Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to the prolonged rain on recent days, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to collaborate with relevant departments and stakeholders to strengthen mosquito control and elimination efforts. These include removing stagnant water at construction sites and locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, and eliminating adult mosquitoes. The FEHD also urges members of the public and stakeholders, including property management companies and construction sites, to step up inspections and remove stagnant water in their areas to prevent and control mosquito infestation.

​A spokesman for the FEHD said today (August 6) that, repeated heavy rain may wash away pesticides previously applied in the environment and lead to increased water accumulation. Sites where stagnant water and mosquito breeding were once detected may now have shifted. The FEHD is therefore continuing to work with relevant departments and stakeholders to intensify inspections of high-risk locations prone to water accumulation after heavy rains, including construction sites, works sites and spots that have previously recorded high gravidtrap indices. If stagnant water is found to be a potential mosquito breeding ground, it will be removed immediately. Larvicides such as temephos sand granules will be applied to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and ultra-low volume fogging operations will be carried out in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
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​The FEHD has also collaborated with District Councils, District Offices, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen publicity and education efforts, and to conduct joint clean-up operations targeting mosquito breeding blackspots (such as public areas in “three-nil” buildings) in the districts to further curb mosquito breeding.

August is Hong Kong’s rainy season, and hot, rainy weather fosters rapid mosquito breeding. The FEHD reminds members of the public and stakeholders to continue mosquito prevention efforts and remove stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding opportunities. Effective mosquito control requires the collaborative efforts of the public and all sectors.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and promptly take special mosquito prevention and control measures at home and in other environments during heavy rain. These measures include:
 

• Check home environment (outdoor and open areas in particular) for stagnant water, which can easily lead to mosquito problems;
• 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;
• ​Cover water containers such as buckets and basins; and
• Check and clean areas prone to stagnant water at least weekly to prevent mosquito breeding.

 
​Person-in-charge of property management companies and schools should take the following measures to prevent mosquito breeding caused by rain:
 

• Inspect common areas of the property/school for large areas of stagnant water, and arrange for the removal of stagnant water and filling of sunken areas;
• Check drain gates and outlets for blockage by dead leaves or rubbish, and keep drains clear;
• Check umbrella stands, umbrella tubes, and air-conditioner drip trays to prevent stagnant water;
• ​Properly dispose of water containers and place rubbish in covered bins;
• ​After heavy rain, manhole keyhole fillers, adhesive tape, or plastic keyhole covers may be washed away by rainwater. These should be refilled with sand or covered with plastic keyhole covers or adhesive tape; and
• Inspect green areas including flower pots, flower beds or gardening areas, and remove stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.

 
​Construction site managers should also conduct early assessments and implement effective measures to prevent mosquito infestations. These measures include:
 

• Inspect the construction site during and after heavy rain to ensure there is no stagnant water that could breed mosquitoes. If large areas of stagnant water are present, they should be emptied as soon as possible using tools like a pump;
• ​Check water barriers or other items (such as canvas for covering) for stagnant water. Bamboo scaffolding should have its end caps sealed with fine sand or drilled through to prevent water accumulation; and
• If stagnant water is difficult to remove, apply larvicides such as temephos sand granules as appropriate.

 
​Members of the public may refer to the FEHD’s webpage on mosquito prevention and control (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/risk-pest-mosquito.html), and should constantly pay attention to the information regarding chikungunya fever released by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Local farmers and fishermen who suffered serious losses caused by the recent rainstorm disaster can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (August 7) for assistance from an emergency relief fund. According to the application guideline of the emergency relief fund, the application deadlines for affected farmers and fishermen are August 15 and September 17 respectively.

An AFCD spokesman said today (August 6) that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected eligible farmers and fishermen according to established criteria.

“After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will contact farmers, fishermen and fish farmers to assess the resultant damage to their farmland areas, fishing vessels, fish rafts and fish ponds. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected persons.” the spokesman said.

The department’s preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories and some fishing vessels were affected by the rainstorm disaster.

Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2476 2424 during office hours. Local farmers who have already submitted applications due to the impact of Typhoon Wipha earlier do not need to apply again for this rainstorm disaster. The department will evaluate the damage situation altogether.

Affected fishermen can submit their applications at the Liaison and Market Section of the AFCD at Room 825, 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2150 7099 during office hours.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held the second graduation ceremony of the Ethics College at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution today (August 6) to present graduation certificates to persons in custody (PICs) who have completed the Diploma of Applied Education programme.

All of the second batch of 75 PIC students of the Ethics College, including 60 male PICs from Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and 15 female PICs from Lo Wu Correctional Institution, have successfully completed the programme.

Addressing the graduation ceremony, Head of Charities of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Ms Winnie Ying extended her heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. She expressed her appreciation to the PIC students for their relentless efforts and for overcoming limitations during their studies, demonstrating their determination and ability in pursuing a better future through actions. She said that the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donated funds to the CSD in 2023 to establish the Jockey Club Education Fund for Rehabilitation to support the operation of the Ethics College and assist PICs in continuing their education. This initiative represents community support for PICs, with the hope that through education, PICs who aspire to pursue studies can equip themselves and reintegrate into society.

The Vice President (Research and Institutional Advancement) of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Professor Ricky Kwok, teachers from the Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, and volunteer mentors shared their thoughts on stage and encouraged PICs to maintain their passion for learning and a positive attitude, so that they can contribute to society with the knowledge and skills they have acquired.

Moreover, a band composed of PICs delivered a music performance at the ceremony to express their gratitude to their families and correctional officers for their support in the course of PICs’ rehabilitation.

In the sharing session, a PIC student expressed his thankfulness to his family members for their unwavering love and to correctional officers for their encouragement, which enabled him to regain his resolve and commit to his studies. He also thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its support, as well as teachers and volunteers for their guidance, enabling him to successfully complete the course.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection today announced that three new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded, all of them imported cases, as of 5pm today.

 

The first case involves a 79-year-old woman with good past health, living in Southern District. The patient travelled to Foshan in Guangdong to visit relatives between July 1 and 31, and did not recall receiving any mosquito bites during her stay.

 

The woman experienced fever and joint pain from August 4. She went to Queen Mary Hospital’s accident and emergency department yesterday and tested positive for CF virus. She was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment and is now in stable condition.

 

The woman had no travel companions in Guangdong and has not had household contacts. The centre has reported the case to Guangdong’s health authorities.

 

The second and third case involve a 55-year-old man with underlying illnesses and his 10-year-old son, who has good past health. They live in Kwai Tsing District.

 

Both patients travelled to Bangladesh on July 12 and arrived back in Hong Kong on August 3. The boy recalled experiencing mosquito bites during their stay, although his father did not.

 

The boy’s father experienced fever and joint pain in Bangladesh from July 27. After returning to Hong Kong, he sought medical attention at Tsing Yi Cheung Hong General Out-patient Clinic on August 4 and was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital’s accident and emergency department. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment in a mosquito-free environment on the same day.

 

The boy developed similar symptoms in Bangladesh from August 1. He sought medical attention at and was admitted to the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan on August 3. He was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday for treatment in a mosquito-free environment.

 

Both patients tested positive for CF virus and are now in a stable condition.

 

The patients’ two household contacts, who were also in Bangladesh, are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance. The centre has reported the cases to the health authority of Bangladesh.

 

Head of the centre’s Communicable Disease Branch Dr Albert Au urged the public to adopt precautions in the rainy season against mosquito-borne diseases.

 

He added that if people return from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, they should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong and closely observe their personal health condition.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Local farmers and fishermen who suffered serious losses due to the recent rainstorm can register for assistance from an emergency relief fund, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department announced today.

 

Registration opens tomorrow, with the application deadlines for affected farmers and fishermen being August 15 and September 17, respectively.

 

The department’s preliminary investigation revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories, and also some fishing vessels, were affected by the rainstorm. Relief funding will be released according to established criteria.

 

Affected farmers can submit their applications in person at the department’s Agricultural Extension Office at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or register online.

 

The department highlighted that local farmers who have already applied emergency relief funds due to the impact of Typhoon Wipha need not apply again, as the damage in relation to the typhoon and the rainstorm will be evaluated altogether. Farmers can call 2476 2424 for enquiries.

 

Meanwhile, affected fishermen can submit their applications at the department’s Liaison & Market Section at Room 825, 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, or enrol online. They should call 2150 7099 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish” for four consecutive days from August 2 to 5, targeting foreign domestic helpers (helper) who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 24 persons, including 18 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers, were arrested.

     During the operation, ImmD investigators raided 66 target locations including restaurants, retail stores, guest houses, and commercial and residential buildings. The 18 suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 14 women, aged 19 to 54. Among them, three persons were current helpers, six persons were overstaying ex-helpers, three persons were permitted to stay in Hong Kong on visitor status, five persons were found to be holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong, and one person was an imported worker. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants performing various jobs, including dishwashing, cooking, waiters and waitresses. Meanwhile, six suspected employers, aged 38 to 49, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers.