000 as at the end of March 2022. As some of the HOS flats were put up for sale in the early years and the HA does not have the information on the date of first assignments of these flats, we cannot work out the residual mortgage default guarantee period of all HOS flats. If it is assumed that the completion date of the HOS/GSH developments concerned is the same as the date of first assignment of all the flats in the same development, we could roughly estimate the residual mortgage default guarantee period of these flats. There are about 24 000 flats with a residual period of more than 20 years to 30 years, about 5 000 flats of more than 10 years to 20 years and about 76 000 flats of 10 years and below. 

     Considering the financial risk borne by the HA should be controlled at a suitable level, the HA currently provides a maximum mortgage default guarantee period of 30 years to participating financial institutions. The HA's mortgage default guarantee period is only one of the factors for reference by banks and financial institutions in granting mortgage loans. Banks and financial institutions may provide different mortgage terms according to the actual circumstances of individual mortgage applications, such as the repayment ability and financial position of applicants as well as other relevant factors. As regards the mortgage repayment period, while the HA has required banks and financial institutions to grant mortgage loans not exceeding 25 years, it does not stipulate that the mortgage repayment period has to expire with the mortgage default guarantee period. In practice, banks or financial institutions will provide mortgages based on their commercial considerations and individual circumstances of mortgage applicants. Therefore, the HA has no plan to extend the mortgage default guarantee period. Nevertheless, the HA will keep in view the need for extending the mortgage default guarantee period from purchasers of SSFS flats and participating financial institutions providing mortgages as well as the financial risk to be borne by the HA; and will examine the subject at appropriate time.

(3) When the HA endorsed the extension of the HOS Secondary Market to White Form buyers under the Interim Scheme in September 2012, it had taken into account the needs of family applicants and one-person applicants for SSFS flats. At that time, considering that family applicants had more pressing need to purchase a flat as compared to one-person applicants, the HA set the allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants at 9:1. This was in line with the arrangements for other subsidised housing policy where higher priority is allocated to family applicants. The same allocation ratio was also adopted when regularising the WSM in 2018.

     Before the launch of each WSM exercise, the HA will discuss and endorse the implementation details of the exercise including the allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants. Taking into account the fact that demand from White Form applicants remains strong and that there has been no significant change in the proportion of family and one-person applicants in the past WSM exercises, the HA therefore endorsed in January 2022 to maintain the allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants at 9:1 when WSM 2022 was launched, apart from keeping the annual quota at 4 500. The HA will suitably take into account the prevailing situation (such as the utilisation of annual quota in the previous WSM exercise, the number of family and one-person applicants and other relevant factors) and the views of stakeholders when considering the allocation ratio in future exercises, and adjust such ratio as and when necessary.

     Thank you, President.

     â€‹In light of positive test results for the COVID-19 virus from sewage samples collected in Yuen Long and Sai Kung Districts, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (June 8) that the Yuen Long District Office (YLDO) and the Sai Kung District Office (SKDO) have distributed a total of about 89 000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in the Districts.

     The YLDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Park Signature, Yee Fung Garden, Crystal Park, Greenery Place, Springdale Villas, Covent Garden, Villa Art Deco and residential premises around Yuen Long On Hing Street, Kau Yuk Road and Fung Lok Lane for voluntary testing through the property management companies and the owners' corporation.

     In addition, the SKDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Bauhinia Garden, Yung Ming Court, The Papillons and SAVANNAH for voluntary testing through the property management companies.

     The HAD made the above arrangements in the hope of identifying infected persons early.

     Members of the public may refer to the demonstration video produced by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health (DH) via www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk to learn how to use the rapid antigen test (RAT) kit.

     Persons testing positive through an RAT should take a photo of the test result and declare the result within 24 hours via the Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp). If members of the public encounter difficulties in using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The CHP under the DH will contact the relevant person later to complete the report procedure. There is no need to declare negative test results.

     The Government appeals for the co-operation of members of the public to safeguard the health of themselves and their families by undergoing testing on a voluntary basis and fighting the virus together. The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases that tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons to reduce the transmission risks of COVID-19.