Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 29) investigating a case of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection and hence urged the public to maintain good personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene.

The case involves a 43-year-old female with underlying illnesses. She presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since August 22. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the next day (August 23) and was admitted for treatment. The patient is now in critical condition. Her blood and sputum samples tested positive for Hib upon laboratory testing. Her clinical diagnoses were pneumonia and sepsis. 

The patient had no recent travel history. Initial enquiries revealed that two close contacts developed mild respiratory symptoms and were advised to seek medical consultation promptly. Investigations are ongoing.

“Invasive Hib infection has been a statutorily notifiable infectious disease since July 2008. Invasive Hib infection commonly presents clinically as an infection of membranes covering the brain (meningitis), often accompanied by bacteria entering the bloodstream. It may also affect other parts of the body such as the lungs, the epiglottis (upper part of the throat), joints and bones. Prompt antibiotic treatment is necessary,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

“Hib infection can be spread by contact with the nose or throat secretions of a patient. If a persistent fever, unusual changes in behaviour or other deteriorating conditions develop, or if in doubt, seek medical attention immediately,” Dr Tsui added.

Members of the public are advised to observe personal hygiene and take heed of the preventive measures below:
 

• Maintain hand hygiene and clean hands properly;
• Wash hands when they are soiled with respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing or coughing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal discharge and sputum properly;
• Do not share eating and drinking utensils, and wash them thoroughly after use;
• Avoid going to crowded places if not feeling well; and
• An effective vaccine against Hib is available. For personal protection, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

     The public may visit the CHP’s invasive Hib page for more information.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 29) released the 10th batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering five survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central/ Western	Central and Admiralty	3.9%	1.0
Kwun Tong	Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling	1.8%	1.0
Tai Po	Tai Po West	5.2%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	7.5%	1.1
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi North	12.8%	1.4

Among the 10th batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering three survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except the Area Gravidtrap Index for Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.

For Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District, which recorded an index over 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North indicated that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, public and private housing estates, and the Area Gravidtrap Index for Tsing Yi North survey area dropped from 15.5 per cent in July to 12.8 per cent in August. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in this area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

The FEHD has so far released 10 batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August 2025, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, 40 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Sixteen other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
 

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

​Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) today (August 29) announced the appointment of four new members and the reappointment of nine incumbent members to the Committee on Home-School Co-operation (CHSC) for a term of two years with effect from September 1, 2025. 

The four newly appointed members are Ms Karen Cheng Sui-man, Ms Chong Siu-wai, Ms Joanna Leung Pik-shan and Mr Ng Wing-hung.

The nine incumbent members reappointed are Ms Alison Chan Chi-yan, Dr Joanne Chan Chung-yan, Mr Ricky Choi Wai-kit, Ms Adeline Kuo Sze-wing, Ms Bonnie Ng Ka-pik, Ms Rebecca Ng Mei-ying, Dr Adrian Sham Kwan-ho, Professor Timothy Tam Tin-lok and Mr Tang Fei.

The CHSC comprises members from different walks of life including parents and professionals in the education, medical, legal, technology and commercial sectors.

Established in 1993 as an advisory body, the CHSC serves the main roles of promoting home-school co-operation and advising the EDB, other government departments and non-government organisations on ways to promote parent involvement in education.

The full membership list of the CHSC with effect from September 1, 2025, is as follows:
 

Name —-	Capacity ——–
Chairman
Mr Eugene Fong Yick-jin	Parent
Members
Ms Monica Cheng Wai-yee	Educator – Secondary School
Mr Yeung Chi-keung	Educator – Secondary School
Ms Rebecca Ng Mei-ying	Educator – Primary School
Mr Ng Wing-hung*	Educator – Primary School
Ms Adeline Kuo Sze-wing	Educator – Special School
Ms Joanna Leung Pik-shan*	Educator – Kindergarten
Mr Ricky Choi Wai-kit	Parent – Secondary School
Ms Li Choi-ming	Parent – Secondary School
Dr Adrian Sham Kwan-ho	Parent – Primary School
Professor Timothy Tam Tin-lok	Parent – Primary School
Ms Bonnie Ng Ka-pik	Parent – Special School
Ms Chong Siu-wai*	Parent – Kindergarten
Ms Alison Chan Chi-yan	Other Sectors/Professional
Dr Joanne Chan Chung-yan	Other Sectors/Professional
Ms Karen Cheng Sui-man*	Other Sectors/Professional
Mr Ryan Cheung Yat-ming	Other Sectors/Professional
Mr Victor Leung Wai-tai	Other Sectors/Professional
Mr Tang Fei	Other Sectors/Professional

