The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 9) closely monitoring an imported case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Korea, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.
 
     According to the WHO, the case involves a 61-year-old male patient, who travelled to Kuwait for business between August 16 and September 6. The patient was hospitalised with fever, diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms shortly after returning to Korea and is currently receiving treatment in isolation.
 
     According to the WHO, this is the first MERS case detected in Korea since the end of the outbreak in 2015.

     "We will maintain close communication with the WHO and the health authority of Korea," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Locally, the CHP's surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS Coronavirus.
 
     "Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," the spokesman said.

     The Hajj pilgrimage ended in late August. If pilgrims feel unwell during the two weeks after returning to Hong Kong, they should wear a surgical mask and seek medical attention immediately and inform a doctor of their recent travel history, including transit.

     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS page of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the WHO's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.

     The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, started her visit to Beijing today (September 9). 
 
     She attended the Tsinghua World Forum on the Rule of Law, where she delivered a speech in the session on "Regional Economic Integration, Trade Disputes and the Construction of the Rule of Law" and participated in the panel discussion. 
 
     In the speech, Ms Cheng said that Asia has become an active player in the development of international rule of law, especially in the field of international trade and investment.  Using Hong Kong as an example of special economic zone, she highlighted the continuation of the common law system in Hong Kong under the "one country, two systems" policy.
 
     Under the theme "Global Economic Transition and Construction of the Rule of Law", the forum discussed issues including regional economic integration, trade disputes and construction of the rule of law, international investment opportunities and legal risk management, as well as legal responses to the advancements of information technologies.
 
     Ms Cheng will fly to Incheon, Korea this evening to attend the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Inter-sessional Regional Meeting on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) Reform. She will speak on third party funding of arbitration and mediation and join the roundtable discussion.
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 9) that Sheung Shui Swimming Pool in North District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 8.30pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (Septmeber 9) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, will depart for Astana, Kazakhstan, in the morning on September 11 (Tuesday). He will then commence his visit to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where he will meet with officials responsible for cultural and sports policy.
     
     During his visit in Kazakhstan, Mr Lau will attend a concert presented by Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, in which young Hong Kong musicians who play Chinese and Western music will perform with a renowned Kazakhstan orchestra.

     Mr Lau will leave Kazakhstan in the evening on September 16 and arrive in Hong Kong in the morning on September 17. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs.