Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The regulatory regime for clinics and small practice clinics (SPCs) under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633) came into effect today (October 13). The Department of Health (DH) started accepting applications for clinic licences (see annex) and requests for letters of exemption for SPCs on the same day.
 
The Ordinance regulates premises where registered medical practitioners and/or registered dentists practise. Operators of clinics must obtain a relevant licence, while operators of SPCs may request a letter of exemption instead to continue operation. Licensees must at all times comply with the Ordinance, licence conditions and the Code of Practice for Clinics issued by the Director of Health (DoH). 
 
Application details
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For clinics already in operation on or before November 30, 2018 (i.e. the gazettal date for the enactment of the Ordinance), their operators may submit applications for clinic licences from today to April 13, 2026 (both dates inclusive). As a transitional arrangement, depending on the circumstances, the DH may issue a provisional licence which allows these clinics to continue their operation before a full licence is issued. This allows operators to make the necessary modifications to their clinics to comply with licensing requirements, such as modification of the accommodation layout. A provisional licence will expire on the date specified by the Secretary for Health for the expiry of provisions pertaining to provisional licences; upon issuance of a full licence to the licensee; or upon withdrawal or rejection of the full licence application.
 
For clinics that commenced operation after November 30, 2018, including new establishments or those relocated to new premises, their operators must apply directly for a full licence.
 
For SPCs (i.e. no more than five registered medical practitioners and/or registered dentists that meet specific conditions under the Ordinance), their operators may submit a request for a letter of exemption to the DoH starting from today for continued operation without obtaining a licence.
 
Starting today, operators of all clinics and SPCs can apply for clinic licences or request for letters of exemption for SPCs through the DH’s “e-Licensing” System. They can submit their digital signatures via the “iAM Smart+” app to complete the entire application process electronically. Through the system, applicants can check the status of application in real time, and receive electronic licences or letters of exemption once their applications are approved.
 
DH provides the industry with full support in making applications
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To ensure that the industry has a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the Ordinance, the DH has explained the legal requirements and application procedures to stakeholders in the healthcare sector through various channels, including conducting a number of online and offline briefing sessions to address industry enquiries. The DH will continue to organise monthly online briefing sessions from November this year to April next year to explain relevant requirements to stakeholders, including clinic and SPC operators and doctors. For enrolment details, please visit DH’s website.
 
For details on the applications for clinic licences and requests for letters of exemption for SPCs, please visit the website of the Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health recently announced a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection. The 13-year-old patient’s condition deteriorated today (October 12) and unfortunately passed away. The CHP reiterated its appeal to schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of serious illness or death from infection.

“This is the first fatal case of paediatric influenza infection in Hong Kong since June last year. Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season and there has been a significant increase in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools since September. As of October 10, 337 outbreaks have been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September, including 35 cases in kindergartens/child care centres, 182 cases in primary schools and 120 cases in secondary schools. Including the above case, nine severe and one fatal paediatric influenza cases involving children aged 3 to 17 have been recorded since the start of the school year. Eight of them had good past health,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

The 2025/26 SIV Programmes have commenced, offering free or subsidised SIV to eligible high-risk groups through various vaccination programmes. This year, all schools may choose to use the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV nasal vaccines) and “hybrid mode”, i.e. schools are allowed to choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines and LAIV for the same or different outreach vaccination activities.

     “Seasonal influenza activity is also rising in neighbouring regions beyond Hong Kong. Japan has declared the onset of its influenza season, which is earlier than last year. As influenza viruses constantly mutate, the influenza vaccine must be updated annually. Even if individuals received the SIV last season, they should still get the latest vaccine for the new season to ensure protection against the current strain of influenza. Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even in healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective ways of preventing seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. The SIV is recommended for all persons aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications. Those at higher risk of contracting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive the SIV as soon as possible.” Dr Tsui added.

Dr Tsui reminded the public that, if they develop a fever and respiratory symptoms, especially among children, elderly and those with chronic conditions, they should seek medical attention promptly for early treatment. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.

For the latest information on seasonal influenza, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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 (October 12) that Hin Tin Swimming Pool in Sha Tin District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 8.30pm 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.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (October 12) attended the launch ceremony of the induction course for the new-term Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum in Macao, kicking off training activities in the coming year with Hong Kong youth members, as well as youths from Shenzhen University and the youth groups of public security forces of Macao, which are partners of the Leaders Forum.
 
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Tang expressed his gratitude to the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macao for designing and arranging the two-day, one-night induction course, and to the delegation led by leaders of Shenzhen University for participating in the event. He said he believes that the importance attached by Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macao will help promote the sustainable development of the Leaders Forum. He encouraged the youth members to keep an open mind, actively participate in the diverse experience activities, and exchange ideas with tutors. He also urged them to cultivate a belief in serving society and contributing to the country, and bring the spirit of service to their schools and communities, influencing other young people around them through practical actions to serve society together.
 
The induction course was held at the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macao for the first time. In addition to discipline training and team-building, the youth members also visited a police dog base, conducted community visits and participated in Macao cultural activities. Moreover, distinguished personalities from different sectors were invited to share their experiences in the induction course, including co-founder of a sports brand and Hong Kong flag football team player, Mr Lee Ming-yeung, and director and project founder of an integrated resort in Macao, Mr Arnaldo Ho. The Director of the “One Country, Two Systems” Research Center of Macao Polytechnic University, Professor Leng Tiexun, and Distinguished Professor of the School of Government, Shenzhen University, Dr Zeng Jingjing, will deliver thematic seminars.
 
The Security Bureau established the Leaders Forum in October 2022 to deepen participation in youth work. There are 57 members from Hong Kong in the new term of the Leaders Forum, while 30 youths each from Shenzhen University and the youth groups of public security forces of Macao also participate in the Leaders Forum.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will begin her visit to Chongqing and Sichuan tomorrow (October 13). 

     Dr Choi will attend the kick-off ceremony of the first Mainland study tour of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development (CS) to Chongqing in 2025/26, namely the “Mainland Study Tour for the Three Gorges Culture and Urban Development in Chongqing”, and take part in study activities with students. During the visit, she will attend a seminar on the CS Mainland study tours and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on education co-operation between Chongqing and Hong Kong with representatives from the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission.

Following the visit to Chongqing, Dr Choi will depart for Chengdu, Sichuan, to attend meetings with officials of the Sichuan Provincial Government. She will also pay a visit to a local education institution. 

Dr Choi will return to Hong Kong on October 16. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Transport Department today (October 12) reminded members of the public to guard against and avoid being misled by recent fake messages in social media and messaging groups purported to be extension of the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (NBT) to other boundary control points (BCPs) and scheme details of the future Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (SBT). The incident will be referred to the Police for follow-up.

The spokesman clarified that NBT is currently applicable to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) only, but not other BCPs. Private cars will not be approved concurrently for both NBT and the Shenzhen Bay Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars. The NBT arrangements of travelling without the need for advance bookings, which took effect from September 2025, only cover Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except specified dates).

Of note, the Shenzhen Bay Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars and NBT are two different schemes. Eligible private car owners who wish to enter Guangdong under the Shenzhen Bay Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars should submit an application for each travel. Upon approval, their private cars can then enter Guangdong via Shenzhen Bay Port within the five-day quota validity period and stay for not more than seven days. They must return to Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Port.

As for SBT, the Government will update the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on October 17.

The spokesman stressed that implementation details of cross-boundary driving schemes and operational arrangements of BCPs are serious issues which must be considered holistically. If there are new arrangements of any cross-boundary driving schemes, the Government will issue press releases as official announcements for the public’s information. Citizens should heighten vigilance and verify messages to avoid deception or disruption to their travel plans.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to enhance implementation arrangements of NBT and press ahead with SBT to facilitate efficient cross-boundary travel and make better use of the carrying capacity of the HZMB further, thereby promoting the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The main kitchen at Kowloon Hospital prepares over 4 000 meals daily for inpatients and two nearby hospitals. When designing menus, it takes into consideration patients’ nutritional needs and swallowing abilities through dietary assessments.
 
     News.gov.hk spoke to a representative of the Hospital Authority’s Kowloon Central Cluster to learn about the daily operation of the kitchen, while a speech therapist shared how their professional advice can help when planning menus.
 
     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (October 12) in text and video format.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (October 12) said that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to facilitate the holding of a football match at Kai Tak Stadium on the evening of October 14. As traffic in the vicinity of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is expected to be heavy, spectators should opt for public transport and avoid driving.

     The TD has co-ordinated with public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the frequency of trains on the Tuen Ma Line. Franchised bus companies will provide 10 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to major districts across the territory.
 
     The Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (6pm to 8pm) and suspended from taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid the outflux of spectators, and passengers’ patience is appreciated.

     Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) supported and participated in two education promotional events in Vietnam, with an aim to promote Hong Kong’s quality higher education and the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. Organised by the eight publicly-funded universities, the two events took place in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) today (October 11) and in Hanoi on October 5.
 
The Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, attended the event in HCMC this morning (October 11). In his opening speech, Mr Fung said, “Accordingly to ‘The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address’, Hong Kong is committed to strengthening its role as an international education hub. With five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 and English as the main teaching medium, our institutions offer globally recognised degrees and a unique East-meets-West learning environment.”
 
He added, “The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates allow international students to stay for at least 24 months after graduation to seek employment, helping graduates build rewarding careers in diverse industries with the ample opportunities that are available in Hong Kong. Coupled with Hong Kong’s close ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its growing connections with Vietnam, a Hong Kong education opens doors both within the city and across the region.”
 
The Deputy Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in HCMC, Mr Xu Zhou and representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs also attended the event today to show support as well as to engage in exchanges with representatives from the eight Hong Kong universities. Moreover, the Deputy Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Teresa Poon, represented the Singapore ETO to attend and speak at the event in Hanoi on October 5.
    
Apart from the two events at major shopping centres, the entire multi-city recruitment exercise included school visits, admission talks and fairs at different local, public and gifted schools across Da Nang, Hai Duong, Hanoi, HCMC, and Hue. This is the third time the eight publicly funded universities have launched a recruitment exercise in Vietnam.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, met with the President of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), Mr Zhang Jun, today (October 13) to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, and the Solicitor General, Mr Llewellyn Mui, also attended the meeting.

Mr Lam said that the Department of Justice (DoJ) has always maintained close ties with the SPC. Earlier this year, the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy co-organised the Hong Kong Common Law Practical Training Course in Hong Kong with the SPC. The course provided training for Mainland judges to deepen their understanding of Hong Kong’s common law system and promoted exchange and co-operation between the two legal systems. 

Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing mutual legal assistance for civil and commercial matters between Hong Kong and the Mainland, promoting the training of the country’s foreign-related legal talent and deepening the interfaces of regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for legal and dispute resolution services within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

​Mr Lam said that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China under the “one country, two systems” principle and maintains a robust legal system highly aligned with international standards. The DoJ will continue to contribute to the country’s efforts in training foreign-related legal talent and strive to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.