Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 28) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Approach Beach in Tsuen Wan District as Grade 3, which means that the water quality has improved and the beach is suitable for swimming. The red flag has been lowered.

     The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier due to the water quality being classified as Grade 4 and unsuitable for swimming. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On October 21, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) convened the 2025 Taiwan Business Alliance Conference, drawing over 200 representatives from domestic and overseas corporations as well as the European, American and Japanese Chambers of Commerce. Among the senior executives in attendance were senior executives from HP, Applied Materials, Entegris, NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands), Air Liquide Far Eastern (France), Itochu (Japan), Nitto Denko (Japan), and Hitachi High Tech (Japan)-a clear signal that Taiwan’s developments in the photonics and AI arenas are capturing global investment interest.

Deputy Economic Minister Cynthia Kiang emphasized that despite a shifting global landscape, Taiwan’s economy remains robust and its overall performance globally visible. She noted that according to the latest report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Taiwan’s economic growth rate for 2025 has been revised upwards to 5.1 %, and that according to the IMD, Taiwan ranks 6th globally in competitiveness. She said that investment plays a key role in driving these economic gains, and that to enhance investment incentives, the Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan has been extended through 2027 and broadened to include foreign investors. The door is open for overseas firms to scale up in Taiwan.

At this year’s conference, 25 firms were engaged, with prospective future investment estimated at approximately NT$160.2 billion. Vice Minister Chiang also signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) with 11 representative firms, covering roughly NT$48.3 billion in commitments. The investments span advanced materials manufacturing, power system solutions, circular sustainability treatment, and consumer services-highlighting broad opportunities in Taiwan’s market and emerging industries.

The signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) include Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL Co., Ltd. (USA), which will introduce advanced uninterruptible power systems and power modules while expanding production capacity in Taiwan; Ecolab Ltd. (USA), which will establish its first R&D and design centre in Taiwan; and Corning Display Technologies Taiwan Co., Ltd (USA), which will continue expanding its operations and evaluate the introduction of new business teams. Solvay Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Belgium) plans to expand production capacity for advanced chemical products in Taiwan, while ASIA Glass Fiber Co., Ltd. (NAG), a subsidiary of the Nitto Boseki Group (Japan), will expand its plant and add new production lines. TaMiCo Technology Taiwan Ltd. (Korea) will build a production facility and R&D centre in Taiwan.

In the consumer and service sectors, Bolt Services (Taiwan) Ltd. (Europe) will enter the Taiwanese market for the first time; Monogatari Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Japan) plans to invest NT$2.5 billion over five years to open 40 restaurants; and Taiwan Tsutaya Co., Ltd. (Japan) will continue expanding its retail operations. Panasonic Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Japan) will establish a new logistics services centre, while Coupang (USA) will scale up its end-to-end logistics infrastructure in Taiwan.

For the first time this year, a business-matchmaking session was planned with a focus on semiconductors and health-tech. Six Taiwanese firms-including Sensortek, e-Ray Optoelectronics, and MiRLE-presented their capabilities in advanced packaging, smart-factory applications, and healthcare innovation, creating further potential collaboration pathways with overseas investors.

Spokesperson: Rio Lu, Deputy Director, MOEA Department of Investment Promotion
Tel: (02) 2389-2111 ext. 812
E-mail: rio@moea.gov.tw

Contact: Chen, Ying-Ju, Section Chief, MOEA Department of Investment Promotion
Tel: 02-2389-2111 ext. 210; 0920-560681
E-mail: yjchen2@moea.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (October 27), the CHP has recorded three new cases of chikungunya fever (CF). The CHP continued to implement various prevention and control measures together with various Government departments and relevant organisations, striving to prevent CF from taking root locally and minimise the public health impact of the disease in Hong Kong.

