Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Antenatal service of DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres to be integrated into Hospital Authority in phases
The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address proposed a comprehensive reform of the healthcare system, under which the Government will conduct a comprehensive review of the positioning and objectives of the healthcare system, and reform the functions and division of work among the HA, the DH and the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHCC). The DH will continue to perform its public health functions, and regulatory and enforcement roles. Meanwhile, clinical services will be gradually integrated into the HA or the PHCC according to the plan.
Currently, antenatal services in the public sector are jointly provided by the HA’s obstetrics department and the DH’s MCHCs through the antenatal shared-care programme. Under this programme, antenatal services for high-risk pregnant women are provided by the HA’s obstetric department, while related services for women with low-risk pregnancies are jointly provided by the obstetrics department of hospitals under the HA and MCHCs.
The service integration will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will commence on July 6 this year and involves the integration of antenatal services from 15 MCHCs into nine public hospitals, namely Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Tsan Yuk Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, United Christian Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, North Lantau Hospital, Tseung Kwan O Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital. The second phase will be implemented next year (2027) and will involve Prince of Wales Hospital and three MCHCs. The exact date and related arrangements will be announced in due course. The list of MCHCs and public hospitals involved in the two phases is set out in the annex.
After the service integration, the obstetrics department of the HA will provide one-stop antenatal services to all pregnant women planning to give birth in public hospitals. In the first phase, starting from July 6, 2026, all new case service, that is the first antenatal visit, will be provided by the HA’s obstetrics department. Expectant mothers may schedule appointments through established procedures, such as submitting an application for a new case appointment with the obstetrics department via the “BookHA” feature (booking services for Specialist Out-patient Clinics) of the “HA Go” mobile application, or submitting an application in person.
Expectant mothers who have already booked antenatal services at an MCHC for July or later simply need to attend their next appointment at the originally scheduled MCHC at the appointed time. Staff at the MCHC will explain future service arrangements in detail, including specifics regarding subsequent antenatal service at public hospitals. The DH will collaborate closely with the HA to arrange and co-ordinate the appointment process, ensuring a seamless transition of services.
The integration is one of the measures to optimise service management and follow-up arrangements. The existing antenatal service, fee arrangements and target service groups will remain unchanged. Pregnant women will continue to receive regular antenatal check-ups, blood tests, screenings and vaccinations. They will also receive health education on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infant and young child feeding.
Additionally, after the service integration, time slots previously allocated for antenatal services at the MCHCs will be reallocated to other maternal and child health services, including child health and postnatal services, to promote maternal and child health.
Pregnant women currently under the antenatal shared-care programme who have any enquiries regarding the arrangements for antenatal service may contact the MCHCIssued at HKT 11:00
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LCSD’s new measures to combat touting activities to take effect from July 7
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCSD’s new measures to combat touting activities to take effect from July 7
SmartPLAY users not intending to use “iAM Smart” can continue to log into the My SmartPLAY mobile app, the official SmartPLAY website, smart self-service stations or service counters at various leisure venues to make bookings from 7.15am each day.
The LCSD strongly encourages SmartPLAY users aged 11 or above to register as “iAM Smart” users for making priority bookings of leisure and sports facilities/venues from 7am each day. Members of the public who wish to register as “iAM Smart” users, or understand the procedures of identity authentication of SmartPLAY users via “iAM Smart”, may refer to the Annex.
The LCSD once again reminds SmartPLAY users not to permit any third party to use their “iAM Smart” accounts, and not to provide their account information to touts for making bookings. Any users who have ever used touting services or provided their account information to others should change their passwords as soon as possible. The LCSD will continue to strictly enforce the Conditions of Use of SmartPLAY. For any users who breach the conditions concerned by using computer programmes or automated tools to make bookings or interfere with the normal operation of the system, regardless of whether they have logged into the SmartPLAY system via “iAM Smart” and whether any booking or transaction has been made, the LCSD will suspend their accounts for 360 days without any prior notice.