*Newly appointed member

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Classes will resume on September 1. The Transport Department urges students to familiarise themselves early with public transport routes to and from their schools and the service frequencies, especially those attending a new school. As the overall road traffic on that day will be busier, students should allow more time. They should also take heed of road safety on their journeys, properly use crossing facilities to cross the road, and not use a mobile phone, listen to any audio device, play mobile games, eat or drink when crossing the road.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is collaborating with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (August 29) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhaoqing, enabling residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.

Following installation of the self-service kiosks earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan and Jiangmen, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhaoqing also provides around 80 public services from 14 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public. These include taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance, culture and tourism as well as voter registration. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.

Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on 1/F, Zhaoqing Government Service Center, to access various public services of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the kiosk in the center are 8.30am to noon and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays on the Mainland).

An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Zhaoqing center to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for “iAM Smart+” and directly use the “iAM Smart” mobile app to access about 1,300 online services provided by the Government and public and private organisations, as well as government e-Forms such as eMPF registration, renewal of vehicle licences, applications for International Driving Permits and eHealth registration, etc.

The Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosks have achieved full coverage across the nine Mainland cities of the GBA. The DPO will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to further enhance the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative, with a view to coping with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong public services.

For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html and the “iAM Smart” thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Labour Department (LD) today (August 29) announced the imposition of an administrative sanction on Top One Dance Club & Chinese Cuisine O/B Top One Dance Club Limited. With effect from August 27, 2025, the approvals-in-principle for importing workers granted to the company under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) have been withdrawn and any applications for importing workers submitted by the company will not be processed for a period of two years.
 
     “The LD earlier received complaints over the company’s dismissal of local workers after employing imported workers under the ESLS. After an investigation, the company’s violation of the requirements of the ESLS has been substantiated and an administrative sanction is thus imposed”, a spokesman for the LD said.
 
     The spokesman continued, “The ESLS stipulates that if an employer violates labour or immigration laws, the requirements of the ESLS or the Standard Employment Contract, the LD will impose an administrative sanction on the employer, including withdrawal of approvals for importation of workers previously granted and refusal to process any subsequent applications submitted by the employer.”
 
     The spokesman reminded employers applying for importation of workers under the ESLS to strictly comply with the requirements of the ESLS, including according priority to employing local workers. In the event of redundancy, imported workers must be retrenched first.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Tuberculosis and Chest Service (TB&CS) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 29) the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases involving students in the first half of 2025. Although reporting that the number of TB cases continued to decline, the CHP urged the public, especially schools, students and parents, to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent TB infections.

     From January to June 2025, the CHP received 1 464 notifications of TB cases (a provisional figure), representing a decrease of 151 cases (nearly 10 per cent) compared to the same period last year. This downward trend has been observed over the past few decades.
 
     Among the reported cases during this period, 21 cases involved students aged from 12 to 26, accounting for 1.43 per cent of all reported TB cases. Compared to the rate of TB diseases among students (1.73 per cent) in the same period last year, the case rate in the first half of 2025 continued to decline. No TB cluster cases involving a school setting were identified during this period.

     The above information has been uploaded to the TB&CS statistics webpage.

     “Early identification of TB cases and the timely initiation of anti-TB treatment remain the mainstay of TB control. With the ongoing publicity and education efforts of the DH, as well as increased public awareness of hygiene, the notification and death rates of TB in Hong Kong have shown a significant and sustained decline over the past few decades. However, TB remains prevalent in the community. The DH continues to promote awareness of TB and its prevention in schools, the community and the healthcare sector, aiming to identify and diagnose cases early to effectively control the disease at its source,” the Consultant of Public Health Services Branch of the DH, Dr Tai Lai-bun, said.