Latest cases information
——————————
The first case involves a 55-year-old female living in Wong Tai Sin. Following the first local case yesterday (October 26), the CHP conducted active case finding and noted that she is a staff of a school at Fung Tak Estate. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Shanwei in Guangdong between October 11 and 12. Several days after returning to Hong Kong, she visited Shenzhen in Guangdong alone on October 19. She developed a fever, rash and joint pain on October 24. She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital yesterday evening. The CHP immediately arranged the patient for testing upon receiving notification. Her travel companions to Shanwei and three household contacts are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance. Since the patient stayed at two affected places (including Shenzhen and the vicinity of Fung Tak Estate), her source of infection has yet to be confirmed. The CHP will carry out genome analysis to ascertain whether it has epidemiological linkage with the confirmed local case yesterday. Investigation is ongoing.

The second case involves a 67-year-old male living in Tung Chung. A preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Foshan in Guangdong alone between September 29 and October 24. He developed a fever and joint pain on October 23. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital the following day upon returning Hong Kong. He has three household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

The third case involves a 76-year-old female living in Tseung Kwan O. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Guangzhou and Huizhou in Guangdong alone between October 17 and 26. She developed a fever and joint pain on October 22 and sought medical attention at a hospital in Guangdong. She returned to Hong Kong on October 26 and sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital. She has two household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

All three patients were admitted to the hospitals for treatment in a mosquito-free environment and are in stable condition. Their blood samples tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. Since the abovementioned 67-year-old male and 76-year-old female stayed in Guangdong Province during their incubation period, the CHP considered that they were infected during travel. The cases were classified as imported. The CHP’s epidemiological investigations are ongoing, and it has reported the cases to the health authority of Guangdong Province.

Government’s comprehensive actions on prevention and control of CF
—————————————————————————–

The CHP is implementing prevention and control measures according to epidemiological investigations and risk assessment, including providing medical surveillance and health advice to household contacts of the case or those with common exposure to the source of infection. If they present with relevant symptoms, the CHP will arrange for laboratory testing. The CHP officers and District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) have distributed questionnaires and promotional leaflets to about 8 000 households in the district, and will continue to contact the residents, disseminate information, and understand and follow up their health conditions. The CHP has also issued letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and remaining them to be vigilant.

The CHP and Wong Tai Sin District Office (WTSDO) organised a public health talk at the at Fung Tak Estate Community Centre at 8pm tonight to enhance public understanding of this mosquito-borne disease and encourage active participation in prevention efforts to protect both oneself and others. Besides, the online seminar held by the CHP last night attracted over 4 100 total views.

In addition, the CHP has set up an inquiry hotline (2125 2373) and a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre from yesterday, where assessments have been provided to residents with relevant symptoms. As at 5pm today, the CHP has conducted assessment for about 1 300 residents, with seven individuals presenting relevant symptoms received blood tests. While awaiting laboratory results, they will follow the CHP’s advice to use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients for effective prevention of mosquito bites. The hotline and health consultation booth will continue to operate from 9am to 8pm daily.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year. In fact, overall mosquito infestation indices this year are lower than that of the previous years. The mosquito infestation index in September was 2.5 per cent, which decreased significantly from 9.5 per cent in June. The index available for October also remains at a low level. Regarding the investigation area of the local case, the latest area gravidtrap index (AGI) in October was 1.7 per cent, while the AGI in September was 0.9 per cent, indicating the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive. Among which, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, these measures include:

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

The above mentioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures. The Environment and Ecology Bureau held Steering Committee meeting this afternoon to lead relevant departments to step up mosquito prevention and elimination measures; the district offices of the FEHD will hold interdepartmental meetings at district level to undergo risk assessment and conduct targeted measures.

Latest surveillance data
—————————–

Since the beginning of 2025, and as of September 30, a total of 445 271 suspected and confirmed CF cases and 155 CF-related deaths have been reported in 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CF outbreaks currently occur in many countries worldwide. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad.

According to information from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, there were 868 new CF cases in Guangdong last week (October 19 to 25), showing a decrease compared to the previous week (October 12 to 18), which reported 2 086 cases. Most of the cases (199 cases) were recorded in Jiangmen last week, followed by Foshan (130 cases), Guangzhou (124 cases) and Shenzhen (102 cases). All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases reported.

Preventive measures taken by the public
———————————————-

Severe symptoms and deaths caused by CF are extremely rare, with a mortality rate of less than one in 1 000. The occurrence of severe complications is mostly related to the patients’ underlying health conditions. Elderly persons (particularly those aged 65 or above), young children (particularly infants under 1 year old), pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses (such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease) are at higher risk of developing complications after contracting CF and may require a longer recovery period. Therefore, members of the public (especially the abovementioned high-risk groups) are advised to seek medical advice promptly if they develop relevant symptoms, particularly a fever, sudden severe joint pain and skin rash, after visiting areas affected by CF.

Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

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

The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into 10 ethnic minority languages (namely Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the BEA Union Investment’s 18th Anniversary Celebration today (October 27):
 
Brian (Co-Chief Executive of The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA), Mr Brian Li), Adrian (Co-Chief Executive of BEA, Mr Adrian Li), Mr Haagmann (member of the Executive Board of Union Investment, Mr André Haagmann), Janet (Chief Executive Officer of BEA Union Investment, Ms Janet Li), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     It is my great honour to address you today at BEA Union Investment’s 18th Anniversary Celebration. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to BEA Union Investment for hosting this distinguished gathering and for your remarkable 18 years of outstanding performance in serving Hong Kong’s asset management sector. It is a privilege to join you in celebrating this milestone, and to reflect on the bright future ahead for Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry.
 
Hong Kong’s strength in asset and wealth management
 
     Over the past years, we have witnessed remarkable performance for the asset and wealth management sector of Hong Kong. Hong Kong has firmly established itself as Asia’s leading fund management hub, with our asset and wealth management business reaching an impressive HK$35 trillion last year, equivalent to 11 times of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product). This growth was driven by an 81 per cent surge in net fund inflows, fueled by facilitating policies that have attracted new capital for management in our city. Notably, 54 per cent of these assets were sourced from investors outside the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, reinforcing our status as an international wealth management hub. This momentum has continued into this year, with Hong Kong-domiciled SFC (Securities and Futures Commission)-authorised funds recording net inflows of HK$270 billion in the first half of the year. Also, in the latest Global Financial Centres Index, Hong Kong maintained the top three positions globally in the “banking”, “investment management”, “insurance” and “finance” sectors, underscoring our position as Asia’s premier asset and wealth management hub as recognised by international investors.
 
     The robust fund management ecosystem in Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our ambition as a global financial centre, attracting diverse capital and expertise that promote economic growth and innovation. The presence of world-class fund managers strengthens our position as a centre for international investment, connecting Asia with global markets. Our city is home to over 650 private equity firms, managing over US$230 billion in capital as of June this year, making Hong Kong the second-largest private equity hub in Asia. Also, Hong Kong hosts at least 2 700 single family offices, and we are Asia’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. Market research indicates that we are on track to become the global leader for cross-boundary wealth management in a few years’ time.
 
Progressive regulatory reforms on asset and wealth management
 
     Our regulatory framework continues to evolve in support of this vibrant industry. In February this year, regulators issued a circular clarifying requirements for authorising closed-ended funds that invest mainly in private and less liquid assets, such as private equity, private credit, and infrastructure equity or debt. This encourages sizable alternative asset funds, particularly those with regular income streams, to list in Hong Kong. Additionally, the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Schemes Authority clarified in May this year that MPF funds may invest in approved listed private equity funds, providing greater flexibility in their fund allocation choices.
 
     To enhance operational efficiency, regulators have issued a circular to streamline suitability assessments for sophisticated professional investors. This initiative simplifies processes, improves client experiences, and facilitates more seamless transactions, ensuring that sophisticated professional investors can operate and allocate assets with agility in our dynamic market. These measures reflect Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment catering to the needs of global wealth management.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I congratulate BEA Union Investment once again on 18 years of excellence and leadership in Hong Kong’s wealth management industry. Your success is a testament to the strength and dynamism of our financial ecosystem. Hong Kong’s forward-thinking policies and strategic vision position our city as the ultimate destination for wealth management. I invite global investors, family offices, and financial institutions to leverage our robust platform to achieve their wealth preservation and growth objectives. Together, let us continue to build a vibrant and prosperous future for Hong Kong as the world’s leading wealth management hub.
 
