Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ18: Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases
Year On CF, no local case has been recorded in Hong Kong in the past five years (2020 to 2024). As of September 4, 2025, Hong Kong has recorded 13 CF cases this year, all being imported cases, with seven cases from the Mainland China (Foshan City of Guangdong Province), four cases from Bangladesh, one case from Indonesia and one case from Sri Lanka.
On JE, Hong Kong has not recorded any cases in the past five years (2020 to 2024). As of September 4, 2025, Hong Kong has recorded one imported case from the Philippines in 2025.Issued at HKT 19:06
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre showcases large-scale lighting installations by artist Angela Yuen Yuen has a unique emotional connection and artistic perspective on Hong Kong’s urban culture. She utilises collected nostalgic found objects to create artworks. With the support of light projection techniques, her works evoke collective memories in the audience and prompt viewers to reflect on the evolving pace of urban society.
The two sets of installation works are on display in the public areas from the third to the fifth floor of the centre. The work “Mirage” is inspired by the musical fountains that were popular in mall public spaces during the 1990s. Yuen skilfully integrates dynamic light and shadow with ready-made objects that embody shared recollections, such as toys from children’s meals from fast food restaurants and the crab-claw machines from indoor playgrounds, to create captivating sculptures. Through the rhythmic interplay of light and movement, the work prompts viewers to evoke memories of malls as public spaces and invites deeper reflection on consumer culture and childhood memories.
Another artwork, “City Styling Manual”, on display continues Yuen’s signature creative approach. Souvenirs depicting iconic landmarks from around the world are arranged on a conveyor belt, interplaying with light and shadow to create a miniature world map.
The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and is organised by the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. The exhibition will run from September 10 to February 9 next year at the centre (7A Kennedy Road, Central). Admission is free. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/va_mirage.htmlIssued at HKT 19:05
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH signs agreements with Beijing Municipal Health Commission and Disease Prevention and Control Administration to strengthen collaborative development of public health between Beijing and Hong Kong Witnessed by Deputy Director of the National Health Commission’s International Cooperation Department Ms Li Juan; Deputy Secretary-General of the People’s Government of Beijing Mr Xu Xinchao; and the Party Committee Secretary of the BJHC, Mr Zhong Dongbo, Dr Lam and the Director of the BJHC, Ms Liu Juncai, renewed the agreement between the BJHC and the DH of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the period 2025 to 2030. Both parties will engage in closer exchanges and collaboration across multiple key areas, including public health emergency response, the prevention and control of communicable and chronic diseases, the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese medicine, the cultivation of medical talents, and health science and technology innovation. Together, they will advance the high-quality development of health and healthcare.
Moreover, under the above-mentioned co-operative framework, Dr Lam and other guests witnessed the signing of the agreement on co-operation between the Beijing Municipal Disease Prevention and Control Administration and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH of the HKSAR Government 2025-2030 by the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, and the Director of the Beijing Municipal Disease Prevention and Control Administration under the BJHC, Mr Huang Ruogang. Under the agreement, Beijing and the HKSAR will consolidate and strengthen exchanges and co-operation in communicable disease prevention and control, with a focus on collaborative response to major respiratory infectious diseases.
“The DH of the HKSAR has maintained close ties with the BJHC, and signed agreements with a validity period of five years in 2015 and 2020 respectively. Through reciprocal visits, academic activities, information sharing, personnel training and exhibitions, both sides have engaged in in-depth exchanges on disease prevention and control and public health emergencies response during public health incidents. We have achieved fruitful results through sustained, comprehensive, and extensive sharing of valuable experiences in traditional Chinese medicines, health legislation, regulation and law enforcement,” Dr Lam said.
“The renewal of the agreement today signifies a new starting point and a new chapter in our collaboration, fostering deeper synergy in the Beijing-Hong Kong public health efforts. The agreement with the Beijing Municipal Disease Prevention and Control Administration will help build a more efficient and high-quality major communicable disease prevention and control system, enhancing mutual learning and public health security standards. The two agreements will solidify and strengthen the linkage and collaboration between the health authorities of Beijing and the HKSAR, enabling us to jointly address global public health challenges and better safeguard public health,” he added.
The DH delegation will continue their visit to Beijing tomorrow (September 11), calling on the public health-related authorities to strengthen co-operation and exchanges in the medical and health sectors. Issued at HKT 18:52
Chief Executive John Lee met Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia Sun Chanthol today to exchange views on strengthening economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Cambodia.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Sun and his delegation to the city to attend the 10th Belt & Road Summit and serve as a keynote speaker at the event.
