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  • Coronavirus: Hong Kong schools to remain closed for another month

    14 February 2020 07:00
    Rachel Wong
    The Education Bureau has announced that schools will not resume classes before March 16 owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

    Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said at a press conference on Thursday that the Bureau will “take into account professional advice from health experts, the readiness of schools, as well as the supply of epidemic preventive materials in the community in making further assessments and deciding on the exact date of class resumptions.”...https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/02/1...another-month/
    CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

    treyfish2004@yahoo.com

    Comment



    • Coronavirus: Hong Kong confirms three new cases, bringing city’s total to 56

      • A man is in critical condition after suffering shortness of breath for more than 10 days
      • Another person who tested positive for virus is cousin of previously infected case, while third infected patient works in Sheung Wan restaurant
      "The only security we have is our ability to adapt."

      Comment


      • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400281.htm
        HA seriously condemns malicious behaviours of damaging general outpatient clinic
        ************************************************** ****************


        The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

        Regarding the arson incident causing damages to a general outpatient clinic, the Hospital Authority (HA) issued the following statement today (February 14):

        An arson has caused damages to the Mrs Wu York Yu General Out-patient Clinic in Wo Yi Hop Road, Tsuen Wan this morning. The malicious arson happened in the same clinic last Saturday (February 8). The HA spokesperson seriously condemned the repeated malicious behaviours damaging the general outpatient clinic, which would affect the safety of healthcare staff and patients.

        The spokesperson said that damaging medical facilities would affect the operations and compromise patient safety.

        The HA urged to stop the act of vandalism and had referred the incident to the police, apart from stepping up the security of the clinic.



        Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
        Issued at HKT 10:40

        Comment


        • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400530.htm

          Hong Kong Customs issues clarification on face mask rumours
          **************************************************


          ​With regard to recent rumours that a backlog of face masks sent from overseas via air parcels has occurred at Hong Kong Customs, resulting in delayed deliveries to members of the public, Hong Kong Customs today (February 14) clarified again that such rumours are totally fabricated and unfounded.

          Hong Kong Customs issued a press release on January 28 this year to offer a clarification in response to similar rumours. However, misinformation continues to allege that Customs has hindered the import of face masks into Hong Kong. In order to give a true account of the facts, the department sees a need to make a further clarification.

          A spokesman for the department said that Customs operations at the Air Mail Centre (AMC) have all along remained normal. Sufficient manpower and inspection equipment are in place to conduct Customs clearance.

          "No imported cargo backlog has ever been caused by Hong Kong Customs, and air-mail and postal delivery has never been delayed by Customs clearance either. The department will continue to fully collaborate with Hongkong Post in handling mail items at the AMC," the spokesman continued.

          In the meantime, Customs will continue to make use of risk-profiling and intelligence analysis to carry out customs clearance for passengers, cargo, conveyance and postal articles at various control points pursuant to relevant legislation to combat the import and export of controlled and prohibited items into and out of Hong Kong.



          Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
          Issued at HKT 17:20


          Comment


          • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400563.htm

            Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
            ******************************************


            The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

            As at noon today (February 14), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 36 patients (20 male and 16 female, aged 12 months to 93 years) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent for testing. There are 114 patients under isolation currently.

            The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.



            Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
            Issued at HKT 17:58


            Comment


            • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400650.htm

              DH appoints officers from disciplinary forces to assist in spot checks on persons under compulsory quarantine
              ************************************************** ****************************


              The Department of Health (DH) today (February 14) appointed officers from the Correctional Services Department (CSD), Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Immigration Department (ImmD) to assist in enforcing the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap 599C) so as to ensure that persons under compulsory quarantine stay at their dwelling places for the compulsory quarantine.

              Apart from persons exempted under the Regulation, the DH will issue quarantine orders to all people (including Hong Kong residents, Mainland residents and visitors from other places) entering Hong Kong from the Mainland and people who have been to the Mainland in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong (even if they enter Hong Kong via other places). People under quarantine should stay at home or the dwelling places for a 14-day compulsory quarantine. Health officers and police officers are both authorised to enforce the Regulation.