     Before I conclude, I encourage all financial market participants to actively participate in the coming Legislative Council General Election on December 7 by casting your votes. It is of utmost importance for accelerating the development of Hong Kong’s economy and our markets. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will officiate at the unveiling ceremony and award presentation for the 2025 National Games Architectural Installation Design Competition tomorrow (October 28).

     The ceremony will be held at 4.45pm at the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section). Media coverage is invited. Media registration will start at 4.15pm. Information Officers will be on-site to assist. A fixed press position will be set up at the venue. Photographers are advised to bring foldable ladders and telephoto lenses.
      
     Other guests attending the ceremony will include the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and the Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), Mr Yeung Tak-keung.

     The two winning architectural installations are located at Kai Tak Station Square and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section). A media tour of the architecture installation at Kai Tak Station Square, which will last around an hour, will be held at 2.30pm at Kai Tak Station Square (near Kai Tak Mall 2), 20 Muk On Street, Kowloon City. Media representatives who wish to join the media tour should arrive by 2.15pm. After the media tour at Kai Tak Station Square, coaches arranged by the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) will take media representatives to the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section) for the media tour of the architecture installation there scheduled at 4pm and the subsequent ceremony.  

     The 2025 National Games Architecture Installation Design Competition is organised by the NGCO and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, commemorating the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, which will be cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao for the first time.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A total of 19 nomination forms for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election were received today (October 27) by the Returning Officers for the 10 geographical constituencies, the 28 functional constituencies and the Election Committee constituency.

     This brings to 50 the total number of nomination forms received since the start of the nomination period on October 24. The nomination period will continue until November 6.

The number of nomination forms received for each geographical constituency is as follows:
 

Geographical constituency	No. of nomination forms received today	Cumulative total
Hong Kong Island East	0	2
Hong Kong Island West	1	3
Kowloon East	0	1
Kowloon West	0	1
Kowloon Central	0	3
New Territories South East	3	5
New Territories North	1	1
New Territories North West	2	3
New Territories South West	1	4
New Territories North East	1	2
Total	9	25

The number of nomination forms received for each functional constituency is as follows:
 

Functional constituency	No. of nomination forms received today	Cumulative total
Heung Yee Kuk	1	1
Agriculture and fisheries	0	0
Insurance	0	0
Transport	0	0
Education	0	0
Legal	0	1
Accountancy	0	0
Medical and health services	0	0
Engineering	0	0
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape	0	0
Labour	1	3
Social welfare	1	1
Real estate and construction	0	0
Tourism	0	0
Commercial (first)	0	0
Commercial (second)	0	0
Commercial (third)	0	0
Industrial (first)	0	0
Industrial (second)	1	1
Finance	0	0
Financial services	0	1
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication	0	0
Import and export	0	0
Textiles and garment	0	0
Wholesale and retail	0	1
Technology and innovation	0	0
Catering	0	0
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People’s Congress, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and representatives of relevant national organisations	1	1
Total	5	10

     The number of nomination forms received today for the Election Committee constituency is five and the cumulative total number is 15.

Particulars of the nominated persons received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to the first locally acquired case of chikungunya fever (CF) recorded yesterday (October 26), the Environment and Ecology Bureau convened the interdepartmental Pest Control Steering Committee (PCSC) special meeting today (October 27), to urge relevant departments to strengthen anti-mosquito measures in the areas under their purviews. The district offices of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will also hold interdepartmental meetings at the district level to undergo risk assessment and conduct targeted measures.
 
In the special meeting, the PCSC was briefed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, the FEHD, the Home Affairs Department (HAD), the Housing Department (HD), etc. regarding the first local CF case, and discussed further measures to prevent CF from taking root locally and urged departments to strengthen mosquito elimination work in areas under their purviews.
 
