Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Ballet captivated New York with the US premiere of its award-winning production “The Butterfly Lovers” at its opening night at the prestigious David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, on August 22 (New York time).
 
     Performing to a sold-out crowd, the company impressed the audience with lush choreography, poignant storytelling and striking stage design that blended Chinese tradition with contemporary ballet aesthetics. The performance also marked the triumphant return of the Hong Kong Ballet to the New York stage since 2023.
 
     The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), Ms Maisie Ho, warmly welcomed the Hong Kong Ballet back to New York City at the opening night reception.
 
     “With this reimagined ‘The Butterfly Lovers’, the Hong Kong Ballet is pushing boundaries, boldly blending Chinese dance with the classical ballet art form,” she said. “This spirit of innovation and artistic growth, with a company of dancers from Hong Kong and abroad, also reflects Hong Kong’s vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle, global outlook, and rich cultural diversity.”
 
     Ms Ho highlighted Hong Kong’s thriving arts and cultural landscape, bolstered by strong government support and initiatives that foster artistic excellence and cultural exchange. She noted that the Hong Kong Ballet exemplifies the vital role Hong Kong plays as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, grounded in the city’s deep-rooted cultural heritage shared with Mainland China and long-standing global ties, including those with the United States.
 
     Led by the Hong Kong Ballet’s Artistic Director, Septime Webre, this reimagination of the classic folktale weaves together classical ballet and traditional Chinese dance. Choreographed by Ricky Hu and Mai Jingwen, the production features breathtaking set and costume designs from Academy Award winner Tim Yip, and a sweeping original score performed live by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by the resident conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Lio Kuokman.
 
     “The Butterfly Lovers”, co-presented by Hong Kong Ballet and the China Arts and Entertainment Group, continues its run at Lincoln Center this weekend (August 23 and 24, New York time), offering New Yorkers a rare opportunity to experience this cultural and artistic gem. The New York ETO is the government partner of the tour.

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 (August 22) that the Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool in Yuen Long District, which was closed earlier due to the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool, has been reopened.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 5pm today (August 22), no new case of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.
 
There have been no new cases of CF in the past week in Hong Kong. So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of nine confirmed CF cases. All are imported cases. All cases have recovered and been discharged without complications. From 2016 to 2019, Hong Kong recorded between one and 11 imported cases annually.  
 
For dengue fever (DF), there have been no new cases in the past week in Hong Kong either. There have been 41 imported DF cases recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases.
 
For Japanese encephalitis (JE), Hong Kong has recorded one imported JE case from the Philippines this year. In the past five years (from 2020 to 2024), no JE cases were recorded in Hong Kong, and a total of 10 cases were recorded between 2016 and 2019 (including six locally infected cases).
 
“The current high temperatures and rainfall levels continue to pose risks of transmission of various mosquito-borne diseases in Hong Kong. Aedes albopictus, which is the vector for chikungunya virus, dengue virus and Zika virus, is common in Hong Kong. Although these mosquito-borne diseases are not transmitted from person to person, during the early stage after the onset of symptoms (especially when a fever is present), the blood of infected patients contains a large amount of virus, which is infectious to mosquitoes. If people are bitten by mosquitoes during the communicable period, further local transmission via mosquitoes is possible,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said.
 
“JE is prevalent in rural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific Region, especially in the hot season. As Culex mosquitoes (including Culex tritaeniorhynchus), the primary vector for JE, can be found in Hong Kong, especially in the rural areas, there is also a risk of transmission of JE locally. Culex mosquitoes breed in areas where there is a lot of stagnant water, and pigs or wild birds are natural hosts of the JE virus. Culex mosquitoes become infected when they bite pigs or wild birds infected with the JE virus. The infected mosquitoes then transmit the virus to humans and animals during biting. Therefore, members of the public should take proper mosquito control measures both locally and during travel. We must make a concerted effort in eliminating mosquito breeding, so as to cut the transmission links of mosquito-borne diseases in the community,” Dr Tsui added.
 
Continuously strengthening prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases
 
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is conducting vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations and will intensify mosquito prevention and control measures at the residence of the CF patients, as well as locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in the scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspection of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

 
The CHP’s Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and to remind cross-boundary public transport operators and other relevant parties to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, staff members of the Port Health Division distribute leaflets to travellers, conduct temperature screenings for inbound travellers, conduct health assessments for travellers with fever or related symptoms, and refer them to hospitals for follow-ups when necessary.
 
To raise awareness among the elderly about preventing mosquito-borne diseases, the Visiting Health Teams under the Elderly Health Service of the DH have been advising the elderly on mosquito-borne diseases prevention and tips on travel health at health talks conducted at District Elderly Community Centres and Neighbourhood Elderly Centres. Besides, the Visiting Health Teams have also reminded all residential care homes for the elderly in Hong Kong to enhance mosquito control measures. The DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres, Student Health Service Centres and Special Assessment Centres also advise pregnant women, infant carers and students on symptoms and preventive measures of the mosquito-borne diseases.
 
Dr Tsui reminded members of the public that those returning to Hong Kong from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases should continue to apply insect repellent and closely monitor their personal health condition. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform their doctors of their travel history. The public should avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), to prevent aggravating the risk of haemorrhage. In general, children should not take medications containing aspirin to relieve fever or other symptoms because it may lead to Reye’s syndrome, a serious and potentially fatal complication.
 
Members of the public should also adopt anti-mosquito measures during the rainy season against mosquito-borne diseases. Proper use of DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients can prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

 
In addition, the FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
 
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police today (August 22) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tin Shui Wai.

     Hui Kwan-on, aged 42, went missing after she was last seen on Tin Ching Street on August 16 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on August 20.

     She is about 1.52 metres tall, 55 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a pink T-shirt, a dark-coloured dress with floral pattern, white sports shoes and carrying a pink bag.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government held the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression Commemorative Medal Presentation Ceremony at the Government House today (August 22).
 
     This year marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to the relevant commemorative activities. To honour the surviving veteran soldiers, veteran heroes, resistance commanders or their descendants in Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government presented the commemorative medals awarded by the country to them today, with a view to promoting the spirit of resistance, deepen society’s awareness in history and patriotic sentiment.
 
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, stated in his speech, “The people of Hong Kong united with our compatriots in the motherland with unwavering determination and fearless of sacrifice, and actively devoted themselves to the frontline of the resistance war to defend our homeland. Among them, many Hong Kong citizens joined the East River Column and Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade. Each member fought bravely against our enemies, engaged fully in guerrilla warfare, and rescued trapped cultural figures and allied members repeatedly, demonstrating a firm and unyielding patriotic spirit.
 
     “Only by knowing our history and loving our country, could the flame of patriotism be passed on. Only by remembering history can we create the future. The spirit of resistance of the sons and daughters of China is a precious spiritual treasure of our nation. It is also a powerful force that inspires us to keep moving forward. To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the War of Resistance, the HKSAR Government is uniting all sectors to hold a series of activities, enabling all citizens of Hong Kong, especially the younger generation, to strengthen and cultivate their unyielding patriotism and profound love for the nation”.
 
     Attendees of the ceremony, including veterans and their families, expressed their unrivalled honour in receiving the commemorative medals. The veterans who received the medals said the medals symbolised the nation’s profound respect for their contributions to our history.
 
     The HKSAR Government is organising a series of commemorative activities, including an official ceremony on September 3 to commemorate the Victory Day of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial garden, thematic exhibitions jointly organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Museum of War of Resistance and Coastal Defence with the National Museum of China and Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, as well as a series of educational activities and anti-Japanese war film screenings targeted at the public and youth. These commemorative activities can enable citizens to understand this important piece of history, promote the spirit of patriotism, and cultivate a sense of love and responsibility for the country.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To honour surviving veteran soldiers, veteran heroes, resistance commanders or their descendants in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression Commemorative Medal Presentation Ceremony at Government House today.

During the ceremony, the veterans were presented with commemorative medals awarded by the country, with a view to promoting the spirit of resistance and deepening society’s awareness in history and patriotic sentiment.

Attendees of the ceremony, including veterans and their families, said it was an honour to receive the medals. The veterans noted that the medals symbolised the nation’s profound respect for their contributions.

Chief Executive John Lee said in his speech that Hong Kong people united with compatriots in the motherland and devoted themselves to the frontline of the resistance war to defend the homeland, demonstrating a firm and unyielding patriotic spirit.

“Only by knowing our history and loving our country, could the flame of patriotism be passed on. Only by remembering history can we create the future.

“To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the War of Resistance, the Hong Kong SAR Government is uniting all sectors to hold a series of activities, enabling all citizens of Hong Kong, especially the younger generation, to strengthen and cultivate their unyielding patriotism and profound love for the nation,” Mr Lee added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) announced a sentinel event today (August 22):

A patient was admitted to a medical ward of KWH on August 10 due to shortness of breath and chest pain, and lung shadow was later identified, necessitating further investigation. The patient’s clinical and emotional conditions were stable during admission screening and throughout hospitalisation.

At 3.10am today, healthcare staff had seen the patient entering the washroom. At 3.15am, a staff knocked on the door and the patient responded. The staff knocked again at 3.30am and received no response. The staff immediately broke the door and found that the patient was lying on the floor with loss of consciousness. The patient’s head was wrapped in a plastic bag and left wrist was bleeding. Healthcare staff performed resuscitation for the patient immediately, informed the patient’s family and reported the incident to the Police. The patient passed away at 9.10am.

The hospital was saddened by the incident and expressed deep condolences to the family of the patient. The hospital will provide assistance to the family as required and will fully co-operate with the Police in the investigation.

The hospital is very concerned about the incident which was classified as a sentinel event. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel has been formed to investigate the incident. The incident has been reported to the coroner.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department (BD) said today that it initiated 205 prosecutions regarding the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works at a construction site at Anderson Road in Kwun Tong.

Having received a report in August last year alleging that the steel reinforcements had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance (BO), the BD served an order requiring the entire site to cease works, deployed staff to carry out multiple site inspections and required the project’s registered structural engineer (RSE) and registered general building contractor (RGBC) to open up the concrete at various locations in the superstructure of six residential towers for investigation.

The results revealed material deviations in part of the steel reinforcement installation from the approved plans in the six towers, including positional discrepancy and displacement of steel reinforcements, discrepancy in the size of steel reinforcements, fewer steel reinforcements than those shown in the approved plans, as well as misalignment of structural columns.

Based on the investigation findings, the BD found that the RGBCs and individuals directly concerned with the building works have violated the BO.

After consultation with the Department of Justice, the BD initiated 204 prosecutions under section 40(2A)(b) of the BO against the former and current RGBCs, the authorised signatories of the former and current RGBCs, and four technically competent persons directly concerned with the building works, involving two companies and six individuals.

Additionally, one prosecution was initiated under section 40(2AB) of the BO against one of the technically competent persons concerned.

The BD added that although there is no obvious danger to the overall structure of the six buildings, it is closely following up with the project RSE on the incident report and the necessary remedial measures, including localised strengthening of the buildings, demolition of parts of the structural elements where necessary, and the reinstallation of steel reinforcements and recasting of concrete.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Buildings Department (BD) said today (August 22) that regarding the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works at a construction site at Anderson Road, Kwun Tong, which had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance (Chapter 123) (BO), the BD has initiated 205 prosecutions.

The spokesman said, “The BD received a report in August last year alleging that the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works at a construction site at Anderson Road, Kwun Tong, had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the BO. The site is related to a residential development involving six multi-storey towers. The BD subsequently served an order requiring the entire site to cease works, deployed its staff to carry out multiple site inspections and required the project’s registered structural engineer (RSE) and registered general building contractor (RGBC) to open up the concrete at various locations in the superstructure of the six towers for investigation. The results revealed material deviations in part of the steel reinforcement installation from the approved plans in the six towers, including positional discrepancy and displacement of steel reinforcements, discrepancy in the size of steel reinforcements, fewer steel reinforcements than those shown in the approved plans, as well as misalignment of structural columns.”

“Based on the investigation findings, the BD found that the RGBCs and individuals directly concerned with the building works have violated the BO. After consultation with the Department of Justice, the BD has initiated 204 prosecutions under section 40(2A)(b) of the BO against the former and current RGBCs, the authorised signatories of the former and current RGBCs, and four technically competent persons directly concerned with the building works, involving a total of two companies and six individuals; and also one prosecution under section 40(2AB) of the BO against one of the technically competent persons concerned.”

Although there is no obvious danger to the overall structure of the six buildings, the BD is closely following up with the project RSE on the incident report and the necessary remedial measures, including localised strengthening of the buildings, demolition of parts of the structural elements where necessary, and the reinstallation of steel reinforcements and recasting of concrete.

Pursuant to section 40(2A)(b) of the BO, any person for whom any prescribed inspection or building works or street works are being carried out and any authorised person, RSE, registered geotechnical engineer, registered inspector, qualified person, registered general building contractor, registered specialist contractor or registered minor works contractor directly concerned with any such inspection or works who diverges or deviates in any material way from any work shown in a plan approved by the Building Authority under the BO shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $1 million and imprisonment for three years.

Pursuant to section 40(2AB) of the BO, any person (whether or not an authorised person, a RSE, a registered geotechnical engineer, a registered general building contractor, a registered specialist contractor or a registered minor works contractor) directly concerned with any building works or street works set out in items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Column A in the table to section 17(1) who contravenes any condition imposed under that section in respect of such building works or street works, or the plans thereof, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for one year.