              To strengthen the surveillance work on persons under compulsory quarantine, officers of the CSD, C&ED, the FSD and the ImmD will assist in spot checks on these people. During spot checks, the officers will wear their uniform or a vest of their respective departments and produce their warrant cards as an identity proof.

              Apart from conducting spot checks, the Government has various measures in place to monitor whether persons under quarantine are complying with the quarantine order. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer can make use of a location-sharing function of communication software and video calls to monitor the location of those under compulsory quarantine. The DH also makes telephone calls to persons under quarantine to ensure that they are staying at their dwelling places.

              All persons under quarantine must strictly comply with the quarantine order. The Government will demand anyone not staying at their place of quarantine at all times to either wear an electronic wristband or be transferred to a quarantine camp depending on the circumstances. The Government may consider prosecuting persons who do not comply with the quarantine order. People contravening the quarantine requirement are subject to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for six months and a fine of $25,000 upon conviction.



              Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
              Issued at HKT 19:30

              Comment


              • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400729.htm

                Exemption arrangement under Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C)
                ************************************************** ***************************


                The Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C) (the Regulation), made under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Public Health Emergency) Regulation, was effective 0.00am of February 8.

                Further to the eight categories of persons previously announced, in accordance with section 4(1) of the Regulation, the Chief Secretary for Administration today (February 14) exempted the following categories of persons from the quarantine requirement with effect from 0:00am tomorrow (February 15).

                1. personnel of organisations commissioned by the Director of Social Welfare providing welfare support for Hong Kong residents living in the Mainland;

                2. construction personnel tasked to carry out off-site duties in the Mainland that are essential and cannot be replaced by other means to ensure the quality, integrity and statutory compliance of services or components to be used in government projects, public housing projects and Airport Authority projects in Hong Kong;

                3. experts or personnel of the academic sectors who are engaged in research and provide advice in combating the novel coronavirus infection;

                4. staff of Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse and livestock importers residing in the Mainland;

                5. staff and personnel of public bodies and their partners for the supply of wristbands and related materials for home quarantine; and

                6. personnel of public bodies and their partners, agencies, companies or organisations for the supply to Hong Kong of personal protective equipment (PPE) or materials/equipment for the production of PPEs.

                The Department of Health (DH) will arrange medical surveillance for persons under the above exempted categories of persons during their stay in Hong Kong. Persons under medical surveillance are required to wear masks and check temperature daily for reporting to the DH. In addition, exempted persons are also subject to the temperature check and health declaration procedures carried out by the DH at various boundary control points during arrival and departure clearance.

                The Regulation was published in the Gazette on February 7 to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus infection with resolute and stringent measures. With the exception of exempted persons, all persons having stayed in the Mainland for any period during the 14 days preceding arrival, regardless of nationality and travel documents used, will be subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. It is a criminal offence to contravene the quarantine order and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and six months' imprisonment.

                In accordance with section 4(1) of the Regulation, the Chief Secretary for Administration may exempt any person or categories of people from the quarantine requirement if the Chief Secretary is satisfied that the person's or persons' entry into Hong Kong are–
                • supplying goods or services required for the normal operation of Hong Kong or the daily needs of the people in Hong Kong;
                • for governmental operation;
                • for the protection of the safety or health of the people of Hong Kong or the handling of public health emergency; or
                • cases of exceptional circumstance that serves the public interest of Hong Kong.




                Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
                Issued at HKT 20:20

                Comment


                • French and British Chamber of Commerce warns Hong Kong international schools may be in financial risk following outbreak and forced to close as expats flee the city.



                  Comment


                  • Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...ree-news-cases

                    Coronavirus: Hong Kong confirms three new cases, as hospital staff say patients violated mandatory quarantine to visit doctors
                    One woman newly confirmed with the virus attended a family dinner party with 29 others, five of whom have since been confirmed infected
                    But two of those infected family members also lived at the recently evacuated Tsing Yi housing block, leaving doubts about where they contracted the virus
                    SCMP
                    Lilian Cheng , Alvin Lum , Fiona Sun
                    Published: 5:06pm, 14 Feb, 2020
                    Updated: 10:38pm, 14 Feb, 2020

                    Hong Kong reported three more confirmed coronavirus infections on Friday, bringing the city’s total to 56, even as evidence emerged that some residents recently returned from mainland China were flouting the new mandatory home quarantine policy.

