The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with COVID-19 in a geriatric infirmary ward, the spokesperson for Ruttonjee Hospital made the following update today (July 5):

     Two more male patients (aged 49 and 85) in the ward have presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for COVID-19. The patients concerned are currently being treated in cohort isolation. One of them is in critical condition due to underlying diseases whereas the other one is in serious condition. 

     Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

The following is issued on behalf of the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence Steering Committee:

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 5) officiated, and presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 10 teachers, at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE) (2023/2024), while nine teachers received the Certificate of Merit from the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin.

     The Chairman of the CEATE Steering Committee, Dr Gordon Tsui, commended the outstanding performance of the awarded teachers, who not only catered to the learning characteristics of the students and helped them set clear learning goals, but also used diversified and innovative learning and teaching strategies to effectively support students in connecting knowledge to daily life and stimulate their learning interest. With this year marking the 20th anniversary of the Award Presentation Ceremony of CEATE, Dr Tsui encouraged all the awarded teachers to continue to innovate, work together to develop quality education for Hong Kong, and strive to nurture outstanding talent for the motherland and Hong Kong.

     There were 102 nominations received from secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools for the CEATE (2023/2024), covering themes of "English Language Education Key Learning Area (KLA)", "Personal, Social and Humanities Education KLA" and "Kindergarten Education". Assessment of nominations focused on teachers' performance in the four domains of "Professional Competence", "Student Development", "Professionalism and Commitment to the Community", and "School Development". After assessment, six nominations (comprising 10 teachers) were presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence while four nominations (comprising nine teachers) were presented with the Certificate of Merit. Please visit the CEATE website (www.ate.gov.hk) for the list of the awarded teachers.
           
     Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li; the Chairman of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals as well as the High-level Advisory Panel (2023/2024), Professor Alvin Leung; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong; the Chairman of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Mr Samuel Yung; and the Chairman of the CEATE Assessment Working Group (2023/2024), Professor Lo Ming-tung.
           
     Sharing activities involving the CEATE-awarded teachers are being rolled out gradually to disseminate excellent teaching practices. Details will be announced on the CEATE website and the EDB Training Calendar. 
           
     The themes of the CEATE (2024/2025) cover "Chinese Language Education KLA", "Mathematics Education KLA" and "Values Education", while the "Award for Budding Teachers" and the "Award for Education Innovation" will be newly introduced. Nominations will be accepted from July 8 to October 4. Related details will be uploaded to the CEATE website on July 8.

        

Wong was a renowned film distributor and producer. He actively promoted the development of the film industry and made significant contributions from the 1950s to the 1990s. His film career spanned four decades, during which he established the Liberty Film Company, the Lan Kwong Film Company and the First Film Organisation Limited. He also worked behind the scenes as a director, screenwriter, promoter and film editor. In the 1970s and 1980s, Wong operated movie theatres in North America to show Chinese-language films, enabling more overseas audiences to learn about such films. In recognition of Wong’s achievements, he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th Golden Horse Awards in 1993.
 
The second section, "The Joys and Sorrows of Ting Ying", presents four films of different styles. Ting Ying is a versatile actress capable of playing both comedic and tragic roles. The four selected films in which Ting Ying acts are comedy "Happy Couples" (1962), which revolves around couples whose lack of trust leads to humorous situations; melodrama "As Time Goes By" (1964), co-starring Helena Law as Ting's faithful friend; "Homeless Children"(1964), a realistic portrayal of out-of-school street children; and the love triangle film "Deep in My Heart" (1967), featuring major Hong Kong and Korean film stars.
 
Having an eye for talent, Wong organised acting courses to nurture newcomers and was keen to cast various up-and-coming actors such as Jeanette Lin Tsui, Ting Ying and Alan Tang. The fourth section, "Discovering New Stars", focuses on three films featuring rising stars of the 1950s and 1960s. The films are "Sweet Seventeen" (1954), Lin's debut film in a leading role; the musical "Remote Love" (1956), with Ting and Lin in leading roles; and "The Student Prince" (1964), where Alan Tang made his acting debut at the age of 17.
 
The sixth section, "Distribution Classics", features two notable films distributed by the Lan Kwong Film Company. "A Mother Remembers" (1953) stars Hung Sin Nui as a widowed mother and Cheung Ying as both her deceased husband and the delinquent eldest son. "Save Your Water Supply" (1954) is a realistic and heartwarming film with Patrick Tse's debut performance.
 
Some of the films will be accompanied by post-screening talks hosted by Tsui Siu-ming, Sam Ho, Shu Kei, Ng Chun-hung, Yuen Tsz-ying, and Eric Tsang, among others.
 
www.urbtix.hk) from July 12. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Some of the films screened in this programme are in 2K digital format. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2024/wch/pe-event-2024-wch.html) or call 2739 2139.
 

            

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 5) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From June 28 to yesterday (July 4), the CHP recorded three DF cases, including two imported cases; both patients had been to Indonesia during the incubation period. The other one was the local DF case announced on June 28.

     As of yesterday, 34 cases of DF, including 31 imported and three local cases, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, had resulted in close to an historic high of over 5 million cases and more than 5 000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 10 million cases, a record number. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     â€‹The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 5) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccination.

     The case involves a 47-year-old male patient with good past health. He had developed a skin rash on July 1. He visited the Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic of the DH on July 3, and the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day and was admitted. He is in stable condition and arrangements have been made for him to be transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital.

     According to the patient, he had history of high-risk exposure. He had no travel history during the incubation period. An initial investigation revealed that no epidemiological linkages between this case and other confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier have been found so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization.

     The CHP appeals again to high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination with a view to lowering the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. Persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once, and they should not engage in activities with others during which other people may have contact with their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection.

     The CHP had earlier set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, which enables those who suspect or are concerned they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, in particular men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice.

     The DH provides vaccination service for high-risk groups of MPox. The following high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination on a voluntary basis:
 

1. Individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. Healthcare workers responsible for caring of patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. Laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrence in animals in Hong Kong.

     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at all of the DH's Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS). Further information of the clinics including their locations is available at www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcf.html and www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcm.html.

     Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital will also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

     â€‹For more details, please visit the CHP's page on Mpox.