Issued at HKT 11:30
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CHP announces new melioidosis case
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 3) announced that one new melioidosis case was recorded in the past week (June 26 to July 2). Given that Hong Kong is often affected by typhoons and rainstorms during the summer, the CHP reminds members of the public, in particular high-risk groups (including the elderly and people with underlying diseases), to avoid contact with soil or muddy water after typhoons or storms with a view to lowering the risk of melioidosis infection.
Where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
The new case involves a 54-year-old male with underlying illnesses. He lives in Sham Shui Po District. On June 18, he developed a fever and sustained an injury resulting from a fall. He then attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre. He was admitted for treatment. His clinical diagnosis was septicaemia. His clinical sample tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. He is currently in stable condition.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. An initial epidemiological investigation revealed that the case is sporadic. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. As of yesterday (July 2), seven melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Last year, 21 melioidosis cases were recorded.
According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase. Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
- Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
- Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
- Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
- Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
- Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
- Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
Administration Wing alerts public to fraudulent emails
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Administration Wing alerts public to fraudulent emails
The Administration Wing’s Protocol Division has not sent the emails and a report has been made to the Police. Members of the public are reminded to note that the email addresses of the Administration Wing are under the domain name of “@cso.gov.hk”, and award recipients will not be requested to click any links in the email correspondence. Members of the public should stay vigilant and not open any suspicious emails. Anyone who has clicked the link in the emails is strongly advised to contact the Police.
Issued at HKT 18:58
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Northern Metropolis Development Bill gazetted today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Northern Metropolis Development Bill gazetted today
The NM has entered the phase of full-scale construction and enterprise establishment. The Government has to expedite development and respond swiftly to meet the needs of enterprises. The nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports accelerating the NM’s development, which fully demonstrates the high importance that the country attaches to the NM, and the NM’s strategic role in integrating Hong Kong into and serving overall national development.
The Bill will specify six policy areas to facilitate the NM’s development, and empower the Chief Executive in Council (CE-in-C) to enact subsidiary legislation in those six areas to formulate the implementation details of the relevant policy measures. The specification of policy areas by primary legislation, with subsidiary legislation regulating the implementation details, will provide the Government with the flexibility to adjust the implementation details to meet the evolving development needs of the NM in a timely manner as necessary. Together with the Bill, the Government has submitted the draft of the first batch of subsidiary legislation for LegCo’s preview. It should be emphasised that the draft subsidiary legislation at this stage is submitted for reference by LegCo members only, enabling members to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the details of these facilitation measures when scrutinising the Bill. The Government will formally submit the first batch of subsidiary legislation to LegCo after passage of the Bill.
The Bill will provide the basis for the following legislative proposals:
(1) Delineating the areas of the NM: The Bill applies to the NM only, and certain facilitation measures may apply to designated areas within the NM to suit the needs. The areas described in Schedule 1 to the Bill will be delineated as the areas of the NM. The CE-in-C will be empowered to amend the areas of the NM under two specified circumstances, including adjustments in response to boundary amendment of North District or Yuen Long District, or of the relevant Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs);
(2) Streamlining town planning procedures: Applicants may apply for a change in land uses or relaxation of development parameters/requirements for land or buildings within designated areas of the NM via simpler and expedited procedures, which are similar to Section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance (TPO), thereby compressing the procedures from typically at least nine months to just two months. It should be noted that the proposed streamlined procedures will not apply to conservation zones and areas where the Government has indicated its intention to prepare new OZPs through the plan making procedures. Besides, applicants must fully adhere to the procedures similar to Section 16 of the TPO, including carrying out of technical assessments to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the development proposals to the Town Planning Board. Such applications will also be made available for public inspection for three weeks, during which the public may submit views. Furthermore, in addition to making regulation for the arrangement of the aforementioned application procedures and the granting of permission, the CE-in-C may make regulations to extend the duration for temporary uses or developments of land or buildings within the NM up to seven years;