                    One of the three new cases, a 41-year-old woman who lives in Shek O and works in Quarry Bay, attended a 29-person family dinner at a North Point restaurant on January 26. At the dinner were five others since confirmed to have the virus, health officials said, including a couple who lived in the same Tsing Yi public housing block that was evacuated on Tuesday after a leaking toilet vent pipe raised concerns the virus had travelled between flats.

                    Officials now say they are unsure whether the couple’s infection traces back to the dinner or to the leak as first suspected. The couple had lived with one of the two confirmed cases at Hong Mei House, the man’s 62-year-old mother...

                    Comment


                    • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400711.htm

                      CHP investigates three additional cases of novel coronavirus infection
                      ************************************************** *****


                      The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 14), the CHP is investigating three additional case of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 56 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

                      The first case involves a 41-year-old woman (the 54th case) who is the cousin of the 37-year-old male patient of the 53rd case confirmed yesterday (February 13). The patient has good past health and lives in Tai Long Wan Village, Shek O. She developed cough since February 3 and sought medical attention at Ruttonjee Hospital yesterday and was admitted for isolation and management. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. She had dinner with the patients of five confirmed cases (the 46th, 48th, 49th, 52nd and 53rd case) at Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point on January 26 evening. According to the preliminary epidemiological investigations by the CHP, the patient has eight household close contacts.

                      The second case involves a 70-year-old man (the 55th case) with underlying illnesses who lives alone in Shek Yi House, Shek Lei (II) Estate. He had a fall at home and was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital on February 12. He had developed malaise, shortness of breath and cough with sputum since February 2. At the hospital, he presented with fever and desaturation and was admitted for management. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a critical condition. The patient had a day trip to the Mainland through the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on January 22.

                      The third case involves a 61-year-old woman (the 56th case) with good past health who lives in 233 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan. She developed cough and epigastric pain since February 10, and fever and shortness of breath since February 12. The patient sought medical attention at Queen Mary Hospital yesterday and was admitted for isolation and management. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her husband is asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

                      A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community."

                      The spokesman said, "On the personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

                      "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

                      The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

                      The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. The CHP is also closely monitoring and following up on the contact tracing of relevant confirmed cases in the Mainland and overseas. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

                      The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 13 485 calls were received.

                      A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a "Novel Coronavirus Infection Local Situation Interactive Map Dashboard" are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates...

                      ...Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
                      Issued at HKT 21:09

                      Comment


                      • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400847.htm

                        Latest progress in follow up on novel coronavirus infection in Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate
                        ************************************************** *****************************


                        The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 14) announced that the tests on novel coronavirus for asymptomatic residents of the A07 units of Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi had been completed. All 101 samples tested negative for novel coronavirus.

                        ​ Meanwhile, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Housing Department (HD) have already conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection for all the A07 units of Hong Mei House. The HD's technical inspection teams led by Maintenance Surveyors have also completed the inspection of vent pipe in the units concerned and carried out necessary follow-up. As such, the residents concerned may leave quarantine centres tomorrow. Shuttle bus service will be provided to them for returning home.

                        ​ The CHP will continue the contact tracing on the four confirmed cases of Hong Mei House.

                        ​ A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to the preliminary epidemiological investigation by the CHP, some of the confirmed cases are local cases. The public is strongly urged to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community."

                        The spokesman said, "On the personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

                        "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

                        ​ For other health advice and information, please visit the CHP's dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) on novel coronavirus infection.

                        The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122), which operates from 8am to midnight daily, for public enquiries.



                        Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
                        Issued at HKT 23:15

                        Comment


                        • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021400870.htm

                          Transcript of remarks of press conference
                          **********************************


                          The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a press conference this afternoon (February 14). Also joining were the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip. Following is the transcript of remarks of the press conference.

                          Reporter: When you work out how to bring the Hong Kong residents back from the Diamond Princess, will they be subject to further quarantine when they get back to Hong Kong? And secondly, are you concerned about the conditions that they are being kept in while they're on the Diamond Princess, particularly the close confinement where the virus can spread faster, maybe? And, Mrs Lam, there's been a lot of criticism of this administration's handling of this crisis, from the border closures to the panic buying on the streets. Are you worried that that may lead to lawmakers holding up this funding request?

