Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 14) reported the latest number of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

     From September 6 to 12, the CHP recorded one community-acquired LD case, involving a 73-year-old male with underlying illnesses. He lives in Southern District.
 
     The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. An initial investigation revealed that this is a sporadic case. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong. 

     As of September 12, 140 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2025 and 2024, there were 167 and 135 LD cases respectively.

     Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.

Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
 
Immunocompromised persons should:
 

• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
• If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

The public should observe the health advice below:
 

• Observe personal hygiene;
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
• If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
• Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
• Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

 
The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.

     Additionally, as smokers and alcoholics are more susceptible to LD, the Government urges members of the public to quit smoking and avoid drinking. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183, which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referrals to a wide range of free smoking cessation services. The public may also visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation. The DH has also developed and promulgated the Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention tool to primary healthcare service providers to facilitate the early identification and management of at-risk drinkers. For information on alcohol-related harm, please visit the DH’s Change for Health website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​Regarding an earlier announcement on cluster of Influenza A cases, the spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) gave the following update today (September 14):

Following a contact tracing investigation, the hospital has identified six more male patients (aged 63 to 95) in a Tuberculosis and Chest Ward, seven more female patients (aged 55 to 85) in an infirmary ward and one more staff member at WTSH were found with fever and respiratory symptoms. All patients and staff members were tested positive for influenza A. Three male patients (aged 81 to 95) passed away, all of whom had serious underlying diseases. The remaining three male patients and seven female patients are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. One staff member is on sick leave.

The hospital has performed contact tracing investigation in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Application of stringent droplet precautions.

The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs (SHYA) will appoint a supervisory committee to investigate Yuen Long District Council (YLDC) Member Sei Chun-hing, following his conviction for having intercourse with a girl under 16. 

The District Court handed down the conviction today, and Sei has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on October 27.

The Government stressed that it places great importance on the conduct and integrity of District Council members. It added that it will closely monitor the ongoing legal proceedings and take appropriate follow-up action. 

Under the District Councils Ordinance, the YLDC chairman and three other members have formally requested the SHYA to launch an inquiry into the matter. 

