Tag Archives: China

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 9) provided an update on the investigation of the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster. There are no additional cases identified today and currently the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster involves a total of 18 females.

     The CHP has set up for the related cases an enquiry hotline (2125 2372), which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm to receive enquiries. The hotline was set up on November 3, and as of 3pm today, 19 calls were received, among which six females, aged 25 to 32, said that they had received relevant injection services and developed symptoms. They have been defined as cases of the infection cluster to receive follow-ups.
 
     Also, the clinical sample of one of the 18 females involved in the infection cluster grew Mycobacterium abscessus yesterday (November 8). Currently there are a total of three females of the infection cluster whose clinical sample grew Mycobacterium abscessus.

     In addition, the CHP has not identified new venues where injections took place, or relevant Instagram social media accounts today. The CHP again appeals that persons who have patronised the premises announced on November 7, or have arranged and received relevant injections via relevant Instagram social media accounts after which they presented with relevant symptoms, should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for follow-ups as appropriate.
 
     Based on information obtained in a preliminary investigation, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility of illegal medical practice. Investigations are ongoing.

     The DH reminded members of the public that injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience. The DH also urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving injections:
 

• Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to the injection, or infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop, such as fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

     â€‹The public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information. read more

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 9) announced the test results of the seasonal food surveillance project on hairy crabs and oysters. All samples passed the test… read more

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (November 9) firmly rejected and strongly disapproved of the misleading and slanderous remarks jointly made by 10 foreign Catholic leaders against the law enforcement actions and legal proceedings in respect of the cases involving Lai Chee-ying and their request for immediate and unconditional release of him. 
      
     The HKSAR Government spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government firmly rejects and strongly disapproves of the fact-twisting remarks made by the foreign Catholic leaders to inappropriately interfere in the HKSAR’s internal affairs and the HKSAR courts’ independent exercise of judicial power. Any person, regardless of his or her identity, who attempts to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR in order to procure a defendant’s evasion of the criminal justice process, is blatantly undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making a statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in a conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.”
      
     The spokesman reiterated, “Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable. Article 25 of the Basic Law provides that all Hong Kong residents shall be equal before the law. All law enforcement actions taken by the law enforcement agencies of the HKSAR are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the people concerned, and have nothing to do with their professions, political beliefs or backgrounds. It would be totally contrary to the rule of law for someone to suggest that certain groups of people could enjoy privileges and break the law without getting arrested or bearing legal responsibilities due to their capacity. Everyone, including journalists, should abide by the law.
      
     “Under Article 85 of the Basic Law, the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court. In all the cases involving Lai Chee-ying, he had fully exercised his right to defend himself and the right to appeal, and the verdicts and sentences, if any, were given by the courts exercising judicial power independently, based on applicable laws, facts and evidence after open trials and hearings. Also, the detailed reasons for sentence are contained in the publicly available judgment.”
      
     The spokesman stressed, “The HKSAR shall continue, in accordance with the law, to effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security and also to safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the foreign Catholic leaders to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop interfering in the HKSAR’s internal affairs and the HKSAR courts’ independent exercise of judicial power.” read more

     To tie in with the theme of this year’s French Science Festival “Sport and Science: from Health to Performance”, the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) is collaborating with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau to roll out a series of activities from tomorrow (November 10) to November 27. They include the “Science at the Service of Medals” exhibition, a film screening, a conference and a panel discussion at the HKScM, so that members of the public can better understand the relationship between science and health as well as athletes’ performances.
      
     Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition today (November 9), the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Culture), Miss Eve Tam, said that the French Science Festival provides an inspiring opportunity for schools and the public to appreciate the significance of sports in people’s daily lives and the interconnection between science and sports. Other officiating guests included the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe, and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.
      
     The “Science at the Service of Medals” exhibition designed by the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, showcases the collaborative efforts of scientists across diverse disciplines who develop equipment to enhance speed, utilise virtual reality training to reduce fatigue, and individualise training regimens through physiology studies to empower athletes. The virtual reality experience of “A Taste for Risk” will also be presented at the exhibition venue. Through a transmedia project that combines a documentary and virtual reality with three French athletes, participants will be able to immerse themselves in four extreme sports, including bodyboarding, wingsuit flying, free-diving, and snowboarding. They can gain an unparalleled experience and feel the thrill of pushing limits.
      
     Besides the exhibition, the HKScM will also launch a series of feature programmes. They include a film screening of the animated comedy “Les Triplettes de Belleville”, which received two Oscar nominations, on November 11 at 4pm. The Champions Conference will be held on November 18 at 6pm, when the coach of the Hong Kong, China Fencing Team, Mr Grégory Koenig, and Hong Kong, China Paralympic fencer athlete, Ms Alison Yu, will share their journeys leading towards winning Olympic and Paralympic medals. The Hong Kong break dancer who competed in the Asian Games, B-Boy C Plus, will also give a performance. There will be a nutrition panel discussion on November 26 at 3pm, where Sport Nutrition & Monitoring Manager, Hong Kong Sports Institute Dr Margaret Kuo, together with a senior dietian and a sports science officer, will discuss with participants the relationship between nutrition and health, as well as sport performances. Online registration for the three programmes mentioned above has started. There will be limited quotas and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For registration, please visit www.spu.hk/en/cards/french-science-festival-2023/, or call 2732 3232 for enquiries.
      
     The exhibition and programmes are jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, and jointly organised by the Science Promotion Unit of the HKScM and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau.

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     â€‹Correctional officers at Lo Wu Correctional Institution stopped a female remand person in custody from attacking a staff member today (November 9).      At 2.21pm today, a 33-year-old female … read more