                          Chief Executive: I'll answer the last question and then perhaps the two colleagues could help to address this question about this cruise. Since the notification was received in Hong Kong on December 31 - it's now past one and a half months - the HKSAR Government has put in every effort to fight this virus infection and this is something that friends of the media could see because you have been coming to these press conferences and media briefings on a very regular basis. We will continue to work very hard based on our very good track record in our public health experience and expertise; based on the advisory panel experts who have been with us all along in these past six weeks; and based on the dedication of our colleagues and the amount of resources that this Government is prepared to put into this fight against the disease. Today's initiative to announce the setting up of this fund with an estimated amount of $25 billion is again one of those commitments to the people of Hong Kong. My biggest concern now is really for us to overcome this public health crisis together so that we could then focus on relaunching Hong Kong and rebuilding Hong Kong's economic strength.

                          Secretary for Security: Regarding the Hong Kong people who are being kept on Diamond Princess, of course we are very concerned. We care for their well-being. That is why we have sent four Immigration Officers to Japan to work with the Economic and Trade Office there together with people from the Chinese Embassy to give them the best support and assistance that we can offer. We have already indicated to the Japanese authorities whether they can consider allowing them (Hong Kong people) to do the quarantine on land and also whether the Hong Kong people can be tested as soon as possible.

                          The Immigration Officers together with the officers from the ETO (Economic and Trade Office) in Japan and also the Chinese Embassy officials have been keeping contact with the Hong Kong people. We are offering what we can do so as to satisfy their needs. A lot of them are asking for assistance in getting the medicine they need. Immigration Officers have already provided about 50 Hong Kong people with the medicine they need and also there are about 17 to 18 people who have received the required medicine through the cruise (operator).

                          We also learned that the Japanese authorities will be conducting tests by selecting people as the first batch, who are over 70 years old together with symptoms, such as fever. And those who are tested positive will be sent to hospital for treatment. Those who are tested negative will be given a choice to either do the quarantine onboard the ship or on land. We understand that there is one Hong Kong lady over 80 years old will be in the first batch of testing.

                          The Security Bureau has already set up a working group to look at how we can arrange these people to come back to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Officials of this working group include officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department, the Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health and various government departments with experience in arranging transportation and offering assistance.

                          What we are doing is liaising closely with the Japanese authorities, so as to get the first-hand information as quickly as possible. Some questions we want to get answers from the Japanese authorities include how soon these Hong Kong people will be allowed to disembark and how soon they will be allowed to leave Japan for Hong Kong. Whether they will be allowed to disembark in groups? How big will each group be? How many days may it take? These are the things that we want to get information from the Japanese authorities as soon as possible, so that the working group can look at all these things to work out how we can as soon as possible arrange for the Hong Kong people to come back. We will also look at how to deal with them when they return.

                          Chief Executive: If I may just supplement and answer your specific question about what will happen to these residents upon returning to Hong Kong, this is a public health matter, so I can assure you that it will still be guided by the experts' advice. I have, in fact, briefly raised this matter with the experts already, and the experts' advice will in turn be based on epidemiological evidence. That's why Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection is now liaising with the Japanese health authorities to try to get as much information as possible so that the experts could then give us advice on how to deal with the returnees. Basically, our primary objective is to look after the health and the safety of these Hong Kong people returning to Hong Kong and also the overall public health situation requirements in Hong Kong.

                          Reporter: Hi, Mrs Lam, about two weeks ago, you’ve mentioned about bringing those in Hubei back home but practically little progress has been announced. Could you promise the people of Hong Kong that you will try to first bring those vulnerables, including those aged, children with long-term illness from Wuhan and Hubei back home first and if so, when is that possible? And also to accommodate those returning from Japan or Hubei, potentially subjecting to quarantines, could Secretary Yau enlighten us whether you plan to use the land around Disney, or are you in discussion with Disney to build some quarantine site around that place? What’s the progress of discussion? When’s this going to be ready? My second question concerns the $25 billion that will be tabled to LegCo pretty soon. This is probably one of the – given that amount and the speed it’s going to be tabled, it was sort of unprecedented, for lawmakers, Mrs Lam, is there practically a choice for them to consider these proposals, or do they have to bargain in terms of to where these should be used, and what’s your message for them?