     Dr Tai explained that TB is an airborne disease. When a TB patient coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing the tubercle bacilli are generated and spread in the air. If another person breathes in these small airborne droplets, he or she may be infected with the germ. Prolonged exposure, however, is usually the most important condition for the disease to be effectively transmitted.

     The TB&CS also conducts contact investigations for the close contacts of an index case and provides guidelines on TB prevention and management for schools. For more information, please refer to the guidelines available at www.info.gov.hk/tb_chest/en/contents/Guidelines_School.htm.

     Members of the public should remain vigilant against TB and adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, get adequate exercise and adequate rest. Those experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever and night sweating should seek medical advice promptly. Individuals diagnosed with TB should strengthen respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette while receiving TB treatment under medical supervision.
 
     Given that the TB rate among students has remained at a low level in recent years, the CHP will adjust its risk communication strategy and will issue related press releases based on the actual situation and needs in the future. As for statistics related to TB in schools, the CHP will continue to upload them to the website of the TB&CS every six months. For more TB-related information, services and figures, the public may also call the telephone hotline (2572 6024).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government today (August 29) announced the appointment of one new member and the reappointment of three incumbent members to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) Council for a term of three years with effect from September 1, 2025.
 
The newly appointed member is Mr Gilbert Mo Sik-keung. The incumbent members reappointed are Mr Eric Chan Cheung-wai, Mr Choy Sai-hung and Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung. Also joining the Council as an ex-officio member will be Ms Sally Ching Shuk-lai, nominated by the Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM).
 
     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The HKEAA is a key partner of the Education Bureau (EDB). Over the years, it has provided top-tier examination and assessment services widely recognised internationally with its outstanding performance. With the addition of new members and the concerted efforts of members from the educational and other professional fields, I am confident that the Authority will continue to strive for excellence, further enhance its service standards, and work together with the EDB to promote Hong Kong’s education development.”
 
She also expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung, and the outgoing ex-officio member, Ms Merry Chey Fung-lin, for their invaluable contributions to and support for the work of the Authority.
 
     The HKEAA is a statutory body established under the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Ordinance (Chapter 261) to conduct public examinations and other examinations or assessments approved by the Chief Executive. The composition of the Authority is stipulated in Schedule 2 of the Ordinance, comprising school principals, teachers, representatives of tertiary institutions, a person who represents the interests of parents, and persons experienced in commerce, industry or a profession.

Following is the membership list of the Council with effect from September 1, 2025:
 
Appointed members:
Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing (Chairman)
Mr Frederick Poon Siu-chi (Deputy Chairman)
Mr Eric Chan Cheung-wai (reappointment)
Mr Kenny Chan Ngai-sang
Dr Cheung Pui-shan
Mr Choy Sai-hung (reappointment)
Professor Alan Lam Hiu-fung
Mr Lee Wai-hung
Mr Gilbert Mo Sik-keung (new member)
Mr Albert Su Yau-on
Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung (reappointment)
 
Ex-officio members:
Two persons nominated by HUCOM
The Chairman of the Curriculum Development Council, or his/her representative
The Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, or his/her representative
The Permanent Secretary for Education, or his/her representative
The Secretary General of the HKEAA

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government today (August 29) announced the reappointment of Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin as the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council (CDC) for a term of two years with effect from September 1, 2025.
 
     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin is currently Provost and Wei Lun Professor of Statistics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has vast experience in teaching, research and administration. Since assuming the role of Chairperson of the CDC in 2023, Professor Poon has demonstrated her exceptional leadership and professional expertise by guiding the CDC to uphold the ‘Led by Professionals’ principle, actively promoting the ongoing renewal and optimisation of the school curriculum, which includes updating the Primary Education Curriculum Guide, Curriculum Guide for Special Schools, Primary Humanities Curriculum Guide, and Science (Primary 1 – 6) Curriculum Guide, as well as optimising the curricula and assessments of various senior secondary elective subjects, thereby creating space for students and catering for learner diversity.”
 