Noting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively exploring emerging markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Belt & Road countries, Mr Lee said that Cambodia, with its rapid market development and vast economic potential, offers broad opportunities for co-operation with Hong Kong.
With the two places reaching 13 memoranda of understanding last year that covered economics and trade, aviation, and financial services, Mr Lee emphasised that he is pleased to witness more MOUs between government departments of both places at today’s summit to enhance bilateral co-operation.
The Chief Executive highlighted that Cambodia is a strategic partner in the nation’s promotion of the Belt & Road Initiative, and that Hong Kong possesses a highly internationalised, market-oriented and business-friendly environment with strengths in capital, technology and market resources that enable it to fully serve as a functional platform for both places to seize the opportunities from the Belt & Road Initiative.
He welcomed enterprises from Cambodia to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to explore overseas and Mainland markets.
Apart from thanking Cambodia for its support in establishing the International Organization for Mediation, Mr Lee stressed that the establishment of its headquarters in Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s strengths in international mediation.
Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages of enjoying strong support from the motherland and being closely connected to the world, thereby contributing to the promotion of the Belt & Road Initiative, he added.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, leading a multidisciplinary delegation, will depart for Urumqi in Xinjiang tomorrow to promote Hong Kong’s advantages in its legal system and professional services, and to explore the strengthening of Hong Kong-Xinjiang co-operation.
The delegation comprises members of Hong Kong’s legal, arbitration and mediation sectors as well as financial and business sectors.
On Friday, Mr Lam and the delegation will attend a seminar on the role of Hong Kong’s common law in contributing to the Belt & Road Initiative and a networking dinner, organised by the Department of Justice and the Xinjiang Lawyers Association. They will give a briefing on the advantages of Hong Kong’s common law system and how its legal, dispute resolution and financial services can contribute to Xinjiang’s opening up and facilitate business development.
During the visit, the delegation will also meet local leaders and learn about the development of the local legal services industry.
Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on Sunday. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ22: Elderly Health Centres
EHC The number of new enrolments (i.e. the number of individuals undergoing first health assessments during the year) and the total number of enrolments (i.e. the number of individuals who have undergone health assessments during the year, excluding the number of members who have not undergone health assessments during the year) of various EHCs in the past three years are as shown in the table below.
EHCNote: Due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, all EHCs underwent multiple service adjustments from 2020 to early 2023 to redeploy staff from different grades to support epidemic prevention and control. Amongst others, in view of the activation of designated clinics at Robert Black General Out-patient Clinic by the HA, based on infection control considerations at the time of the epidemic, San Po Kong EHC which was situated at the same location with the designated clinic was temporarily closed in the period from February 26, 2022, to February 5, 2023.
The median waiting time for the first health assessment at various EHCs over the past three years is as shown in the table below. The median refers to the time the elderlies have taken to become a member and receive the first health assessment on the day since they first submitted the application.
EHC The number of new enrolments and total number of enrolments at the EHCs both declined significantly in 2024. Meanwhile, the median waiting time for the first health assessment was notably longer at most EHCs in 2024. Key factors contributing to the longer median waiting time in that year include the backlog of applications accumulated during the COVID-19 epidemic when the EHCs could only provide limited services from January 2020 to February 2023. Additionally, although services at the EHCs resumed normal starting from February 2023, the accumulated backlog of waiting applications and the persistent shortage of the DH’s medical staff have impacted the service capacity. This has also contributed to the decline in both the number of new enrolments and the total number of enrolments in 2024.
In addition to discussing service integration of EHCs into the district health network in phases with the PHC Commission, the DH has also recruited additional contract doctors to strengthen staffing capacity. The DH will continue to closely monitor the situation.Issued at HKT 17:10
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the thematic breakout session entitled Synergy in Legal Solutions: Co-creating a Shared Silk Road Vision of the 10th Belt and Road Summit today (September 10):
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):
Question:
Regarding the development of telemedicine services, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that the Hospital Authority (HA) provides telemedicine services through the “HA Go” mobile application and the clinical management system used by healthcare professionals, whether the Government knows the number of tele-consultation services provided by the HA through these channels to date, the number of patients involved as well as the respective feedback from healthcare professionals and patients on these services;
(2) whether it knows the number of complaints concerning telemedicine services received by the Government and relevant public organisations in the past three years, and the content and follow-up situations respectively of those complaints; and
(3) as a study released earlier on by the Consumer Council has pointed out the privacy risks involved when consumers receive telemedicine services through applications such as WhatsApp and Zoom nowadays, whether the authorities will consider strengthening the functionality of eHealth or “HA Go” mobile applications, so that private healthcare service providers can provide telemedicine services to patients through these platforms and applications, so as to enhance the protection of personal information and health data, and promote the development of telemedicine services?
Reply:
President,
Telehealth is a type of medical service that should be provided by qualified healthcare professionals and governed by the regulatory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions. Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to ensure services provided through telehealth comply with the codes and guidelines promulgated by regulatory authorities, are suited for the clinical setting and objective of patients, and must not compromise the professional standard because of service modes. The Medical Council of Hong Kong’s Ethical Guidelines on Practice of Telemedicine stipulates clearly that doctors need to be aware of the limits of any telehealth applications and electronic communications, and alternatives must be considered if technical and environmental limitations affect telehealth services as to compromising the professional standard and duty of care of medical practices.
While the Government encourages professions to provide medical services by innovative means, non-healthcare professionals and companies must not untruthfully promote or even provide telehealth. The Government will scrutinise advertisement on telehealth to ascertain whether there are violation of the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (Cap. 231) and whether the services so provided have violated regulations under other legislations concerning practising without a licence.
In response to the questions raised by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong, my consolidated reply is as follows:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services became prevalent in Hong Kong, being an important anti-epidemic strategy during the critical period. Telehealth has certain limitations, for instance, the establishment of a doctor-patient relationship may prove challenging, and such services may not be suitable for patients requiring in-person clinical examinations for diagnosis. Furthermore, telehealth services rely on stable technological infrastructure. Issues such as network stability, equipment, or other technical problems may affect service quality. Requiring patients to possess related equipment may increase time costs and technological threshold, particularly for elderly patients or those not familiar with technology.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hospital Authority (HA) has started to develop telehealth as a complementary measure, and has been managing the limitations of telehealth cautiously. Generally speaking, telehealth services are more suitable for chronic patients who are clinically stable, not new cases as well as those who do not need to visit hospitals to undergo clinical examinations by doctors. The HA will arrange medical services through telehealth, having taken into account the stability of the clinical conditions of patients, their clinical needs, and actual operational situations. During the three years from April 2022 to March 2025, telehealth was involved in more than 340 000 non-COVID-19 cases, including tele-consultations provided by the Community Geriatric Assessment Teams for elderly living in residential care homes for the elderly, allied health (e.g. clinical psychology service) and specialist out-patient services. The pharmacies also provide drug counselling services through remote means.
The HA’s telehealth services have been operating smoothly since inception, with positive feedback from patients who generally consider the workflow simple and user-friendly, and particularly convenient for patients residing in remote areas or with mobility difficulties. Over the past three years, the HA received two complaints regarding telehealth services that mainly involved patients not being clearly informed about the service workflow, such as arrangements regarding booking appointments, drug collection and referral letters. The HA had promptly provided detailed explanations and followed up with the patients concerned. The HA will continue to regularly review the impact after the application of telehealth to ensure the services can better meet patients’ needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
The HA’s “HA Go” app is designed to assist its patients in managing their services in public hospitals and clinics, and is not suitable for use by private healthcare providers or other patients. On the other hand, the Government is implementing the “eHealth+” five-year development plan to upgrade eHealth into a comprehensive healthcare information infrastructure that integrates data sharing, service delivery and process management, with a view to supporting various healthcare policies more effectively. In considering the development of “eHealth+”, we have to carefully assess the relevant factors, such as the appropriateness of the relevant functions, the effective use of public resources, data privacy and system security.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the development and adoption of telehealth services in Hong Kong, and will work with the sector and relevant stakeholders to explore the further development of telehealth in suitable services, such as outreach services and primary healthcare services including nurse clinics and allied health services, etc. The Government will also ensure boards and councils of various healthcare professions would promulgate and review specific guidelines on telehealth in a timely manner based on professional practice and operational needs, with a view to protecting the interests of patients and healthcare professionals.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ21: Handling of flooding in Islands District
Year According to the investigation results, the aforementioned flooding cases were primarily caused by heavy rainfall, during which a large amount of fallen leaves and debris were washed into low-lying roadside gullies, intakes, and drainage channels, leading to blockages. This hindered the natural flow of rainwater into the downstream stormwater collection and drainage systems, leading to flooding. All of these flooding cases were handled and resolved within one to two hours.
