The Transport Department today (November 5) reminded members of the public that the 13th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (November 6) to 11.59pm on November 9, and the ballot result will be announced on November 10.

     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.

     The Transport Department today (November 5) reminded members of the public that the 13th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (November 6) to 11.59pm on November 9, and the ballot result will be announced on November 10.

     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Yellow fire danger warning

     The fire danger situation today (November 5) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hikers should also be vigilant.

     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; and the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, attended the Youth Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" organised for members of the Youth Link today (November 4). They introduced the policy measures related to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), which were recently announced in the Policy Address, to over 40 young people. They engaged in interactive discussions with the youth and listened to the opinions of the young people.
      
     During the dialogue, Miss Mak introduced the key initiatives on sustaining youth development and building a caring and inclusive community. She emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to young people and has always been committed to providing young people with an enabling environment, so that they can unleash their full potential in society and contribute to Hong Kong, the country and the world. She said the HYAB will engage young people through activities under the Youth Link and communicate with more young people on a continuous and regular basis.
      
     Responses from the young people attending the dialogue were overwhelming. They actively shared their views on taking forward the initiatives relating to the Youth Development Blueprint, mental health and promotion of fertility, etc. as mentioned in the Policy Address. They also expressed their views on how to support young people to take part in public affairs and develop diverse talents. Some participants pointed out that the dedicated chapter on youth in the Policy Address reflected that the Government places great importance on youth development.
      
     The Youth Link, launched by the HYAB in September this year, aims to connect young people who have participated in youth programmes organised by the Government. It will provide young people with more opportunities to develop diverse talents and serve the community and will strengthen their communication and mutual trust with the Government.

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 4) reported an update on the investigations of the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster. Currently, the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster involved a total of 16 females. 

     The CHP has set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for the related cases, which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm. The hotline will also operate from 9am to 1pm tomorrow (November 5) to receive enquiries. The hotline was set up on November 3 and as of 1pm today, nine calls were received. Four females, aged 25 to 32, said that they had received relevant injection services and developed compatible symptoms.

     The CHP has not identified new premises involved in the cases. The CHP again appeals to persons who have patronised the premises announced yesterday and presented with relevant symptoms after receiving relevant injections, should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for follow-up 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.

     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.