The Civil Service College (CSC), in collaboration with the Institute for Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Peking University, held the concluding lecture of the in-depth programme on "one country, two systems" and contemporary China at the Central Government Offices today (June 18). The Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, Professor Lin Yifu, was invited to elucidate how, amidst profound changes unseen in a century, new quality productive forces can be harnessed to fulfill the two major tasks – Chinese modernisation and high-quality development as outlined at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Around 170 senior officials, including politically appointed officials and directorate officers, attended the lecture.

     Addressing the lecture, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that the development of new quality productive forces is closely linked to Hong Kong's better integration into the country's overall development and the Government Work Report this year clearly prioritises "striving to modernise the industrial system and developing new quality productive forces at a faster pace" as the first major task. The report also outlines a comprehensive plan across various fronts of the country's agenda, providing clear guidance for Hong Kong as it embraces new responsibilities and breaks new ground on the new journey towards Chinese modernisation and high-quality development. He also encouraged colleagues attending the lecture to reflect on how to better consolidate and promote Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle and the strategic positioning of the "eight centres", so as to better capitalise on Hong Kong's strengths to serve the country's needs. 

     The lecture was closely followed by a graduation ceremony officiated by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and Vice President of Peking University Professor Fang Fang. A total of 71 participants who had successfully completed the programme were awarded certificates of completion jointly issued by Peking University and the CSC. Mrs Yeung and the Director of the Institute for Hong Kong and Macau Studies at Peking University, Professor Chen Duanhong, addressed the ceremony, with the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung, and the Head of the Civil Service College, Mr Oscar Kwok, also in attendance. 

     Addressing the ceremony, Mrs Yeung expressed her gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Peking University for their support for the programme. Congratulating all the participants on their successful completion of the programme, she encouraged them to apply the knowledge and insights gained from this series of 12 lectures to their work and stay united to complement the HKSAR Government in giving full play to Hong Kong's unique strengths for better integration into the country's overall development, jointly contributing to the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

     The programme was organised to further strengthen training for senior officials and directorate civil servants. It consists of 12 monthly lectures covering a wide range of topics, such as the Communist Party of China and contemporary China, socialism with Chinese characteristics, the theory and practice of "one country, two systems", as well as developments in contemporary Chinese society, economy, national defence, technology, and more. Distinguished scholars from the Mainland delivered the programme and engaged in in-depth discussions with participants. The number of senior officials and directorate officers attending the programme's lectures in person and online was about 2 100.

                

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (June 18) investigating a probable locally acquired case of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     The patient is a 54-year-old female with underlying illnesses. She developed fever and retro-orbital pain since June 6 and consulted a private doctor on June 9. She attended the accident and emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on June 11, and was admitted for treatment on the same day. She was transferred to Pok Oi Hospital for further treatment on June 14. She is now in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for dengue virus upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient lives in Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai. As she only left Hong Kong for a few hours and otherwise stayed in Hong Kong for the whole incubation period, the case was probable locally acquired. Her home contact is currently asymptomatic and has been put under medical surveillance.
 
     No epidemiological linkage has been found so far between this case and other previously recorded dengue fever cases in Hong Kong.

     "The DH is working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent a possible spread of infection. The FEHD's vector investigations, surveillance and control are ongoing. The CHP's epidemiological investigations will continue," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Officers of the CHP have inspected the patient's residence and will conduct field investigations of neighbouring residents by questionnaire surveys.

     Persons who have been to Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai with DF symptoms should call the CHP's hotline (2125 2374) which will operate starting from tomorrow (June 19), Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, for laboratory investigations or referrals as appropriate. Furthermore, the CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 6pm tomorrow in the Tin Shui Community Centre, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody tests for people in the district with relevant symptoms.

     "Letters will be issued to local doctors and hospitals to alert them to the latest situation," the spokesman added.

     This is the second local DF case recorded this year. Meanwhile, as at June 13, 26 imported DF cases had been recorded this year.

     "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 the 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 and 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
• Re-apply 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.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF pages 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 Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, will depart for Shanghai tomorrow (June 19) to attend the 2024 Lujiazui Forum.

     This year's forum will take place on June 19 and 20 under the theme "Promoting World Economic Growth with High-quality Financial Development". Mr Hui will address the second plenary session "Strengthening International Monetary Policy Coordination and Addressing the Challenges of Global Economic Recovery" on June 19, sharing his views on how to cope with challenges and promote market development under the current international monetary policy from three perspectives, namely global monetary policy and real economic performance, financial stability and financial market development.

     The 15th Lujiazui Forum, co-hosted by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the People's Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, is an authoritative financial forum in the country and an influential international platform for high-level financial dialogues. A number of top government officials and leaders of financial regulators from the country and abroad, heads of international financial organisations and financial institutions as well as renowned experts and scholars have been invited to speak at the forum to offer their unique insights.
 
     During his stay, Mr Hui will visit a local financial market institution and fintech enterprises.

     The Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan, will also attend the 2024 Luijiazui Forum and join other programmes of the visit.

     Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong in the evening on June 20. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, will act as the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 18) investigating a fatal case of paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza.

     The case involves an 8-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever and vomiting since June 16. She was taken to a general practitioner the next day (June 17) and subsequently to Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) for medical attention. She developed cardiac arrest at the accident and emergency department of CMC and passed away on the same day. Her respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts are currently asymptomatic and the school she studied in did not report any outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection and influenza recently. The CHP's investigations are ongoing, including further investigations on the patient’s cause of death.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. The seasonal influenza vaccines for this season will expire starting from July this year and the 2024/25 SIV programme is expected to start in September.

     â€‹"Members of the public who have not received the SIV can still get vaccinated before the expiry of the influenza vaccine of this influenza season (i.e. July/August). Nevertheless, please remember that even if you get vaccinated now, you should still take the latest SIV in the new SIV programme (from October this year), so as to be protected during the influenza season in the next year. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website."

     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when visiting public places. The public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹â€‹
     â€‹The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information. 

     Police today (June 18) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tuen Mun.

     Lam Tak-ip, aged 31, went missing after he was last seen at Leung King Estate on May 30 night. His family made a report to Police yesterday (June 17).
        
     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 80 kilograms in weight and of fat build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a dark colour short-sleeved t-shirt, dark colour jeans and black shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3128 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

     Lam Tak-ip, aged 31, is about 1.7 metres tall, 80 kilograms in weight and of fat build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a dark colour short-sleeved t-shirt, dark colour jeans and black shoes.