With the approach of the New Year's Eve and New Year holiday, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 29) appealed to members of the public who intend to travel to stay alert to the situation of infectious diseases in their destinations. The CHP is aware of the recent Zika Virus Infection in Thailand and specifically reminded members of the public to adopt necessary precautions to guard against mosquito-borne diseases when travelling abroad.

     According to information of the Thailand health authority, a total of 742 Zika Virus Infection cases have been recorded from January to December 22 this year, among which 160 were recorded in Bangkok, which was much higher than the number of cases in the country, ranging from 63 to 239 annually in the past three years. While most people infected with Zika virus infection would not present with symptoms (e.g. fever, rash, headache, joint pain and conjunctivitis), Zika Virus Infection during pregnancy may cause microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant. As such, pregnant women should pay close attention to the infection risk if they travel to affected areas.

     In view of the recent increase in number of Zika Virus Infection cases in Thailand, the CHP specifically reminded members of the public, especially pregnant women and women preparing for pregnancy, that they must adopt necessary precautions against mosquito-borne diseases. The CHP has already provided the latest information and preventive measures targeting mosquito-borne diseases at its Zika page and the Travel Health Service website. Travellers can also take note of the health messages at airport and on plane. Besides, the CHP's Port Health Division has enhanced inspection against flights returning to Hong Kong from areas of active Zika virus transmission to prevent the importation of diseases through infected mosquitoes and will ensure the environmental hygiene at boundary control points against mosquito infestation.

     A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that, members of the public should follow stringent anti-mosquito measures when travelling, and take note that visiting other places such as Southeast Asia, India, and America may also have a chance to acquire Zika Virus Infection. Apart from general measures on preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, all travellers including pregnant women who return from affected areas should apply insect repellent containing DEET for at least 21 days after arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell after return such as having fever, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor.

     Also, with the weather becoming cool and the approach of holiday, there has been an increasing trend in activity of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza viruses. Laboratory testing data involving paediatric patients of the Hospital Authority revealed that the rhinovirus/enterovirus continues to have the highest activity level among the respiratory pathogens. The next active pathogen is adenovirus and is on a rising trend. Although most of the respiratory pathogens are not vaccine-preventable, receiving COVID-19 and influenza vaccines could reduce the risk of death and also severe complications caused by co-infection of other respiratory infectious diseases. The CHP strongly appeal to high risk persons who have not received relevant vaccines to receive vaccination as soon as possible before a period of high incidence of COVID-19 and influenza.

     As wearing a surgical mask could effectively prevent the transmission of respiratory infections, the CHP again reminds high risk persons to wear a surgical mask when visiting public places, and the public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transportations (including the Mass Transit Railway or buses) or staying at crowded places (e.g. when using elevator).

     The CHP will continue to monitor local and overseas situation of infectious diseases and provide latest information to the members of the public timely for better understanding on the development of infectious diseases and preparation on precautionary works.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following announcement today (December 29) regarding a construction site industrial accident:

     The HA acknowledged from a media report last night (December 28) that a construction worker, who was employed by the contractor of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) expansion project, was injured at work and hospitalised on December 20. Upon acknowledging the incident, the HA immediately instructed the contractor concerned to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report. The authority has requested the contractor to explain the reason for failing to report incident details to the HA and the UCH according to established protocols after the incident. The HA has also instructed the contractor to suspend all heavy duty construction procedures, including the lifting operation procedures at the area concerned of the construction site immediately, until effective safety measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of construction workers.

     The HA is deeply concerned about the incident and has requested the contractor to follow up stringently. The authority has reported to the Police and will fully co-operate with the Police and the Labour Department to investigate.

     The injured 63-year-old worker is in stable condition and currently receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The HA expressed sympathy to the worker and his family and will continue to offer appropriate assistance.

     The Government announced today (December 29) that the Characteristic Local Tourism Incentive Scheme (CTIS) will accept applications from eligible travel agents from January 1, 2024.

     The Government launched the Cultural and Heritage Sites Local Tour Incentive Scheme (CHIS) in October 2022 which aims at incentivising the travel trade to develop more tourism products and itineraries with cultural and heritage elements. The CHIS received enthusiastic response from the trade with characteristic tourism products rolled out one after another. As such, the Government announced in the 2023 Policy Address that the CHIS will be transformed into the CTIS to provide more in-depth itinerary design, training, etc, with a view to further promoting the development of thematic tours, including national history, green ecology, marine, traditional culture, pop culture, intangible cultural heritage experiences, night time adventure, thereby promoting the long-term and sustainable development of tourism industry.

     The CTIS is divided into two parts, namely the in-depth travel and thematic travel. The application period of in-depth travel will be from January 1, 2024 until July 31, 2024. Eligible travel agents may receive cash incentives in respect of each participant of in-depth travel they serve. Each eligible travel agent may apply for $200 cash incentives for each participant of in-depth travel it serves, and the quota for applying for the cash incentives is 100 participants each from local and inbound tour. The itinerary must cover at least two designated sites of in-depth travel and one interactive tourist experience activity with Hong Kong's unique and authentic experience recognised under the CTIS.

     As regards the second part of thematic travel, each eligible travel agent may apply for $400 cash incentives for each participant of thematic travel it serves, and the quota for applying for the cash incentives is 100 participants each from local and inbound tour. Travel agent has to focus on six distinctive themes, including national history, green ecology, marine, traditional culture, pop culture, and creative travel in designing the itinerary and provide visitors with a captivating and in-depth travel experience in Hong Kong. Details of the application will be announced in mid-January, along with the promulgation of the six winning thematic itineraries under the Deeper into Hong Kong: Creative Itinerary Design Competition.

     Itineraries applying for both in-depth travel and thematic travel cash incentives are required to meet the general requirements under the CTIS including reception by licensed tourist guides/tour escorts who have completed training courses recognised by the CTIS, transportation, insurance and meal arrangement, etc.

     The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC) is the implementation agent of the CTIS. In order to assist travel agents in organising more thematic tours, the TIC will liaise with different organisations to organise in-depth local tour docent training courses under the CTIS for licensed tourist guides and tour escorts, so as to further enhance the service quality of practitioners of the tourism industry.

     Application details of the part of in-depth travel under the CTIS is now available on the website of the TIC (www.tichk.org/).

     The Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) held the 10th Anniversary Grand Parade at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) in Tuen Mun today (December 29). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, reviewed a total of 85 IDYL members.
 
     In his speech, Mr Chan stressed that young people form a vital force in safeguarding the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and promoting Hong Kong's integration into the country's overall development. He recognised the efforts of the Immigration Department (ImmD) in youth training and hoped that the IDYL will continue to pass the baton to the new generation.
 
     After the Grand Parade, Mr Chan officiated at the 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony together with the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, and members of the Management Committee of the IDYL, and presented the certificates of promotion to the IDYL members who completed the training and assessments.
 
     At the ceremony, Mr Kwok stated that the ImmD attaches great importance to youth work. He expressed his gratitude to the Advisory Committee for their dedicated contribution of valuable advice and resources to the IDYL's development, and to member schools for their long-term partnership with the ISITD to provide regular training for IDYL members. Looking ahead, he hoped that under his leadership, the ImmD will continue to guard the country's southern gateway while nurturing new blood for the country through efforts in youth work. The Commissioner of the IDYL, Dr Cheng Kam-chung, mentioned that the Advisory Committee will continue to support the IDYL in creating opportunities for the growth and development of Hong Kong young people.
 
     The ImmD formed its youth uniformed group in December 2013 and the group was officially renamed the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps in 2021 to provide disciplinary and leadership training for Hong Kong young people. Through diversified training and group activities, it aims to develop members' affection for the country and Hong Kong and their law-abiding awareness. It also aims to nurture a young generation of good character, strong leadership skills, positive thinking and enthusiasm for serving the community among members.

                  

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 29) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on New Year's Eve (December 31) to facilitate the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour and related holiday celebration activities.
 
Road closures
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     Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from noon on that day in the road sections in the vicinity of Wan Chai, Central District and the Peak on Hong Kong Island. The section of Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic (except for franchised buses) from 11.55pm until the reopening of roads.
 
     Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District in Kowloon from about 6pm until the crowds disperse and the roads reopen. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the above affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.
 
Public transport services arrangements
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(i) In connection with the road closure arrangements, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be subject to diversion or suspension, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated accordingly.

(ii) The following MTR service enhancements will be implemented on New Year's Eve:

• Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tseung Kwan O Line (sections between North Point – Po Lam and between Tiu Keng Leng – LOHAS Park), South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (section between Admiralty – Sheung Shui), Tuen Ma Line, and Light Rail Routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will provide overnight services;
• The service levels of Island Line, South Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, East Rail Line and Tung Chung Line will be strengthened gradually from 7am on that day;
• The operating hours of Disneyland Resort Line and MTR Bus Route Nos. 506, K51 and K54 will be extended;
   

(iii) Special bus services of KMB Route No. N64P, Citybus Route Nos. 4S, 18R and 38S and Cross Harbour Route No. 967N will be operated in the small hours on January 1. The service level and operating hours of various bus routes (including 19 KMB routes and three Citybus routes) will be strengthened or extended respectively;

(iv) The operating hours of eight GMB routes in Kowloon and the New Territories will be extended;

(v) Tram services will be extended to 1am the following day and will also be strengthened subject to passenger demand;

(vi) Star Ferry, Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services and Park Island Transport will gradually adjust and suspend part of their services from 10.30pm on that night to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display; and

(vii) In connection with the road closure arrangements in the vicinity of Wan Chai North, the terminus of the cross-boundary coach service plying between Wan Chai and Huanggang Port at the Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 8.30pm on that night until the roads reopen. During that period, passengers can use the pick-up point at Hennessy Road westbound near Southorn Centre.
 
Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System Services
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(i) The operating hours of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on New Year's Eve will be extended to 3am the following day.
 
     For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application "HKeMobility". Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
 
     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or "HKeMobility".