Category: MIL-OSI

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HKSAR Government welcomes court’s decision to dismiss Chow Hang Tung’s application for judicial review on clothing policy for persons in custody

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKSAR Government welcomes court’s decision to dismiss Chow Hang Tung’s application for judicial review on clothing policy for persons in custody      
     The court judgment pointed out that the current clothing policy for PICs, including the requirement for female PICs to wear trousers in summer daytime, was formulated by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) as authorised by the Prison Rules. The Court was satisfied that the CSD had the expertise and experience in the relevant context, and that it had carefully considered various factors, taken into account of professional opinion when making the decision, as well as reviewed the policy continuously. The Court ruled that Chow Hang Tung had failed to demonstrate that the current policy constituted less favourable treatment of a particular gender. The Court pointed out that there was currently no factual evidence to support any assertion that there was widespread concern about the health effects of wearing trousers in summer. In addition, the rule was not absolute, but instead allowed individual PICs to apply for exceptional arrangements in special circumstances. At the same time, the Court also rejected Chow Hang Tung’s assertion that she had requested to the CSD in July and August 2024 to wear shorts and had been refused.

     A spokesman for the Security Bureau said, “The ruling of the Court of First Instance confirmed that the CSD’s approach is reasonable, justified and lawful. According to Rule 26 of the Prison Rules, the CSD must provide every PIC with a uniform that meets a scale imposed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services. Over the years, the CSD had appointed task groups from time to time to review the clothing arrangements of PICs. These reviews gave ample consideration to numerous factors, including the type of correctional institutions, PICs’ varying daily routines and activities involved, the need for thermal, physical and psychological comfort for PICs of different genders, privacy and decency of PICs and the security, good order and discipline of the prison, so as to continuously refine clothing arrangements according to the prevailing circumstances.”
      
     The spokesman stated, “Chow Hang Tung’s assertion that she requested to wear shorts in summer and was rejected by the CSD is entirely inconsistent with the facts and was rejected by the Court. Besides, the current clothing policy for PICs already provides a degree of flexibility. For example, a PIC may make an application to wear other clothing on medical or non-medical grounds to the CSD, and the CSD would make appropriate arrangements having considered the actual circumstances and relevant factors.”
      
     The CSD will continue to impartially implement the relevant rules of the Prison Rules in accordance with the law and commit to providing a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy custodial environment.
Issued at HKT 21:44

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Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index has reached “Serious” level

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal pollution levels today (January 13). At 5pm, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at the Tuen Mun general monitoring station reached 10+, corresponding to the “Serious” health risk category.

     Winds are weak over Hong Kong today, which is unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.

     According to the Hong Kong Observatory, a moderate easterly airstream is expected to affect the coast of Guangdong gradually tomorrow. It is expected that pollution levels will remain higher than normal until then.

     With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

     When the AQHI is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

     Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings at the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.

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FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in January

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in January 

District     Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 20 survey areas in January, all were below 10 per cent, and most of the areas recorded 0 per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.

     The eggs of Aedes albopictus can withstand long periods of desiccation and will hatch when the temperature becomes suitable and water is present. Members of the public should continue to take mosquito control measures during winter to eliminate mosquito eggs.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

     ​Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever (DF). After reviewing the present DF and CF vector surveillance programme, the FEHD has expanded the coverage for monitoring Aedes albopictus mosquitoes starting from 2026. The number of survey areas set up in the community has been revised to 62, with some survey areas renamed. Additional gravidtraps will also be set up at different locations across the territory to strengthen the monitoring of the breeding of mosquitoes. Under the present surveillance mechanism, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:20

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Finale and masterclass of second edition of Go! Illustrators – Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme sponsored by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency held (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Finale and masterclass of second edition of Go! Illustrators – Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme sponsored by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency held      ​
     For further details of Go! Illustrators, please visit www.goillustrators.hkIssued at HKT 18:37

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FSD conducts fire safety inspection and enforcement operation in Yau Tsim Mong District

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FSD conducts fire safety inspection and enforcement operation in Yau Tsim Mong District      
     During the operations, the FSD deployed dedicated inspection teams to target on the fire safety conditions of the common areas and licensed premises within the buildings. The fire personnel identified multiple violations of the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation (Cap. 95F) in the common areas of various floors and in seven licensed food premises, including obstruction of means of escape, fire service installation or equipment (FSIs) not being kept in efficient working order due to defects, as well as defects in smoke stop doors. The FSD instituted one prosecution for obstruction of means of escape and issued 32 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices regarding the irregularities.
      
     Since the fire safety violations by the licensed food premises were suspected of breaching the licensing conditions, the FSD has referred the cases to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for follow-up action. The FSD will continue to liaise closely with the FEHD to determine whether further enforcement actions should be taken against the licensed food premises concerned.
      
     Furthermore, as the building management companies of the buildings failed to comply with the Code of Conduct on Handling Fire Safety Work issued under the Property Management Services Ordinance (Cap. 626) and relevant best practice guidelines, including proper maintenance of smoke stop doors to keep them in good condition, the FSD has reminded the management companies concerned and referred the cases to the Property Management Services Authority for follow-up action.
      
     During the operation, the fire personnel also carried out fire prevention publicity and education to property owners, tenants and building management staff on common fire hazards and preventive measures to raise their fire safety awareness and mitigate fire risk from the source.
      
     The FSD emphasises that commercial buildings have a high density of people and thus a relatively high fire risk. Property owners, tenants and property management agents must jointly bear the responsibility for fire safety, ensuring the means of escape are unobstructed, smoke stop doors remain closed at all times, FSIs are properly maintained, and annual inspections of the FSIs are carried out as required by law.
      
     The department will continue to work with all parties to promote a fire safety culture and jointly build a safer and more resilient community through a multipronged approach, including enforcement, publicity and interdepartmental collaboration.
Issued at HKT 18:40

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Hospital Authority signs Memorandum of Understanding to support community healthcare development on Mainland (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hospital Authority signs Memorandum of Understanding to support community healthcare development on Mainland (with photo) 
     The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of the NHC, Mr Lei Haichao, and the HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan. The five-year MOU was jointly signed by the Acting Director-General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the NHC, Mr Feng Yong; the Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation, Mr Cheng Kar-Shing; and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee.
 
     Phase II of the Training Project will last for five years, with the goal of further training more primary healthcare staff on the Mainland, enhancing their clinical practice and primary healthcare management capabilities. The project will continue to adopt the management framework established in Phase I. The NHC will oversee the recruitment of trainees and provide overall co-ordination and guidance. The Foundation will provide approximately $10 million in funding support. The HA will be responsible for organising diverse trainings, including online and offline courses, site visits and mentorships in both places, and joint academic exchange conferences.
 
     Mr Fan said, “The fruitful results of Phase I are very encouraging, and it is gratifying that we can continue with Phase II this year. The HA is honoured to continue participating in the Training  Project, sharing Hong Kong’s experience in family medicine training and faciliating professional exchanges between the two places to complement each other’s strengths. The release of the Implementation Plan for Strengthening Primary Healthcare Services last year aims to further improve the primary healthcare system on the Mainland. The Training Project enables Hong Kong to contribute to the development of national public health.” 
     To dovetail with the national development of community and primary healthcare, the former Ministry of Health (now NHC), the HA and the Dr Cheng Yu Tung Foundation first signed an MOU in 2007 to collaborate on training healthcare professionals on the Mainland. Phase I of the Training Project was completed last year, successfully training over 1 500 primary healthcare professionals across 31 provinces, municipalities and regions on the Mainland. To continue the success of the project and after friendly consultation, the NHC, the Foundation and the HA will jointly launch Phase II of the project.
Issued at HKT 19:29

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Judicial review dismissal welcomed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the judgment handed down by the Court of First Instance today to dismiss Chow Hang-tung’s application for a judicial review on the clothing policy for persons in custody (PICs).

The court judgment pointed out that the current clothing policy for PICs, including the requirement for female PICs to wear trousers in summer daytime, was formulated by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) as authorised by the Prison Rules.

The court was satisfied that the CSD had the expertise and experience in the relevant context, and that it had carefully considered various factors, and had taken professional opinion into account when making the decision, as well as reviewed the policy continuously.

The court ruled that Chow Hang-tung had failed to demonstrate that the current policy constituted less favourable treatment of a particular gender.

It pointed out that there was currently no factual evidence to support any assertion that there was widespread concern about the health effects of wearing trousers in summer.

