GFS Open Day promotes National Security Education Day

     â€‹To promote the National Security Education Day, the Government Flying Service (GFS) held an open day today (April 13) at the GFS Kai Tak Division, taking the opportunity to raise public awareness of national security and deepen their understanding of the GFS's services, as well as its work and achievements in safeguarding national security.
      
     The open day featured interactive exhibition boards, national security-themed game booths, as well as virtual-reality and augmented-reality games to give members of the public a better understanding of GFS operations. The Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, a uniformed youth group newly subvented by the GFS, performed a Chinese-style foot drill and gave a pipe band performance during the open day, which marked the first official event they participated in. As a concluding performance, a search-and-rescue flight demonstration was performed by a helicopter simulating a marine rescue operation, illustrating emergency response efforts by the GFS during life-saving missions.
      
     More than 1 600 visitors joined the GFS Open Day. The Deputy Chief Secretary, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk also toured the open day and recognised the efforts and contributions by the GFS in safeguarding national security.
      
     "We are delighted with the enthusiastic support from the public, and hope to deepen public understanding of national security and the GFS through community engagement during the open day. The event showcased the dedication of the GFS in safeguarding national security. The GFS remains steadfast in its mission of providing life-saving, emergency responses and aerial supports, contributing to safeguarding national security, and maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," said the Controller of the GFS, Captain West Wu.




National Security Education Day cum Hong Kong Police Force 180th Anniversary Police College Open Day held today (with photos)

     To tie in with the National Security Education Day on April 15 and celebrate the 180th anniversary (180A) of the establishment of Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Police held the “National Security Education Day cum Hong Kong Police Force 180th Anniversary Police College Open Day” at the Hong Kong Police College today (April 13). The event aimed to promote public awareness of national security, enhance the cultivation of national identity and foster communications between the Police and the public while sharing joy and fun.
 
     The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, in his welcome speech, mentioned the holistic approach to national security. Describing 180A as an important milestone of the Force, he believed that the Force would continue to shoulder its responsibility of safeguarding national security and get united to fulfill its mission and strive for excellence in safeguarding the city beyond the 180th anniversary.
 
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal of the holistic view of national security, and it is the first National Security Education Day after enacting legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law, which were of special significance to Hong Kong. Praising that the Hong Kong Police Force as an important strength in safeguarding Hong Kong and national security, as well as maintaining law and order and protecting the citizens since its establishment in 1844, he thanked the Force on behalf of the Government and citizens for its contribution to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
 
     Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Zheng Yanxiong noted that enacting legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law is a significant achievement of the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility. It signifies that Hong Kong now possesses an impenetrable barrier to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and consolidates as a united front to promote Hong Kong's advancement from stability to prosperity. Noting that the HKPF is a highly professional Force serving Hong Kong with honour, duty and loyalty, he hoped that the Police would keep in mind their mission to resolutely safeguard national security, and the steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", and uphold the rule of law.
 
     Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the wife of CE, Mrs Janet Lee; Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Dong Jingwei; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; 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 Fang Jianming; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Zheng Guoyue; the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming; the Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), Mr Kan Kai-yan, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Mr Chan Joon-sun.
 
     The Open Day kicked off with a grand show featuring music performances, driving demonstrations, police dog show, and counter-terrorism drill with participation of the Special Duties Unit, the Counter Terrorism Response Unit and the Force Drone Cadre. In addition, to mark the 180th anniversary of the Force, a time capsule placement ceremony was held. The HKPF’s senior management and staff association representatives sealed memorable items such as the Police’s anti-scam mascot, the "Little Grape”, a plaque from the National Security Department, gold medal certificates received by the Force at the 48th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, and photos of respective staff associations. The capsule will be reopened after 20 years, to signify the inheritance of the Police’s professionalism.
                                                                                                                                         
     The Open Day features four designated zones themed on “Upholding National Security and Safeguarding Our City”, “Beyond 180 Years”, “Police Fun Zone” and “Modern Police Professional”. Highlights included the upgraded NS Express National Security Exhibition, a virtual reality film showcasing the history of the Force, display of advanced equipment of elite units and police vehicles. Game booths hosted by various police units and secondary cadres, as well as Police sports and arts clubs, also enabled the public to gain a better understanding of the Force and experience its professionalism. Furthermore, 17 HKPF mascots gathered together for the first time to meet, greet and take photos with the public.