                          Chief Executive: I’ll answer the question about this funding and then invite the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs to address the Hubei Hong Kong people. Yes, this is a pretty large sum of money, but we are facing an almost unprecedented situation and we are still in the midst of this particular situation which is still evolving. I suppose people should look at the content. This time the Government has taken some bold and decisive step to help different sectors and also to ensure that we can continue to undertake all the infection control measures that have been put in place. If members of the public and members of the Legislative Council do feel that each and every of these initiatives are as necessary, then the amount is not the most important factor, because if you want to do all these things, then you need to get the money, and I’m going to apply also for a contingency, because, as I said, the situation is evolving. In an emergency situation which we are in, you remember that when I introduced the regulations made by the Executive Council, that was premised on the declaration of Hong Kong entering into a public health emergency, so I feel that these measures are justified and they have taken into account the feedback given to us by Legislative Council Members and also expressed in public and from the various sectors. I would very much hope that Members of the Legislative Council would not bargain with us and will accept that these measures are essential, given the current situation.

                          Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Our colleagues and the Wuhan Economic and Trade Office, together with the Immigration Department colleagues, have been following up and rendering the necessary support and assistance to those Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei. Up till now, we have received more than 1,100 cases involving more than 2,200 Hong Kong people. We have been maintaining contacts with them, arranging to send drugs to those in need by batches, some have already arrived while some are on the way, and also providing them with hotlines as well as all the necessary assistance and support.

                          From day one, upon receipt of the assistance cases, we have already started the contingency planning. Because we obviously know that for those who went to Hubei to visit their relatives, they did not anticipate that they have to stay there for so long and they are anxious to come back. We have already started planning for their return arrangement. Given the number, of course we will take into account the actual ways of doing it, including the possibility of returning by batches, how to prevent cross-infection during the return trip, and also the proper quarantine arrangement upon their return to Hong Kong. We have been doing that and we will try our very best to make this arrangement, taking into account the actual situation, particularly the availability of quarantine facilities of sufficient capacity.

                          Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: As the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs mentioned, obviously we need all sorts of quarantine facilities for surveillance, and we therefore leave no stone unturned. I think this is a job that the entire Government is putting heads together. As far as your question on the use of the Phase 2 land (site) designated for Disneyland’s expansion is concerned, we have secured the consent of the company to offer part of the site for this purpose, if it is eventually needed. Obviously, it would not provide an immediate capacity to handle the situation now, but basically if need be that would be one of the possibilities we are considering. Thank you.

                          Reporter: …(inaudible)

                          Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I don’t have the exact configuration yet. We are looking at various options and obviously there are planned facilities for immediate service, which I think the Department of Health has identified. But for medium or longer term, we will identify any possible space available. In that regard, we have got the consent of the company for designating part of (the land) for use.

                          Chief Executive: Maybe to give you an overall picture, because quarantine facilities are extremely essential in our operation and also in situations when there are two groups of Hong Kong people returning to Hong Kong and require quarantine, so in addition to the centres that we are already using very much to the full capacity, the public housing estate in Chun Yeung Estate is extremely important. And on top of that we are embarking on in-situ expansion in Lei Yue Mun holiday camp. It’s within an existing camp we find some vacant land and we are going to build on that vacant land. Actually, I went to see that particular site earlier this week. We are doing similar work in the Sai Kung outdoor recreation camp. We are also planning to use the Police’s Pat Heung Junior Police Call Centre, and on this I must thank the Police for letting us use the Pat Heung centre. To find a vacant piece of land to build additional units is also on our radar screen so to speak. Thank you.

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




                          Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
                          Issued at HKT 23:39

                          Comment


                          • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021500003.htm

                            Hongkong Post response to media enquiries
                            ***********************************


                            In response to the media enquiry on the case of a driver of our contractor having his family member confirmed with novel coronavirus infection, Hongkong Post today (February 15) gave a reply as follows:

                            Hongkong Post was notified by a driver of our contractor serving Chai Wan Delivery Office (CWDO) at about 8am yesterday (February 14), saying that a family member living with him was confirmed with novel coronavirus infection in early hours of the day. He has already gone for medical examination at Ruttonjee Hospital on his own initiative and is now waiting for the test result. The driver in question did not go for work at CWDO today.