     The Government also reappointed 15 members and appointed five new members to the CDC for a term of two years, ending on August 31, 2027.
 
     Dr Choi thanked the outgoing members, Professor Ching Wai-ki, Ms Hui Ha-mei, Mr Lee Wai-hung, Mr Shek Wai-keung and Professor Cindy Sit Hui-ping, for their invaluable contributions to curriculum development in Hong Kong during their tenure.
 
     “The Education Bureau (EDB) will continue to provide full support to the work of the CDC and listen to their valuable advice on matters relating to curriculum development,” she said.
 
     The CDC comprises members drawn from diverse sectors, including academics from universities and tertiary institutions, frontline principals and teachers, professionals in the business and technology fields, and representation from parents. Their participation is conducive to providing views and suggestions on promoting student learning effectiveness and fostering their whole-person development.
 
     The membership list of the CDC with effect from September 1, 2025, is as follows:

Chairperson
——–
Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin

Non-official Members 
————–
Ms Chan Mei-kuen
Mr Cheng Ka-ho
Ms Cheuk Ting-yan*
Professor Cheung Chak-chung
Mr Eugene Fong Yick-jin
Dr Kam Wai-keung*
Mr Kwan Chi-hang*
Mr Kwok Lung-kei
Ms Lai Wan-yim*
Professor Lau Chi-pang*
Ms Lee Yi-ying
Ms Mandy Leung Man-yee
Mr Li Kin-man
Professor Lo Ming-tung
Ms Ng Kai-kwan
Professor Johnny Poon Ming-lun
Mr Paul Tai Lun
Ms Ting Wing-sze
Dr Wong Ching-yung 
Dr Yip Chi-sio

Ex-officio Members
————–
Principal Assistant Secretary (Curriculum Development) of the EDB, also the Vice-chairperson of the CDC
Chairperson of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council or his/her representative
Representatives from other Divisions of the EDB 

*new members

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (August 29) that a large number of members of the public, visitors and cross-boundary vehicles are anticipated to be travelling between the Mainland, Macao and Hong Kong via various land-based boundary control points (BCPs) in the following two days (August 30 and 31), i.e. the weekend before the end of summer holidays. Members of the public are urged to plan their trips in advance, make their journeys during non-peak hours and allow sufficient travelling time.

     The TD has co-ordinated with the local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) concerned to strengthen their services during this weekend. At the peak hours of cross-boundary passenger flow, the waiting time for relevant public transport services, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus), may be longer. Passengers are encouraged to observe order while queuing and heed advice from on-site police and staff of the PTOs concerned. Passengers using cross-boundary coach services are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.

     Motorists are advised that, subject to actual traffic conditions, special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port on August 30 and 31 to allow smooth access for public transport vehicles to the above control points. Cross-boundary private cars may need to queue up for crossing the BCPs. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. In case of traffic congestion, they should remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site police.

     For the HZMB, to plan their journeys ahead, members of the public can make use of the TD’s HKeMobility mobile application or the TD’s website (hkemobility.gov.hk/en/traffic-information/live/cctv) to access snapshots of traffic conditions at inbound and outbound vehicle plazas of the HZMB Hong Kong Port. They can also check real-time situations of the vehicle clearance plaza of the HZMB Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official accounts “hzmbzhport” or “zhuhaifabu” (traffic-info.gzazhka.com:5015/#/) (Chinese only), and check the forecast of peak hours of inbound and outbound vehicles at the HZMB Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official account of the HZMB integrated information dissemination platform (mp.weixin.qq.com/s/v5pMg0FdNfjaai5FvCWTiQ) (Chinese only). Moreover, motorists are reminded to always comply with the traffic control measures implemented by the Zhuhai authority when driving on the HZMB Main Bridge. Vehicles shall not occupy the emergency lane unless instructed by the Zhuhai authority.

     The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations from the end of summer holidays to the first school day. The TD will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels. Members of the public are advised to check the latest traffic news through radio, television broadcasts, and the HKeMobility application.