In addition, the rule was not absolute, but instead allowed individual PICs to apply for exceptional arrangements in special circumstances.

At the same time, the court also rejected Chow Hang-tung’s assertion that her request to the CSD in July and August 2024 for wearing shorts and had been refused.

The Security Bureau said the Court of First Instance’s ruling confirmed that the CSD’s approach is reasonable, justified and lawful.

According to Rule 26 of the Prison Rules, the CSD must provide every PIC with a uniform that meets a scale imposed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services.

Over the years, the CSD had appointed task groups from time to time to review the clothing arrangements of PICs.

These reviews gave ample consideration to numerous factors so as to continuously refine clothing arrangements according to the prevailing circumstances.

Such factors included the type of correctional institutions, PICs’ varying daily routines and activities involved, the need for thermal, physical and psychological comfort for PICs of both genders, privacy and decency of PICs, and the security, good order and discipline of the prison.

The bureau added that Chow Hang-tung’s assertion that she had requested to wear shorts in summer and was rejected by the CSD is entirely inconsistent with the facts, and was rejected by the court.

Besides, the current clothing policy for PICs already provides a degree of flexibility. For example, a PIC may make an application to wear other clothing on medical or non-medical grounds to the CSD which would make appropriate arrangements having considered the actual circumstances and relevant factors.

The bureau added that the CSD will continue to impartially implement the relevant rules of the Prison Rules in accordance with the law, and commit to providing a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy custodial environment.

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FarmFest violations investigated

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today said it has referred to Police and Customs the details of cases concerning the suspected sale of non-self-produced agricultural products by individual farm stalls during FarmFest.

The AFCD emphasised that it will not tolerate any acts that deceive consumers and will deal with any such violations seriously as it is assisting law enforcement agencies in their investigations.

Furthermore, the AFCD will disqualify the farms concerned from participating in the upcoming FarmFest, and is considering a permanent ban on non-compliant farmers from taking part in all future promotional activities organised by the department.

To prevent similar incidents from recurring, the AFCD is reviewing optimising the event’s contract terms, including introducing heavy penalties for breaches of contract and a compensation mechanism for claiming reputational damage.

It will also require local agricultural organisations and associations to remind their members to ensure compliance in the sale of their products.

The AFCD explained that all farmers and fishermen taking part in FarmFest must pass a qualification assessment in advance, including submitting detailed information on the agricultural and fisheries products intended for sale.

Prior to FarmFest, AFCD officers will inspect all participating local farms to record the varieties and quantities of the produce in detail, to ensure that the products sold during the event are produced by the farms themselves.

On January 10, the second day of FarmFest, AFCD officers ordered seven stalls suspected of irregularities to cease operation immediately. It took action against another suspicious stall the next day.

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CE meets national health official

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee met Minister of the National Health Commission (NHC) Lei Haichao at Government House today to exchange views on deepening medical and healthcare co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Together with Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) Zhou Ji, they also witnessed the signing of the co-operation agreement on Chinese medicine and the Framework Agreement on Collaboration between the National Cancer Center and the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Commissioner of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) Yu Yanhong signed the renewed agreement on Chinese medicine with Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau to foster the innovative development of Chinese medicine.

The agreement also aims to advance the construction of Chinese medicine in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), further strengthen the collaboration between the NATCM and the Health Bureau in this field, and push forward the implementation of the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the framework agreement signed by the health chief and Director of the National Cancer Center He Jie aims to push forward co-operation between the bureau and the centre in cancer prevention and treatment under the principle of complementarity and mutual benefits.

The framework agreement will also deepen collaboration in basic cancer research, screening, early diagnosis and treatment, standardisation of diagnosis and treatment, big data, and public education outreach and other areas.

The Chief Executive expressed gratitude to the country for its continuous support to Hong Kong’s work in healthcare, noting that the Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to collaborating with the NHC and the NATCM.

The two agreements signed today will further strengthen mutual co-operation and advance the high-quality healthcare development in Hong Kong, Mr Lee said, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government is deepening healthcare system reform, strengthening primary healthcare, and promoting collaboration in the GBA.

“Hong Kong will continue to fully capitalise on its unique advantages of enjoying strong support from the motherland and being closely connected to the world to foster healthcare co-operation within the GBA, with a view to contributing to propelling the important national strategy of ‘Healthy China’ through concerted efforts.”