Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 12) reminded the public, particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pregnant women, infants and children, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

Elderly and people with chronic illnesses
———————————————
     A spokesman for the CHP said that in general, elderly people have less insulating fat, and their body temperature control mechanisms would be weaker. Their body may not respond appropriately to the cold weather. In addition, some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat.

Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes or hypothyroidism, would lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Besides, persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

     The spokesman reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
 

• Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;
• Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
• Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
• Stay in a warm environment. Avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
• Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead; and
• Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

Infants, children and pregnant women
——————————————-

Infants and young children are more susceptible to heat loss during the cold weather. The spokesman reminded parents that they should ensure babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them. When children engage in outdoor activities, their clothing should be adjusted accordingly, and changed quickly if soaked. Infants, young children and pregnant women should also try to avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower.

     Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:

• Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;
• Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;
• Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;
• Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents’ bed; and
• Maintain a smoke-free environment.

Outdoor workers
——————-

Outdoor workers should take heed of the weather report and wear appropriate warm clothing for work. Clothing should be changed as soon as possible if soaked. When the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions. They should take a break immediately and seek help and medical attention if feeling unwell.

General public
—————-

In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.

A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may become more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     
​Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:

• Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
• Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
• Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
• Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;
• Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
• For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;
• Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogens;
• Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
• Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and
• Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

​​In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.

     For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage as well as press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against cold weather for outdoor workers and their employers when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.

     The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will launch a pilot scheme on October 1 aimed at encouraging Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients capable of working to achieve self-reliance through employment.

Eligible households will receive cash incentives of up to $45,000 under the three-year “Pilot Scheme for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Households Transitioning to Working Family Allowance Scheme”, which is funded by the Community Care Fund.

To be eligible, households should leave the CSSA scheme on or after October 1. They should apply to join the Working Family Allowance (WFA) scheme and then have at least two consecutive WFA applications approved within the period from October 2026 to September 2029, meaning they have been in continuous employment. 

All types of CSSA households can participate in the scheme. A separate sign-up is not required as the WFA Office will identify eligible households and notify them.

Each eligible household can receive up to three cash incentive payments, totalling $45,000. 

Regardless of household size and the WFA rate approved, standard payments will be disbursed in instalments as follows: a first payment of $10,000; a second of $15,000; and a third of $20,000.

Call the enquiry hotline 3897 1897 for further information.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

After the unfortunate passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11 (US time), Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on July 12 that President Lai Ching-te was deeply saddened by the news and extended his sincerest condolences to Senator Graham’s family.
Spokesperson Kuo noted that Senator Graham served in the US Congress for many years and formed a deep friendship with Taiwan. During his tenure, he actively promoted legislation in support of Taiwan, backed our international participation, advocated for the strengthening of our self-defense capabilities, and worked to deepen Taiwan-US economic and trade relations. He was a steadfast and important friend to Taiwan in Congress.
The spokesperson noted that Senator Graham made three visits to Taiwan, including once in 2022 as the leader of a bipartisan congressional delegation, demonstrating his support through concrete action.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that on behalf of the people of Taiwan, President Lai expressed deep gratitude for Senator Graham’s longstanding contributions to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and to Taiwan-US relations, and paid his highest respects. Taiwan has lost an important friend, the spokesperson stated, and President Lai along with all the people of Taiwan mourn Senator Graham’s passing. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Starting a new life far from home in unfamiliar environment with a different language poses significant challenges, a reality well understood by ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.

To facilitate community integration and enhance access to public services, the Home Affairs Department funds non-profit organisations to operate support service centres for ethnic minorities. Service user Sheila Ramchandra Dhanawadi finds the activities and services both engaging and helpful.

Building bonds

Fifteen years ago, Sheila left Mumbai, India for Hong Kong. In 2021, a social worker connected her with the HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities, where she found a community of people with similar backgrounds.

Sheila hopes to expand her social circle while better integrating into the community. “The activities and services have made a positive difference in my life,” she said.

The HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities offers a diverse range of activities, including language classes and local festive celebrations, to familiarise the new residents with Hong Kong’s culture and lifestyle. The centre also organises volunteer opportunities, allowing participants to give back to the community while strengthening their sense of belonging in the city.

Among the centre’s most popular activities are its Cantonese classes, which teach practical, daily dialogue to help participants navigate everyday situations. In addition, the facility hosts a large-scale showcase annually to bring local residents and ethnic minorities together. The signature event features orienteering competitions alongside live music and dance performances.

