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Author Archives: hksar gov

HKETO Jakarta supports Hong Kong comic artists at Malaysia Hong Kong International Comic Week (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) supported the participation of five Hong Kong comic artists in the Malaysia Hong Kong International Comic Week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to promote Hong Kong’s creative industries and talent.

     The Malaysia Hong Kong International Comic Week, which is being held in Kuala Lumpur from May 1 to 12, exhibits over 180 original artworks with varied styles and genres from 10 comic artists from Hong Kong and Malaysia. During the event, comic artists will participate in various exchange sessions, drawing demonstrations and autograph sessions to promote exchanges between the comic industries of both places.

     Addressing the opening ceremony today (May 2), the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has long been supporting the development of cultural and creative industries, and is committed to developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Sponsored by Create Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme has entered its third edition this year. The programme aims at supporting and nurturing Hong Kong comic artists and comic start-ups, thereby allowing local comic artists to showcase their talent and creativity on the international stage.

     She added that the exhibition not only provides a great opportunity for the public to appreciate the original artworks of comic artists, but also showcases the unique creativity and vitality of Hong Kong’s talent in creative industries. She was also delighted to learn that many works by Hong Kong comic artists have been translated into Malay and released in Malaysia, and receiving favourable response.

     Other guests at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Minister of Communications of Malaysia, Ms Teo Nie Ching, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Mr Mahadhir Aziz.

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CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 2) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The CHP appealed to members of the public to receive seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) in a timely manner to better protect themselves during the influenza season.
          
     The case involves a 5-year-old girl with good past health. She developed fever, malaise and vomiting since April 29 and sought medical attention at a private doctor on April 30. She was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day for medical attention due to the worsening of her symptoms and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. Her respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. Her condition improved after treatment and she is now in stable condition.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had not received SIV for this season and had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contact is currently asymptomatic. The CHP’s investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, “Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. 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. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. 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.

     The public may visit the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information. read more

Inland Revenue Department alerts public to fraudulent emails

     The Inland Revenue Department today (May 2) alerted members of the public to fraudulent emails purportedly issued by the department, which invite recipients to claim tax refunds. Each email provides a hyperlink to a website which seeks to obtain the recipient’s personal particulars and credit card information.

     The department has no connection with the fraudulent emails and has reported the case to the Police for further investigation. Members of the public are reminded not to open any suspicious emails. read more