                            The driver in question is responsible for driving duties for CWDO. Working for three hours every morning, he is responsible for transporting mail bags and postal staff around the Eastern District from Tai Koo Shing to Siu Sai Wan. The driver needs not work in CWDO or come into contact with mail items or work for any delivery duties. Neither does he park his vehicle in CWDO after he discharges his duties every day.

                            After receiving the above notification this morning, Hongkong Post conducted a briefing on the case for our CWDO staff. We instantly traced the source and it showed that a total of 18 CWDO staff took a ride on the vehicle in question since service resumption on February 3. For the sake of safety, while awaiting the test result of the Department of Health, we have arranged the relevant staff to rest at home. In parallel, we also immediately sought advice from the Centre for Health Protection, which advised us to continue to clean our workplace with 1:99 diluted household bleach. We will also arrange for disinfection of CWDO tonight. Staff of CWDO have also been briefed of the whole situation.

                            Hongkong Post reiterates that we have always been much concerned about the occupational health and safety of our staff and will continue to provide surgical masks, alcohol swabs and other gears for their protection. Time and again, we appeal to our staff for attaching great importance on personal hygiene and advise them to rest at home and go for medical consultation at once in case of feeling unwell.

                            Delivery service of CWDO will remain normal.



                            Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
                            Issued at HKT 0:15

                            Comment


                            • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021500053.htm

                              Immigration Department and HKETO (Tokyo) assist Hong Kong residents quarantined in cruise (with photo)
                              ************************************************** ******************************


                              A spokesman for the Security Bureau today (February 15) said that the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Tokyo (HKETO) have been endeavouring to provide practical assistance to the Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docking in Yokohama, Japan.

                              According to the information provided by the cruise operator, there are around 330 Hong Kong residents on board, including 260 holding a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport and around 70 holding a foreign passport. Among them, 11 have been confirmed to have infected with the novel coronavirus.

                              The ImmD has contacted most of the affected Hong Kong residents, including the infected patients who are hospitalised for treatment, to understand their needs and provide practicable assistance.

                              So far, the ImmD has sent four officers to Japan to provide assistance to the affected Hong Kong residents together with the HKETO. Although officials from the HKSAR Government could not board the cruise ship, they have through the cruise operator been delivering medicine and daily necessities to Hong Kong residents in need. They will continue to reflect the needs of those concerned to the cruise operator and the doctors on duty.

                              The HKETO and the ImmD today delivered, through the cruise operator, gift packs containing surgical masks and disinfection products to the Hong Kong residents aboard as a token of care by the HKSAR Government. The HKETO also met with representatives of the cruise operator this morning to know more about the conditions of those Hong Kong residents to ensure that they are well taken care of and to reflect their wishes to the cruise operator.

                              Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government has been maintaining close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. According to the latest information obtained, the Japanese authorities advised that the quarantine period would in principle end on February 19. It is however not clear yet as to the exact arrangements after completion of the quarantine period, for example whether all passengers and crew members would require further testing, particularly for those who had close contacts with the confirmed cases. The HKSAR Government is urging the Japanese authorities to advise on such information as soon as possible. Subject to the Japanese authorities' arrangements, the HKSAR Government will confirm the arrangements of the Hong Kong residents concerned upon their return to Hong Kong as advised by the Department of Health.

                              The HKSAR Government is liaising with airlines to formulate plans to assist the relevant Hong Kong residents to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Detailed arrangements will be confirmed later. The Immigration officers will contact all Hong Kong residents on board in the coming one or two days to gauge their views.

                              There are nearly 3 700 passengers and crew members on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship. According to the information provided by the Japanese authorities, as at February 13, there were a total of 218 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection. All passengers and crew members have been required by the Japanese authorities to remain on board and put under quarantine since February 5.



                              Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
                              Issued at HKT 1:25

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                              • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021500546.htm

                                Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
                                ******************************************


                                The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

                                As at noon today (February 15), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 45 patients (23 male and 22 female, aged 12 months to 83 years) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent for testing. There are 120 patients under isolation currently.

                                The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.



                                Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
                                Issued at HKT 17:48

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