Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
LCQ15: Promoting student mental health(i) The EDB has all along been requiring primary and secondary schools to report fatal suspected student suicide cases in order to provide appropriate professional support to the schools concerned. The numbers of fatal suspected student suicide cases of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong reported in the past three years (2023 to 2025) are tabulated below. Of the total number of cases reported, about 90 per cent were cases involving secondary students, while those involving primary students accounted for about 10 per cent. Cases involving male students accounted for about 59 per cent of the total number of cases reported, while about 41 per cent were those involving female students.
Year As indicated in relevant international and local studies, suicide (including attempted suicide) is a complicated issue influenced by the interplay of multiple factors, mainly related to interpersonal relationships (including family, social or relationship problems) and personal issues (such as learning and school adjustment, depressed mood and mental illness). Each case has its unique underlying causes.
(ii) To early identify and timely support students at higher suicidal risk, the Government has implemented, through cross-departmental collaboration among the EDB, the HHB and the SWD, the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism (the Mechanism) in all secondary schools in Hong Kong since December 2023. In the 2025/26 school year, the Mechanism is regularised in all secondary schools across the territory and extended on a trial basis to Primary Four to Six. The number of cases referred by schools/ the EDB under the second-tier mechanism to the off-campus support network teams engaged by the SWD as of end-March 2026, broken down by school year, are tabulated below:
School year(since December 2023)(as of end-March 2026) Under the third-tier mechanism, school principals can directly refer students at high suicidal risk to psychiatric specialist out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA) for assessment and treatment. HA’s specialist out-patient clinics adopt a triage system to ensure that patients with urgent medical conditions requiring early intervention are given priority for follow-up and treatment.
The numbers of cases referred by school principals to HA’s psychiatric services, the percentages of such cases triaged as Priority 1 (urgent) and Priority 2 (semi-urgent), as well as the numbers of enquiry calls received through the dedicated telephone consultation hotline for school principals as of end-March 2026 are tabulated below:
School year(since December 2023)(as of end-March 2026)Note 1: Among the referral cases, the cases other than those triaged as Priority 1 (urgent) and Priority 2 (semi-urgent) were under Routine (stable) category or were already being followed up by the HA’s psychiatric services.
Note 2: The numbers of cases referred by school principals under the third-tier mechanism and the numbers of enquiry calls received through the dedicated telephone consultation hotline for school principals are provided by the psychiatric services under the HA’s hospital clusters (figures as at June 11, 2026).Issued at HKT 14:15
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Civil Engineering and Development Department has upgraded the Tin Shui Wai river channel with new art paintings, refurbished pergolas, and other enhancements. Long-term plans are under way to transform the western bank into a two-kilometre riverside promenade for the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area to promote public well-being.
News.gov.hk spoke to the department’s representatives to discover the latest progress and results of the riverbank beautification project.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.
A spokesman for the LD said today (June 28) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions'” and the “Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather” issued by the LD.
Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:
(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;
(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;
(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;
(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and
(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.
In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.
The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).
Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (June 29) that open auctions for a total of 487 stalls in 42 public markets will be held in July. Market stalls not taken at open auctions will be available to the public for renting at their upset prices on July 24 on a first-come, first-served basis.
(1) Open auctions
The types of stalls to be auctioned this time cover cooked food, frozen meat, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen (chilled) poultry, fruits, vegetables, food-related dry goods and wet goods, non-food-related dry goods and wet goods, tradesman/service trades, siu mei and lo mei, newspaper, etc. The tenancy agreement is a three-year fixed term from August 1, 2026, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on the sizes, locations and vacancy periods of the individual stalls. The upset prices for the stalls in an open auction will be initially fixed at 80 per cent of the open market rent (OMR) if the stalls have been vacant for over six months, and at 60 per cent of the OMR if the vacant period has been over eight months. The open auctions will be held on July 6, July 7, July 9 and July 10. Details of the open auctions and the public market stalls concerned are available on the FEHD website.
The open auctions will be held at Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission tickets will be issued 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each auction. Persons who want to attend the auctions must wait at the waiting area of the auction venue and produce their Hong Kong identity card or passport for registration. The registered person will then be provided with an admission ticket for the auctions. In addition, eligible bidders after verification will be issued with a bidding paddle for the auction. The FEHD has also invited representatives of the Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to monitor the auctions at the auction venue in order to ensure that the open auctions are conducted in an orderly and fair manner.
(2) Renting at upset prices on first-come, first-served basis
The tenancy agreement for market stalls renting on a first-come, first-served basis is a three-year fixed term from September 1, 2026; while the tenancy agreement for the market stalls at Stanley Waterfront Mart is a two-month fixed term from August 1, 2026, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on their sizes, locations, vacancy periods and the reduced upset prices from the last open auction of the individual stalls.
In addition, the FEHD Sunlight Market will be available to the public for renting on a first-come, first-served basis. The licence agreement for market stalls in the Sunlight Market is a 24-month fixed term starting from September 1, 2026, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the licence agreement. The licence fee of the stalls varies depending on their sizes.
Members of the public who are interested in renting a market stall at its upset price should approach the designated FEHD offices to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm on July 24 (Friday). Relevant information and the office addresses will be available on the FEHD website after the open auction.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Bidders or applicants for the market stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. To allow more people to bid for or select the stalls and increase customer choices by enhancing the diversity in terms of the variety of stalls, there will be a restriction on the number of stalls to be rented in the same market by a single tenant. Any person who is currently a stall tenant is not allowed to bid in the first round of auction for any stall in the same market, and will only be allowed to bid for one stall in the second round of auction or to select one stall in the same market on a first-come, first-served basis (except Stanley Waterfront Mart). The existing tenants under the new three-year fixed-term tenancy scheme (i.e. those persons who became stall tenants through the market open auctions after August 2022) are allowed to bid for a stall in the auction or select a stall on a first-come, first-served basis in the same market, but shall vacate the current stall and return it to the FEHD before the effective date of commencement of the new tenancy agreement.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees’ risk of heat stroke.
Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
The LD issued the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”, detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers’ and employees’ reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department’s thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Regarding the direct investigation operation report on the Government’s work on the management of countryside facilities released by the Office of The Ombudsman today (June 29), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) responds as follows:
The AFCD is committed to enhancing the management standards of country parks, with a view to providing the public and tourists with safe, eco-friendly and educational recreation experiences. It provides and regularly upgrades various facilities such as trails, information boards, visitor centres and toilets. The AFCD also reviews the carrying capacity of popular countryside destinations to formulate appropriate management measures to ensure the safety of the facilities, enhance the convenience of public use and minimise the impact on the natural environment.
The AFCD accepts the Office’s recommendations and will make every effort to follow up and implement them. Some of the measures have already been initiated or completed during the investigation, including:
enhancing the procedures and monitoring of facility maintenance and inspection in country parks;
improving the system for monitoring the performance of cleaning contractors;
allocating additional resources, hiring contractors, and adopting new designs to expedite the maintenance of facilities (such as rain shelters);
updating the contents of the country park visitor questionnaire and the “Enjoy Hiking” website; and
providing GPX files for all trails on the website for offline use by the public and tourists.
The AFCD agrees with the Ombudsman’s recommendations on strengthening information dissemination and public education. It is currently developing several publicity channels, including establishing a YouTube account for Hong Kong Country Parks and applying to open an official Xiaohongshu account, to more effectively disseminate information on hiking safety and nature conservation to the public and tourists.
The AFCD will continue to work with relevant government departments to strengthen the management of ecotourism hotspots during weekends, public holidays and the Mainland Golden Week holidays as necessary. It will also actively explore co-operation with other organisations to deepen education and publicity on the protection of country parks and hiking safety awareness.
The AFCD will maintain to uphold the principles of “respecting the ecology and protecting the environment”, appropriately showcase Hong Kong’s precious ecological resources to the public, and enable the public and tourists to enjoy the pleasures of the countryside and support the sustainable development of ecotourism.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 28) seized 10 live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $26,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday intercepted an air consignment declared to contain a stuffed cushion and a decorative throw imported from the United States to Hong Kong. Upon inspection, a batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found concealed inside socks in a carton box of the consignment.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 29) reported the latest number of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.
From June 21 to 27, the CHP recorded five LD cases, including one nosocomial case (i.e. hospital-acquired) and four community-acquired cases. All of the patients, who were aged between 39 and 78, had underlying illnesses.
Nosocomial case
———————-
The case involved a 39-year-old male. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on June 2 after suffering a fall and a head injury. He was subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery. On June 16, he developed a fever and his chest X-ray revealed that he had pneumonia. A respiratory specimen collected from the patient by the hospital on June 22 tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP. The patient’s condition subsequently deteriorated, and he passed away on June 22.
Since the patient was hospitalised at PMH throughout the incubation period (from June 6 to 14), the CHP considered that this is a nosocomial case. The CHP, together with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, dispatched personnel to the hospital to conduct an environmental investigation in order to determine the source of the infection. A preliminary investigation revealed that, during his hospitalisation, the patient had been admitted to the Neurosurgery High Dependency Unit (HDU) and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The CHP collected 25 water samples and 15 environmental samples from the wards where the patient was admitted. The results of laboratory testing are pending.
The CHP has instructed PMH to thoroughly disinfect the water supply systems on the affected floors. PMH has suspended the use of the shower rooms in the wards concerned and installed bacterial filters in the water supply systems of the relevant wards. The CHP has also provided the hospital with health advice and medical surveillance recommendations, and will continue to closely monitor the implementation of these measures.
In addition, 53 patients who were admitted to the same HDU or ICU as the patient during the same period are under medical surveillance. No additional LD cases have been identified among them so far.
The CHP’s investigation and follow-up work are ongoing.
Community-acquired cases
———————————–
Details of the four community-acquired cases are as follow:
a 57-year-old male living in Wong Tai Sin District;
a 74-year-old female living in Southern District;
a 76-year-old female living in Yuen Long District; and
a 78-year-old male living in Southern District.
The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. An initial investigation revealed that the four community-acquired cases are sporadic cases. No epidemiological linkages have been established between these cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
As of June 27, 82 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2025 and 2024, there were 167 and 135 LD cases respectively.
Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.
Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
Immunocompromised persons should:
Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.
The public should observe the health advice below:
Observe personal hygiene;
Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:
Wear gloves and a face mask;
Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
Additionally, as smokers and alcoholics are more susceptible to LD, the Government urges members of the public to quit smoking and avoid drinking. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183, which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services. The public may also visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation. The DH has also developed and promulgated the Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention tool to primary healthcare service providers to facilitate the early identification and management of at-risk drinkers. For information on alcohol-related harm, please visit the DH’s Change for Health website.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Kwun Tong Occupational Safety and Health Centre of the Labour Department (LD) will launch a wide range of occupational safety and health courses in the second half of 2026. The courses aim at enhancing the working population’s understanding of the occupational safety regulations and their awareness of occupational health.
The courses cover a wide range of topics, including:
Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and Regulations
Gas Poisoning in Manholes
Confined Spaces Regulations
Major Safety Legislation Related to Working in Catering Trade
Dangerous Substances Regulations
Safety Management Regulation
Safety Regulations on Manual Handling Operations
Legislation Related to Safety in Hotel Industry
Safety Legislation on Working in Times of Inclement Weather and Hot Environment
Major Safety Legislation Related to Accident Prevention in Office and Storage Work
A Brief Introduction to the Regulation on Display Screen Equipment
A Brief Introduction to Noise at Work Regulation
More Exercise, Smart Work
Strategies for the Prevention of Occupational Diseases
Occupational Health in Catering Industry
Chemicals and Occupational Health
Medical Examinations for Workers Engaged in Hazardous Occupations in Industrial Undertakings
Manual Handling Operations and Prevention of Back Injuries
Occupational Health for Security Guards
Chemicals and Occupational Health in Hotel Industry
Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work in a Hot Environment
Occupational Health for Office Workers
Health Hints on the Use of Computer
Noise Hazards and Prevention of Hearing Loss
Prevention of Upper and Lower Limb Disorders
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders for Office Workers
Occupational Health for Cleansing Workers
Occupational Contact Dermatitis
Manual Handling Operations and Prevention of Back Injuries for Workers of Residential Care Home
Occupational Health for Professional Drivers
Work and Common Gastrointestinal Diseases
Occupational Stress
Happy Workplace
Work and Healthy Lifestyle
Work and Diabetes Mellitus
First Aid in the Workplaces
Work and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Easy Tips for Healthy Eating at Work
The courses will be conducted in Cantonese at the LD’s Occupational Safety and Health Centre, G/F, Kwun Tong Community Health Centre Building, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong. Enrolment is free.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
During the rain and tropical cyclone season, Hong Kong may occasionally be affected by tropical cyclones and heavy persistent rain, the weather becomes unstable. Students and parents should pay attention to the change in weather.
Students and parents are therefore reminded that in the event of tropical cyclones and/or heavy persistent rain, the Education Bureau (EDB) will announce the class suspension arrangements for that day based on the latest weather information and the conditions of roads, slopes, and traffic. The announcements will be made through the following channels: When tropical cyclones and/or rainstorms affect Hong Kong, the following general schooling arrangements will apply:
Weather conditions
Corresponding measures
When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 is issued
All schools, including kindergartens, are to operate as usual unless advised otherwise.
When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 is issued
Classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are to be suspended.
Other schools are to operate as usual unless advised otherwise.
When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Pre-No. 8 / No. 8 or above is issued
Classes of all schools are to be suspended.
When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above isreplaced by Signal No. 3
Classes of all kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are to remain suspended.
Unless previous announcement has been made to the effect that classes will be suspended for the entire day, other schools are to resume if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal 3 has been issued before 5:30 a.m. (for AM and whole-day schools), 10:30 a.m. (for PM schools) or 5:00 p.m. (for evening schools).
When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 is replaced by Signal No. 1 or when all tropical cyclone signals are cancelled
All schools are to resume with the next session unless previous announcement has been made to the effect that classes will be suspended for the entire day.
When Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued
All schools, including kindergartens, are to operate as usual unless advised otherwise.
When Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or “The combined effect of strong wind and prolonged rainstorm is affecting/expected to affect Hong Kong” information is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO)
In general, if the relevant rainstorm warning signal or information is issued during the following periods, it means that student need not attend schools:
At or after 5:30 a.m. and before 8:00 a.m.: AM and Whole-day Schools
At or after 10:30 a.m. and before 1:00 p.m.: PM Schools
At or after 5:00 p.m. and before 7:00 p.m.: Evening Schools
If the relevant rainstorm warning signal or information is issued during school hours, schools should implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students. Schools which are in session should continue lessons until the end of normal school hours and ought to ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home. Parents do not need to pick up their children from school immediately.
As the situations in localised areas may differ from the territory as a whole, parents can exercise their discretion in deciding whether or not to send their children to school if the local weather, roads, slopes or traffic conditions are adverse. Schools will be flexible in handling the affected students who arrive late or are absent from school at parents’ discretion on the day, and such students will not be penalised.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, so it is important for students and parents to pay close attention to the latest weather conditions provided by the HKO and check if the EDB has announced class suspension before leaving for school and during their journey to ensure safety.