(3) Expediting compensation payment for land resumed: To reduce the Government’s interest liability arising from outstanding compensation payment, thereby better concentrating resources in the actual development of the NM, it is proposed that, if the former owners or other claimants fail to accept provisional payment offers within the three-month time limit specified by the Government in the offers, the interest-bearing arrangement for the compensation will cease upon the expiry of the time limit. Furthermore, where the land resumed was held in the name of a tso/t’ong, the Government may make compensation payment (including by way of provisional payment) and any interest payable thereon to the registered manager(s) of the tso/t’ong, provided that there is no vacancy in the office of the registered manager(s). The aforementioned proposals will apply to the land in the NM resumed before, on or after the commencement of the relevant provisions of the Bill;
(4) Promoting innovation and quality in works: Regarding applications for modification or exemption under section 42(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (BO), it is proposed that, if an application is in respect of any works in the NM as specified by the CE-in-C in the gazette notice, so long as the Building Authority is satisfied that there exist circumstances of facilitating innovation and enhancing quality in works, etc., as specified in the gazette notice, it can be regarded as meeting the requirement of special circumstances under section 42(1) where the Building Authority may consider permitting modifications or exemption of the provisions of the BO;
(5) Streamlining the procedures and requirements for Construction Noise Permit (CNP) applications: While maintaining the prevailing noise control standards, it is proposed to streamline the procedures and requirements for CNP applications for relevant areas or projects. The Secretary for Environment and Ecology will be empowered to issue a Technical Memorandum for specified NM construction works (NM-TM), while the Noise Control Authority may issue CNPs for the NM construction works specified by the CE-in-C in the regulation (including industry-driven development areas and major transport infrastructure projects within the NM) in accordance with the NM-TM;
(6) Facilitating and regulating cross-boundary flow of factors of production: It is proposed to empower the CE-in-C to make regulations to facilitate and regulate specified cross-boundary flows, including the flow of persons, goods or other articles (such as bio-samples, plant and equipment), as well as the transfer of data, information or other intangibles, or capital. Specifically, to facilitate the movement of personnel associated with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP), it is proposed to specify in the regulation the categories and the application arrangements of the “White List” personnel to enter or leave the HSITP by crossing the boundary. It is also proposed to empower the relevant authorities, subject to the meeting of specified requirements, to direct disapplication of certain provisions under legislation such as those relating to air quality and noise control, etc., in respect of the use of construction equipment and other articles for specified cross-boundary transport infrastructure projects, with a view to enhancing the efficiency of the cross-boundary infrastructure projects; and
(7) Establishing statutory corporations for designated areas: It is proposed that the CE-in-C be empowered to make regulations relating to the establishment of statutory corporations.
The Government will fully co-operate with LegCo in its scrutiny of the Bill, and strive to achieve the passage of the Bill within this year, and then formally submit the first batch of subsidiary legislation to LegCo.
The Government conducted a public consultation for about two months from March 24 to May 22, 2026, and consulted the LegCo Panel on Development on March 24 and June 23, 2026. There is general support in society for introducing dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the NM. In response to the public views received, the Government has made refinements to the legislative proposals, and briefed the LegCo Panel on Development on June 23, 2026.
For details of the Bill, please refer to the LegCo Brief issued today.
Issued at HKT 19:04
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MOFA sincerely thanks like-minded countries’ representative offices in Taiwan for publicly supporting Taiwan’s participation in WHO and WHA
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
May 21, 2026 No.223 Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the representative offices of nine like-minded countries in Taiwan for issuing on May 21 a joint press release reiterating support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA).
The press release—published by the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, Lithuania, and Poland—marks the sixth consecutive year that representative offices of like-minded countries in Taiwan have issued such a joint statement to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA.
The press release stated that, as the 79th session of the WHA was commencing in Geneva, Taiwan remained largely excluded from the world’s international health system. Pointing out that infectious diseases and health hazards did not respect borders and that global cooperation was required to keep the whole world safe, it explained that Taiwan was a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and had been invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016.
The press release also highlighted that Taiwan’s distinct public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology could bring considerable value to WHA deliberations. Moreover, Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, was entirely unjustified and undermined the spirit of inclusiveness that the world urgently demanded and that was enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO. The press release also stated that Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of WHO would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan but also around the world, and would fully exemplify the WHA’s commitment to “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks friendly countries and allies for continuing to staunchly support Taiwan through concrete action. As of May 20, 26 countries and the European Union had spoken up in support of Taiwan’s participation during the 79th WHA session.