The SHYA will appoint a supervisory committee to conduct the investigation in accordance with the ordinance and the established performance monitoring system for District Council members.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Vice President Hsiao issues remarks after returning from conference on freedom and democracy in Ventotene, Italy
In response to an invitation to attend the Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, acting upon the designation of President Lai Ching-te, traveled to the Italian island of Ventotene for the conference, where she delivered a speech. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), the vice president concluded her journey and returned to Taiwan on the morning of September 14, issuing remarks upon her arrival at Taoyuan International Airport.
In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that this trip underscored that despite differences in culture and geographic location, freedom is a shared language and peace a common aspiration. She said that the challenges democracies face continue to turn up in different places and different forms. Taiwan faces mounting military and gray-zone pressures, she said, but we are firmly committed to our free and democratic way of life and to maintaining regional peace and prosperity. She expressed hope that the visit has helped the international community better understand that however difficult the circumstances, Taiwan will continue to move forward with courage, as one with the world.
A translation of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks follows:
Thank you all for coming to the airport so early this morning. It is a great honor to have once again led a delegation abroad to participate in an international conference. I would like to briefly share the significance of this visit and what we gained from it.
With President Lai’s full support and in line with his Europe policy, I accepted a joint invitation from Ms. Pina Picierno, vice-president of the European Parliament, and Mr. Carlo Corazza, head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy, to attend the Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy on the Italian island of Ventotene.
Ventotene is a small island, but it holds great symbolic meaning in modern European history. During World War II, it was where Altiero Spinelli and other Italians who opposed fascism were held as political prisoners. In that dark period of war and totalitarianism, Spinelli and fellow prisoners began to contemplate how Europe could avoid repeating the tragedies of war, and how countries could work together to maintain peace. They put forward the Ventotene Manifesto, which helped inspire the federalist ideas that drove postwar efforts toward a European union. One could say that Ventotene is the cradle of European integration. Spinelli later served as a member of the European Parliament, and its main building now bears his name.
Over the more than 80 years since then, Europe has emerged from the shadow of a war-torn and totalitarian past. Through the long and arduous process of rebuilding, it has moved step by step from division toward integration, building societies founded on democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.
Taiwan likewise traveled a long road from authoritarianism to freedom and democracy. Although our historical circumstances differ, both our experiences show that democracy and freedom are never just handed to us. They are won, put into practice, and protected through the continuing efforts of the people.
Europe today is very different from the Europe of World War II, but the challenges democracies face have never disappeared. Authoritarianism, gray-zone threats, and attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion continue to turn up in different places and different forms. None of this is unfamiliar to Taiwan. During the dialogue, I made a point of explaining to our international friends that Taiwan faces mounting military and gray-zone pressures. Yet, like our friends in Europe, we are firmly committed to our free and democratic way of life and to maintaining regional peace and prosperity.
It was no coincidence that I took part in a dialogue on freedom, democracy, and peace on Ventotene. This small Italian island carries profound historical significance. Despite our differences in culture and being half a world away, we share a language of freedom and an aspiration for peace. That was my deepest impression from attending this conference.
During this journey, I was once again reminded of the international community’s concern for Taiwan. More and more friends are open to learning about Taiwan and listening to our story. For me, the greatest significance of this trip goes beyond visiting a place and attending a conference. More importantly, it gave us the opportunity to allow Taiwan’s voice to be heard in a place of historical significance, and by more people. In my opening remarks at the dialogue, I emphasized that Ventotene and Taiwan, regardless of their size, both deserve to have their own voices and to be respected. Through this visit, I also wanted to convey a firm message: However difficult the circumstances, Taiwan will continue to move forward with courage, as one with the world.
In addition to participating in the conference and gaining a better understanding of our European friends’ topics of interest, I had the opportunity to see hydraulic engineering works on the island dating back more than 2,000 years to the time of Augustus. Italian engineering, architecture, culture, history, and aesthetics – all of it left a deep impression on me.
This visit was not announced before our departure in order to minimize unnecessary interference and ensure that we could reach our destination safely and smoothly. Traveling from Taiwan by plane, car, and ferry took about 27 hours. Along the way, we pressed forward through bad weather and rough seas.
I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to our like-minded international partners who have long been friends of Taiwan. I am especially grateful to Vice-President Picierno for her warm invitation and to our friends for their arrangements throughout the journey. I also want to thank the China Airlines crew members, whose professional and thoughtful service helped make this trip safe and smooth.
I am deeply grateful to everyone in Taiwan for supporting my visit to Europe, and to our friends in the media for their interest. I particularly want to thank Minister Lin for his careful planning as well as his Ministry of Foreign Affairs team, which included Deputy Minister François Chihchung Wu (吳志中), Taiwan Representative to the European Union and Belgium Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉), Taiwan Representative to Italy Y. C. Tsai (蔡允中), and colleagues from various overseas missions. Everyone gave their all and overcame all obstacles. Working together with the Presidential Office team, they drove this European diplomatic initiative forward and strengthened Taiwan’s connections and communication with Europe and the wider world. Thank you all for your hard work.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is holding a two-day open day at the CAD Headquarters starting today (September 12). Themed “Safeguarding Civil Aviation for 80 Years: Passing the Torch, Shaping the Future”, the open day features a range of diversified activities and interactive experiences to review CAD’s development milestones over the past eight decades, with a view to deepening visitors’ understanding of the daily work of the department and promoting aviation knowledge to the community.
 
Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Ms Clara Wong, said that CAD has grown and prospered with Hong Kong’s aviation industry, while Hong Kong’s civil aviation development is always closely linked with the motherland. Through this event, she was delighted to see that CAD and the community can join together to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In the meantime, participants can gain a deeper understanding of China’s remarkable achievements in civil aviation development, particularly in aircraft research, development and manufacturing.
 
Ms Wong said that the open day was one of the key events of CAD’s 80th anniversary, and other celebration activities, including the publication of the 80th anniversary commemorative book, “Pioneering New Skies”, had received enthusiastic responses. Ms Wong also emphasised that nurturing talent is fundamental to the sustainable development of the civil aviation industry. She expressed gratitude to various youth and uniformed groups for their active participation and support of the open day, thereby achieving the objective of passing the torch to the younger generation.
 
She added that the Aviation Education Path located at the CAD Headquarters had been well received since its opening in 2012, with the cumulative number of visitors exceeding 150 000. Looking ahead, CAD will build on past achievements and continue to uphold the principles of safety, professionalism, innovation and sustainable development, safeguarding aviation safety and shouldering the mission of promoting aviation education.
 
Highlights of the open day include an Air Traffic Control Tower Simulator experience, flight simulator and virtual unmanned aircraft experience, thematic talks on aviation with interactive elements, guided activities on the Aviation Education Path, a career exhibition on CAD professional grades, a “Little Aviator” photo-taking area, and a treasure hunt. Besides, a number of game booths were set up by the youth and uniformed groups as well as CAD professional grades on site for interaction and exchanges with the participants, inspiring their interest in aviation knowledge.
 
The youth and uniformed groups participating in the open day include the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, the Hong Kong Aerospace Leaders Association, the Hong Kong Adventure Corps, the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association, the Scout Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, the Hong Kong Youth Aviation Academy, and the Strive and Rise Alumni Club.
 
The open day will continue to be open tomorrow (September 13) for successful applicants who have obtained admission tickets earlier via computer balloting.