Extending outreach

In April, the centre launched its Youth Network and Women’s Network. These initiatives offer tailored skills, vocational training and Mainland exchange tours.

The centre also hosts sports classes, such as swimming, designed specifically for ethnic minority women.

Enriching integration

Apart from language barriers, one of the biggest hurdles for many ethnic minorities is simply not knowing what community resources are out there. Finding support from people who truly understand their cultural background and circumstances remains a steep challenge.

To respond to the Policy Address’s call for stronger community integration, the HOPE Interpretation & Translation Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities opened its doors last December.

The facility provides interpretation and translation services in seven languages, namely Indonesian, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog and Urdu – most of which are free of charge. Services include telephone and on-site interpretation. The centre also assists ethnic minority members with navigating daily essentials such as appointments, housing and public services.

Staff can also accompany service users to relevant public service agencies to give on-site support. Moreover, the centre translates daily news highlights, helping ethnic minority groups stay updated on local community developments.

Personalised support

“Those in need can raise any questions they encounter due to the language barriers, and the centre will provide appropriate support,” said HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities person-in-charge Amy Wong.

She highlighted that all interpreters have relevant interpretation experience and are proficient in both English and ethnic minority languages. The centre also conducts spot checks to maintain service quality.

The organisation hopes such services will ease daily life for ethnic minorities, giving them the confidence to truly make them feel at home in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law inspected a passing-out parade for 13 probationary inspectors and 131 recruit police constables at the Police College today, urging them to serve as the public’s trusted guardians.

Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law highlighted that the country has officially entered a new phase under the National 15th Five-Year Plan this year, heralding unprecedented development opportunities for Hong Kong.

She noted that Hong Kong serves as an important gateway for the nation’s opening up. The city leverages the strong support of the motherland while maintaining close global connections under the “one country, two systems” principle.

The city has been proactively aligning with the national development strategies and deepening its integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Miss Law emphasised that a safe, stable and lawful society forms the foundation of all development. Therefore, the Police Force’s role in steadfastly upholding the rule of law and maintaining social order remains of paramount importance.

Having worked closely with the Police Force across various government roles over the years, Miss Law observed that Hong Kong faces both new opportunities and challenges amid a complex, changing geopolitical environment. Safeguarding national security, she added, must remain the top operational priority for the Police Force.

She expressed her hope that police officers will consistently uphold professionalism, impartiality, empathy and the highest standards of integrity, regardless of shifts in the social climate.

Miss Law urged the graduates to act strictly in accordance with the law, safeguard social order, and think from the citizens’ perspectives. By devoting themselves to public well-being, she said they will provide a solid security guarantee for the smooth implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has reminded restaurant applicants that they must confirm their venues permit the entry of dogs, following media enquiries regarding the eligibility and operational status of dog-friendly eateries.

The department stated that application forms explicitly require applicants to confirm that their premises permit dogs, and to declare that all submitted information is true. Applicants found providing false information may face legal liability.

As rules governing the use of various premises are subject to tenancy agreements, property titles and deeds of mutual covenant, the department stressed that restaurant operators are responsible for clarifying these facts with property stakeholders. A consensus must be reached before submitting an application.

The department added that it respects the legal rights and decisions of all property stakeholders.

If an applicant is found to have provided incorrect information – and the venue does not actually permit dogs – the department will suspend the application or revoke any permission already granted. This applies both during the application process and after approval. 

Responding to media reports claiming that several establishments on the “List of Food Premises Permitted for Dog Entry” had closed down or did not exist, the department clarified that these claims do not align with its records. It emphasised that the licences of all participating premises were valid at the time of the open ballot.

Furthermore, a dedicated team visited every approved establishment. For restaurants not open for business during the visits, the team proactively contacted licence holders to confirm they still required the permission before issuing permits.

If an approved restaurant decides to permanently cease operations, withdraw its permit application, or revoke its permission, the department will reallocate the quota to applicants on the waiting list based on the original ballot results. Updated venue details will be uploaded to the dedicated webpage once all procedures are complete.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 26, 2026  No.162  On the morning of April 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, acting as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy, visited the planned site for the first phase of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP) project in Eswatini. Minister Lin and Eswatini cabinet members Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy; Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade; and Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, received progress reports on a strategic oil reserve facility and the TIIP. They also witnessed Tex-Ray Chairman Ray Lin, representing Taiwanese businesses, and Eswatini sign a letter of intent to set up operations and invest in the TIIP. The LOI further deepened the economic and trade partnership between the countries.

In his remarks, Minister Lin recalled his trip to Eswatini as presidential envoy in April 2025, during which King Mswati III used the Swazi word nkwe (accelerated progress) to convey high hopes for bilateral cooperation. Minister Lin said that the king’s expectations had translated into tangible results, with construction of the strategic oil reserve facility staying on schedule and some 60 Taiwanese companies visiting Eswatini to explore investment opportunities since the launch of the TIIP last April. He added that several Taiwanese firms in key sectors such as textiles, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and solar power had signed LOIs during this trip to move into the TIIP. Minister Lin stressed that the investments showed how the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project could successfully align the need for Taiwanese businesses to expand globally with Eswatini’s need for industrial upgrading. It had also achieved the aim of creating mutual benefits for both countries, Minister Lin added.

Explaining the core idea behind the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Minister Lin said the policy promoted public-private partnerships and encouraged large enterprises to support smaller ones. He added that this would expand government-to-government diplomatic ties to include closer business-to-business partnerships. Minister Lin underlined that this model would serve as a benchmark for other African states and create a combined fleet and team of teams to strengthen strategic links between Taiwan and countries in Africa.

Speaking on behalf of Eswatini, Minister Khumalo conveyed sincere gratitude to Taiwan for its long-standing support of infrastructure projects and emphasized the deep and enduring ties between the two countries. He said the oil reserve facility and the TIIP were of immense strategic importance to Eswatini in promoting economic transformation and energy security. Minister Khumalo stressed that the initiatives were highly representative of bilateral cooperation. He said that the LOI, which he signed on behalf of Eswatini with the Taiwanese business representative, had brought bilateral cooperation to new heights and injected momentum into Eswatini’s industrial upgrading.

Under the framework of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further deepen comprehensive cooperation with Eswatini in economics, trade, energy, technology, and other spheres. Taiwan will continue to work with Eswatini to achieve prosperity and steadily enhance strategic partnerships in Africa. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to media enquiries regarding the application eligibility and operational status of permitted food premises allowing dogs to enter, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) gave the following response on July 10:

Applicants have sole responsibility to confirm that the premises permits the entry of dogs

The FEHD has clearly required in the application forms that applicants must confirm that the premises in which their food premises operates permits the entry of dogs and declare the information submitted is true. The FEHD solemnly points out that if applicants are found to have provided false information, they may bear legal liability.

The FEHD reiterated that, as the rules governing the use of various premises (including permission for dogs entry) are subject to relevant provisions in tenancy agreement, property titles and deeds of mutual covenant, restaurant operators have responsibility to, and must clarify the fact with property stakeholders, and reach a consensus on whether to permit the entry of dogs before submitting applications to the FEHD.

The FEHD respects the legal rights and decisions of property stakeholders. Should the FEHD discover, after an application has been submitted or approved, that the applicant has provided incorrect information and that the premises where the food premises is located do not in fact permit the entry of dogs, the FEHD will take decisive action to suspend processing of the relevant application or revoke the permission granted. To assist the industry in accurately understanding the relevant requirements, the FEHD has previously organised a number of briefing sessions. The department will also maintain communication with restaurant operators and property stakeholders, and provide appropriate assistance whilst ensuring compliance.
 
Operational status of the permitted food premises

As for the enquiries from the media regarding a few of food premises on the “List of Food Premises Permitted for Dog Entry” were found to have closed down or did not even exist, the FEHD clarified that the information was not align with the information obtained by the department. The FEHD verified the operational status of the applying food premises from two perspectives:

1. The licences of all the participating food premises were valid at the event of the open ballot.

2. ⁠A dedicated team from the FEHD visited each approved establishment. Even where a restaurant was not open for business at the time, the team proactively contacted the licence holders to confirm that they still required such permission before issuing the permits.
 
The FEHD pointed out that, it is a normal market occurrence for individual restaurants to find themselves in different operational situations due to business considerations; for example, they may be closed for renovation works, whilst licence transfer procedures are underway, or because staff are on leave, or they may even have ceased operations for any reason. Should an approved restaurant decide to cease operation permanently, withdraw the application for the relevant permit, or apply to revoke the permission, the FEHD respects the operator’s commercial decision. Their quotas will be allocated to the applicants on the waiting list in the order determined by the earlier ballot results. Once all procedures have been completed, the details of the newly added food premises will be promptly updated and uploaded to the dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html) to facilitate public search and selection.