MOFA also notes that WHO has warned that the recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks have become new global public health crises, underscoring the stark reality that disease knows no borders and that the global disease prevention network cannot have any gaps.
As an indispensable and constructive partner of the global health system, Taiwan will continue to leverage its public health governance capabilities and rich experience in epidemic prevention and control and transnational cooperation so as to further contribute to international medical and health systems. (E)
Property sales up 10.5%
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Land Registry logged 9,434 sale and purchase agreements received for registration for all building units in June, an increase of 10.5% compared with May and up 29.7% year on year.
The total consideration for building unit sale and purchase agreements in June increased 13.7% from the previous month to $82.8 billion, representing a 24.7% year-on-year increase.
A total of 7,650 agreements were for residential units, up 7.2% from the previous month and up 28.5% from a year ago.
The total consideration for residential units was $75.6 billion, an increase of 15.3% compared with the previous month and a rise of 23.8% year on year.
There were 505,404 land register searches last month.
Arts carnival set to open
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The acrobatic theatre production Starchitects by the UK troupe Motionhouse will make its Hong Kong debut from July 10 to 12. The show will kick off this year’s International Arts Carnival, the summer arts festival presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.
Winner of the Best Family Arts Activity award at the UK’s Fantastic for Families Awards 2023, Starchitects centres around space exploration. It blends digital projections, gravity-defying choreography and aerial acrobatics to take the audience on a fantasy cosmic journey.
The performances will take place at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre at 7.30pm on July 10 and 11, and at 3pm on July 11 and 12. Meet-the-artist sessions will follow each performance for the audience to share insights with the performers. Tickets are available at URBTIX.
Parent-child acrobatics workshops will be held at the centre at 4pm on July 9 and 11am on July 12, where performers from Motionhouse will teach simple acrobatic tricks. Additionally, the 3pm performance on July 11 will be an accessible show featuring Cantonese audio description and a pre-show touch tour.
Running across July and August, this year’s International Arts Carnival will feature over 100 family-friendly performances and activities. It brings together local, Mainland and overseas talent for events spanning acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia.
The carnival will also offer film screenings, library activities, parent-child workshops, an online programme and exhibitions.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044.
MOFA response to joint statement by EU and South Korea highlighting importance of cross-strait peace and stability
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to joint statement by EU and South Korea highlighting importance of cross-strait peace and stability
June 11, 2026
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and commends the joint statement issued on June 10 following the 11th European Union-South Korea summit. The statement emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, and conveyed support for freedom of navigation and overflight, including in the South China Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The summit took place in Brussels. It was attended by President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and South Korea President Lee Jae-myung.
The statement followed on a joint declaration made in 2023 at the 10th European Union-South Korea summit, in which participants expressed the same position.
Taiwan is located at a critical juncture in the first island chain. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, therefore, are not only vital to regional peace and prosperity but are also foundational to global supply chain stability and international trade.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to enhance cooperation with like-minded partners to jointly maintain peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific and defend the international rules-based order.
Double Tenth Committee for Sydney’s 115th National Day Celebration Holds First Planning Meeting
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The Double Tenth Committee for Sydney’s 115th National Day Celebration held its first planning meeting, bringing together community leaders, Overseas Community Affairs honorary personnel, and representatives of Taiwanese community organisations to discuss this year’s National Day celebration plans.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu thanked the Taiwanese community for its longstanding support and dedication to the National Day celebrations. He noted that Taiwan’s growing national strength has given overseas Taiwanese greater confidence and pride, and reaffirmed TECO Sydney’s full support for the Committee in delivering a successful series of celebrations.
Under the theme “Radiant Taiwan Sydney 2026” and the vision “A Bridge of Light to the World – From Temple Light to the Global Stage,” participants discussed plans for the National Day Reception, cultural performances, and community engagement activities. The celebrations aim to showcase Taiwan’s democracy, cultural diversity, technological innovation, and resilience, while strengthening Australia–Taiwan friendship and helping more Australians gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan.