Following a number of cases of norovirus infection due to consumption of contaminated food in Japan since last month, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (March 8) reminded the public to be more vigilant and pay attention to personal, environmental and food hygiene to minimise the risk of food poisoning when travelling.

     "According to the Japanese authorities, more than 150 people have been infected with norovirus since last month after patronising Kiichi, a Japanese restaurant in Osaka Prefecture, or eating Japanese confectionery (including strawberry daifuku) produced by the Kiyotsuki Co. Ltd in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture. Information from the Japanese health authorities also showed that the activity of infectious gastroenteritis in Japan has increased recently. As Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vicinity of Hong Kong, I would like to appeal to those who are planning to visit or are currently visiting Japan to remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of being infected," Dr Tsui said.

     "In general, norovirus is more active in winter. Norovirus is highly contagious and individuals may become infected after being exposed to even a small amount of norovirus. The virus can be transmitted through various means, such as eating contaminated food, contacting with the vomit or excreta of infected persons, and contacting with contaminated objects. It may lead to a large-scale outbreak. Since alcohol is not effective in killing norovirus, alcohol-based handrubs are not a substitute for handwashing with soap and water," he added.

     Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mild fever and malaise. Most patients usually recover on their own and symptoms usually improve within one to three days.

     To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are advised to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene. When eating out, the following points should be observed:
 

• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be careful in choosing cold cuts, including sashimi, sushi and oysters in buffets;
• Use pasteurised eggs, egg products or egg powders when preparing dishes using slightly cooked or uncooked eggs;
• Patronise reliable and licensed restaurants;
• Store and reheat pre-cooked or leftover food properly before consumption;
• When having hot pots or barbecuing, make sure the food is thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Handle raw and cooked food with care and separate them thoroughly during the cooking process;
• Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked food separately;
• Do not patronise unlicensed food stalls;
• Drink boiled water;
• Do not attempt to sterilise food by using salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi as they are not effective in sterilising food; and
• Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.

     Members of the public may visit the CHP's webpages for more information and preventive advice on norovirus infection.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, today (March 8) officiated at a reception to celebrate International Women's Day 2025 hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Women's Commission (WoC).
      
     The reception was attended by members of the WoC, representatives from women's groups, non-governmental organisations and the local community. Thematic panels were set up at the reception to showcase the efforts made by the Government and the WoC in promoting women's development.
      
     In his speech, Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, offers equal opportunities for development to all, regardless of gender. He added that Hong Kong women have long been the pillars of their families and important drivers that fuel the progress of society, contributing significantly to the prosperity of the city.
      
     He said, "The promotion of women's development is of paramount importance. The Government attaches importance to women's benefits and well-being. Together with the Women's Commission, we will continue our concerted efforts in promoting women's development and writing a new chapter in women’s advancement." Mr Lee extended his warm wishes for Hong Kong women to embody the fragrant virtues of the bauhinia, upholding good family values; to stand tall as kapok trees in scaling new professional heights; and to bloom with the resilient spirit of winter plum blossoms in telling the good story of Hong Kong.
      
     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said at the reception that the HYAB has made significant achievements in promoting women's development over the past year, including holding the first Family and Women Development Summit and launching the one-stop family and women information portal. The Women Empowerment Fund, set up in June 2023, has approved over 240 projects to empower women to realise their full potentials. In addition, the HYAB will launch the "She Inspires" mentorship programme in the second quarter of this year, matching local female university students with female leaders as their mentors, and has received overwhelming support from outstanding women leaders in Hong Kong.
      
     She said, "For the past three decades, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has unswervingly implemented the principles of the United Nations' Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and uphold the provisions under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, making remarkable achievements in women's development." She added that the HYAB will continue to work together with all sectors of society to enable women in Hong Kong to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.
      
     Also officiating at the reception were Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Liu Guangyuan; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Pan Yundong; Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Senior Colonel Wang Zhixue; Deputy Director of the liaison office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Xie Zhixiang; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mrs Regina Ip; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mabel Chan; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip; and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam.

      

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tuen Mun this morning (March 8) in which a man died.
 
     At 6.25am, a taxi driven by a 73-year-old man was travelling along Castle Peak Road – Lam Tei towards Yuen Long. When the taxi was approaching a pedestrian crossing outside 121 Castle Peak Road – Lam Tei, it reportedly knocked down a 68-year-old man who was riding a bicycle.
 
     Sustaining serious head injury, the male cyclist was rushed to Tuen Mun Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 7.31am.
 
     The taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.
 
     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.
 
     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 8) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, Morse Park Swimming Pool in Wong Tai Sin District has been temporarily closed until further notice to ensure the safety of swimmers.

     Following are the remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (March 8):

Reporter: Regarding the Court of Final Appeal's ruling on Thursday, what is the next step for DoJ? In what aspect does the DoJ think that the NS… needs to be improved? 

Deputy Secretary for Justice: We are carefully studying the judgment handed down by the Court of Final Appeal. We will see how the judgment can further improve the law enforcement mechanism of national security in Hong Kong, but I will say that the judgment and the case law will contribute significantly to the development of jurisprudence of the national security related law in Hong Kong.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)