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Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool temporarily closed

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 (April 13) that Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 9.10pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.




CHP investigates one imported case of Zika Virus Infection

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 13) investigating an imported case of Zika Virus Infection which is related to an imported case announced yesterday, and again urged the public to adopt strict anti-mosquito measures during travel. Pregnant women should pay close attention to the infection risk if they travel to affected areas.

     The case involves a 19-year-old male patient with good past health, who had developed fever since April 3, and later presented with generalised skin rash on the following day. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital (UCH) on April 8, and was admitted on the same day for management. He was discharged the following day. The patient, who was the travel collateral of an imported case announced yesterday, had also stayed in Ko Lanta Island, Thailand between March 28 and April 3, and returned to Hong Kong on April 6. He also recalled mosquito bites during his stay at Ko Lanta Island. The CHP arranged the patient to admit UCH again yesterday for management. His blood specimen tested positive for Zika virus. He has been in stable condition all along. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The contact tracing and follow-up investigation of the CHP are ongoing. The CHP has reported the case to the health authority of Thailand.  

     As regards the situation of Zika virus transmission, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), multiple countries/areas in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia (including Thailand) have recorded with current or previous Zika virus transmissions. The CHP has informed the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for vector surveillance and control. Zika Virus Infection is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Suspected or confirmed cases must be promptly notified for investigation, control and surveillance.

     A spokesman for the CHP said that, Zika Virus Infection is a mosquito-borne disease. To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent at least 21 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor.

     The CHP's Port Health Division has been carrying out inspections and health promotions (including reminding travellers to adopt anti-mosquito measures when travelling) at boundary control points (BCPs) to maintain strict environmental hygiene with effective mosquito control, and keeping close contact with relevant stakeholders (e.g. airlines and the travel industry) to provide the latest disease information and health advice at appropriate times. Routine health surveillance on body temperature of inbound travellers at all BCPs is ongoing.

     Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Aedes aegypti, which is currently not found in Hong Kong, is considered the most important vector for Zika virus. Most people infected with Zika Virus Infection are asymptomatic. For patients with symptoms, they commonly present with rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. Zika Virus Infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, and it can also cause complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth and preterm birth. 

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the Dengue Fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Zika pages of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.




CSD holds open day to promote national security (with photos)

     â€‹To support National Security Education Day on April 15, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) held an open day at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy today (April 13) to raise public awareness of national security and enhance public understanding of the CSD's work in safeguarding national security.

     The open day featured a variety of programmes. Game booths and exhibitions on national security, the Constitution and the Basic Law were set up to help members of the public to learn more about the importance of safeguarding national security and the CSD's commitment to preventing and defending against national security risks through interactive engagement. Vistors also enjoyed various performances by the department, including a Chinese-style foot drill demonstration by the Guard of Honour, a music performance by the Marching Band and demonstrations by the Dog Unit and the Regional Response Team.

     In addition, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum, the Community Education Experience Centre, the "Rehabilitation Express" (RehEx) promotion vehicle and the "smart training" facilities were open for members of the public to deepen their understanding of the CSD's work and efforts in promoting community education. With the theme of "Home, Country and Correction", the Community Education Experience Centre features interactive games and multimedia items to promote to the public, especially young people, national security, national education, the message of leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation. The RehEx promotion vehicle visits primary schools in various districts every month to enhance students' awareness of national security, sense of responsibility and correct values, and to teach them to safeguard the country and home, and become law-abiding citizens through the interactive electronic games installed in the vehicle.

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, also attended the event. Accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, they enjoyed the performances and visited the game booths and exhibitions with different themes.

     The CSD, as the last element in the criminal justice system, will continue to ensure prison stability, in an effort to safeguard national sovereignty.

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