(2) to (4) The DSD conducts regular inspections, cleansing, and maintenance of public stormwater drainage systems. For example in South Lantau, the department has completed 28 inspections and cleansing operations for the public stormwater drainage system as of August this year.Issued at HKT 15:47
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):
Question:
In the second quarter of this year, the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration issued the Implementation Plan for the Free Flow of Yachts among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao (Draft for Comments) (the Plan) with the aim of promoting the synergistic development of the yacht industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and facilitating the flow of yachts in the GBA. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the SAR Government has plans to formulate measures to dovetail with the proposals for the free flow of yachts in the Plan, so as to expedite the promotion of the yacht industry’s development in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether it has plans to permit non-Hong Kong yachts to enter and exit Hong Kong waters for multiple times within a specified period upon entering Hong Kong without having to undergo port formalities again, and to hold discussions with the Government of Guangdong Province on streamlining the immigration arrangements for yachts, so that non-Hong Kong yachts with the permission to enter Hong Kong waters may also sail to other Mainland cities in the GBA; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) whether it has plans to streamline the existing immigration and customs clearance procedures for yacht crew and passengers entering and exiting Hong Kong, such as streamlining the existing requirement that yacht masters or their agents must undergo formalities such as immigration inspection and customs declaration at different locations; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) given that under the law, non-Hong Kong yachts must obtain the permission of the Director of Marine in order to navigate in Hong Kong waters, whether the authorities have plans to streamline the vetting and approval procedures for such vessels to navigate in Hong Kong waters; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) of the ways to motivate enterprises to organise more yacht exhibitions and sales fairs in Hong Kong, and to attract more overseas and Mainland yacht builders and manufacturers of yacht accessories to establish branch offices in Hong Kong, so as to promote the development of the yacht industry?
Reply:
President,
In response to the inquiry raised by the Hon Benson Luk, after consulting the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the Security Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Marine Department (MD), the reply is as follows:
(1) The CSTB supports the development and co-operation of yacht tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a view to expanding and promoting high value-added tourism activities in Hong Kong and demonstrating the role of Hong Kong as a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. The MD and the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration have established a dedicated task force to maintain discussion and co-operation on various issues relating to facilitation of yacht travelling, including the “yacht free travel” proposal put forward by Guangdong Province, and to jointly formulate relevant implementation measures.
(2) and (3) At present, visiting yachts (including those from the Mainland) entering Hong Kong waters are required to complete port formalities with the MD, the Immigration Department (ImmD), the Department of Health (DH) and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. Generally speaking, local agents would be appointed to handle all the port formalities in Hong Kong for visiting yachts. The MD has set up an electronic business system to provide one-stop service for visiting yachts, allowing them to submit the required documents to the MD, the ImmD and the DH through the online system in an efficient and convenient manner. At the same time, visiting yachts are currently not required to be anchored at an approved immigration anchorage whilst awaiting immigration clearance. The master of a visiting yacht, or its agent, is only required to complete the immigration procedures at the Harbour Control Section of the ImmD (which operates 24 hours every day) located at the Central Government Pier within 24 hours after entering into Hong Kong waters and before the intended departure from the Hong Kong waters. The aforementioned arrangements, which is not applicable to other visiting vessels, aim at simplifying and facilitating the immigration procedures for visiting yachts.
Relevant bureaux and departments will continue to review and improve the relevant arrangements, with a view to facilitating the formulation of a more holistic yacht industrial policy in the future.
(4) In accordance with international practice, foreign yachts must complete port formalities and obtain permission from local government authorities before navigating in local waters. Hong Kong is no exception.
Currently, visiting yachts wishing to navigate freely in Hong Kong waters must submit proof of securing a berth at a private yacht club or marina when applying for entry. Additionally, the yacht’s crew members must not only meet the requirements of their country of registry but also pass a local port knowledge examination. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that crew members of visiting yachts are familiar with local fairways, anchorages, speed restriction zones, ferry routes, navigation aids, and other relevant information, thereby ensuring the safe navigation of the yacht within Hong Kong waters and the safety of other port users.
The MD is exploring whether there is scope to relax requirements or introduce facilitation measures to enhance the navigation experience for visiting yachts in Hong Kong waters.
(5) The Transport and Logistics Bureau is pleased to collaborate with relevant departments and organisations to provide advice to the industry on the development of yacht exhibitions and sales. For example, over the past year, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has from time to time hosted large-scale events to brief the business community on the Airport City development blueprint Skytopia, which includes a yacht bay development offering over 500 berths. The AAHK has also participated in overseas yacht exhibitions and conferences, etc.