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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, together with the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; the Commissioner for Labour, Ms May Chan; and the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Dr Chan Pak-wai, held a joint press conference this afternoon (May 16) on the Government’s enhanced strategies and measures to cope with extreme weather. Following is the transcript of remarks of the press conference:

Reporter: Good afternoon. My first question is about the MTR’s new plan for transporting passengers to the end of a line or major stations during a No. 9 typhoon signal (T9). Will there also be a review of the suspension of overhead trains when the T9 is in force? You also mentioned that the Government will wrap up an enforcement action against people going outside to experience typhoons. Can you specify what kind of actions will be banned, and under what circumstances will the Government consider using the citywide SMS alert system to warn residents about the extreme weather?
 
Secretary for Transport and Logistics: For the first part of the question relating to MTR operation, the open sections of the MTR lines will suspend operation if a No.9 or above signal is hoisted. A measure is now in place, so that in case the train is already in the open section, we will try to reach the final destination as far as practicable if safety permits. If not, we are now planning to stop at a major station, which may be big or may be connected to a mall or other commercial areas, so that people or passengers could have a better place for shelter and depart the area when weather allows. This is the provision that we are now planning.
 
Under Secretary for Security: In relation to the second question about people experiencing typhoon or whatever, what we mean is to dissuade people from having some sort of high-risk, very risky activities such as, say for example, during typhoon times, water sports, surfing, these are the activities that we are referring to. In relation to this, I recall an example about the Big Wave Bay, in the eastern part of Hong Kong, a renowned place for surfers, a place where loads of surfers go during typhoon times. We actually have a station officer there, using a loudhailer to dissuade people from getting into the sea. It is a very rough situation, and, be honest, if anything happened, it is not just costing 2,000 bucks or 14 days in prison, and you will cost your life. It also endangers lives of our emergency response officers. So what we are saying is, do not do something dangerous, and do not put yourself at risk.
 
     In relation to the third question about the Emergency Alert System (EAS), I have explained it in Chinese and I will repeat it once again. In relation to foreseeable situation, say for example, adverse weather, our HKO (Hong Kong Observatory) has a very sophisticated warning system, which will issue appropriate advice and warning to members of the public. For the EAS, what we are aiming at is to deal with emergency situation, which is unforeseeable, or we have very little lead time. I will quote an example, a tsunami. From the time we detect it to the time it hits, there will be a very short period of time that will allow us not much room to manoeuvre, so the EAS is meant to address this situation, where we could issue emergency messages to all members of the public to advise them what is happening and what you are going to do, in order to put yourself in a better position or better prepare yourself with this. For example, if you are at low land, you better go to a higher area, or do a lot of things including putting sandbags or other precautionary measures to protect your property. So the EAS is aiming for unforeseen emergency that would affect lives or properties.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation, led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, continued its duty visit in Indonesia today (May 16).
 
     In the morning, the delegation visited the Parliament of Indonesia and respectively paid courtesy calls on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Rachmat Gobel, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Regional Representatives, Dr Nono Sampono. While meeting Members of the Parliament of Indonesia, the delegation highlighted that Hong Kong has a well-established financial market and is actively attracting family offices to set up or expand businesses. Members encouraged Indonesian enterprises and investors to seize the opportunities in Hong Kong. They were also interested in the progress of the relocation of the Indonesian capital, and explored potential areas of cooperation in the project, such as infrastructure development and real estate services.
 
     The delegation also shared LegCo’s experience in utilizing technology to enhance parliamentary efficiency, including producing verbatim transcripts of meetings with the help of artificial intelligence. Members discussed with representatives of the Parliament of Indonesia on the use of digital platforms and technological tools in the public sector.
 
     The delegation took the opportunity to promote Hong Kong’s tourism development to the representatives, including organizing mega-events and other tourism activities to attract travellers. Both parties also exchanged views on various topics such as district governance, land planning and opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
 
     Hong Kong and Indonesia are long-time business partners. The delegation attended a luncheon with representatives of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong to gain insight into Hong Kong companies’ investment and the business environment in Indonesia. Members pointed out that under the country’s Belt and Road Initiative and development of the GBA, Hong Kong is committed to promoting new industrialization and innovation and technology development, offering exciting opportunities for business and investment in Hong Kong.
 
     In the afternoon, the delegation met with representatives of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) to discuss with the local business sector on ways to strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong and Indonesia in areas such as commerce, trade and investment, and education. The delegation introduced to KADIN Hong Kong’s strengths in various aspects such as finance and trade, logistics, innovation and technology. With these advantages, the city can further optimize the regional supply chain and industry chain, adding distinct value to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and achieving mutual benefits with member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
 
     The delegation departed for Singapore in the evening and will begin its duty visit in the country tomorrow (May 17).

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     A public rental housing (PRH) tenant was sentenced to imprisonment for making a false statement that he did not own any domestic property in Hong Kong. A spokesman for the Housing Department (HD) today (May 16) reminded residents of PRH estates to declare truthfully their income and assets.

     A PRH resident living at Ap Lei Chau Estate in Hong Kong declared in a 2022 Income and Assets Declaration Form that he did not have any domestic property ownership in Hong Kong. A subsequent investigation revealed that this resident solely owned a domestic property in Tsuen Wan at the material time.

     This resident was prosecuted for knowingly making a false statement, contrary to Section 26(1)(a) of the Housing Ordinance. He was convicted in Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on May 14. Given the gravity of the offence, the defendant was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment (suspended for 12 months). The HD has issued a notice-to-quit to this PRH tenant to recover the subject PRH flat.

     The spokesman seriously reminded all households living in PRH to complete their Income and Assets Declaration Forms accurately, as doing so provides the foundation for the assessment of rent and their eligibilities for continuing residence. Before furnishing particulars specified in the requisition required by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, households should read the content and completion guidelines of the Income and Assets Declaration Forms carefully and compute their income and assets in accordance with the methods specified. Otherwise, they may be prosecuted for making a false statement knowingly, contrary to Section 26(1)(a) of the Housing Ordinance. Once convicted, the maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and imprisonment for six months. Households may also be prosecuted for neglecting to furnish information as specified in a declaration form, contrary to Section 27(a) of the Housing Ordinance, and if convicted, the maximum penalty is a $25,000 fine and imprisonment for three months. The HD will take action to recover the undercharged rent incurred due to the inaccurate information or even recover their PRH units. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) made the following announcement today (May 16):      A 91-year-old female … read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 16) investigating two cases of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The CHP appealed to members of the public to receive seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) in a timely manner to better protect themselves during the influenza season.

     The first case involves a 6-year-old girl with underlying diseases. She developed a fever and cough on May 9 and sought medical attention from a private doctor on the same day. She was taken to the accident and emergency department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital for medical attention on May 12 due to the worsening of symptoms and was admitted the same day. She was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further management on May 14. She is now in critical condition. Her home contacts are currently asymptomatic.
 
     The second case involves a 6-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever and cough with sputum on May 12 and shortness of breath yesterday (May 15). She was taken to the accident and emergency department of United Christian Hospital for medical attention on the same day. She was admitted to a general paediatric ward of the hospital this morning and was subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit for further management. She is now in serious condition. One of her home contacts is currently symptomatic. 

     The patients’ respiratory specimens were positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis for both of them was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the two patients had not received SIV for this season and had no travel history during the incubation period. The CHP’s investigations into the two cases are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, “Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at a higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.”

     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when visiting public places. The public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information. read more