Details of the local CF case
 
Representatives from the CHP explained to the attendees the details of the local CF case and the CHP’s risk assessment. As at October 26, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 47 CF cases this year, including one local case recorded yesterday and 46 imported cases. Except for one male patient with chronic diseases who passed away, the remaining cases were with mild symptoms. The CHP recorded the first local CF case on October 26. Given that the activity areas of the local case patient are primarily within Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility that unidentified infected patient(s) in the area may have transmitted the virus to mosquitoes in the estate, leading to her infection.
 
In light of the first local case, the CHP will initiate infection control measures together with various Government departments and relevant organisations, striving to prevent CF from taking root locally and minimise the public health impact of the disease in Hong Kong. This includes providing medical surveillance and health advice to household contacts of the case or those with common exposure to the source of infection. The CHP will arrange for laboratory testing if they presented with relevant symptoms. Besides carrying out questionnaire surveys, the CHP has set up a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre, where assessments will be provided to residents with relevant symptoms from yesterday. The CHP has also set up an inquiry hotline (2125 2373) and conducted online and physical seminars.
 
The CHP, together with the FEHD, have inspected various locations in the vicinity of patient’s residence, conducted vector investigations and mosquito control operations to minimise the risk of local transmission. Furthermore, the CHP has issued letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and reminding them to stay vigilant.
 
Prevent the spread of CF

In the meeting, the representative of the FEHD reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito proliferation since the beginning of this year. The overall gravidtrap indices (GI) for Aedes albopictus from July to September 2025 (8.1 per cent in July, 5.3 per cent in August and 2.5 per cent in September) were below 10 per cent and remained at a relatively low level.
 
The FEHD also reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito infestation in the investigation area of the local case, as well as follow-up actions have been, or will be done, by the FEHD in response to the local case including:
 

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

     To prevent the spread of CF, the FEHD has been proactively implementing the following mosquito prevention and control measures:
 

• Convening special meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts to co-ordinate frontline departments and stakeholders to strengthen mosquito control, and to allocate resources to carry out targeted and sustained mosquito control actions based on the GI and locations with higher risks;
• Enhancing inspections at construction sites, works areas and private residences. Enforcement actions will be taken against violations involving mosquito breeding;
• Collaborating with departments such as the HD and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) to strengthen inspections in public areas, public housing estates and parks. Upon detection of mosquito breeding grounds, immediate actions will be taken;
• Inviting the HD and property management companies to conduct mosquito control campaigns in housing estates and encourage resident participation;
• Working with the District Offices to assist in mosquito prevention and control at locations with infestation issues, such as “three-nil” buildings;
• Issuing letters to the property management and pest control industry to remind them the implementation of mosquito prevention and control measures, and organising seminars to disseminate the latest information on CF and mosquito prevention. The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene today reminded the property management trade to properly carry out mosquito control measures in venues under their management;
• Strengthening inspections of schools and facilities for the elderly and children, reminding and assisting them in mosquito prevention;
• Strengthening public education and publicity through promotional videos, posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures; and
• Enhancing dissemination of the area GI for Aedes albopictus to raise awareness among citizens in districts with higher readings.

During the Chung Yeung Festival period, the FEHD will enhance the cleaning and mosquito prevention efforts at public cemeteries and columbaria. The FEHD urged the public to co-operate by clearing stagnant water and refuse after tomb-sweeping to prevent mosquito breeding. Containers such as lunch boxes, drink cans, plastic bags and buckets for burning incense should also be removed. Furthermore, managers of private cemeteries have also been notified and urged to implement corresponding mosquito prevention measures.
 
The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, and the Chairperson of the PCSC, Miss Diane Wong, urged at the meeting all departments to contact their stakeholders to initiate appropriate infection control measures with a view to preventing the further spread of CF. The FEHD also urged all departments to further strengthen anti-mosquito measures and carry out intensive mosquito control operations in areas under their purview. In additions, inspections will be conducted on a sampling basis, situations that worth concern will be reported to senior management, aiming to ensure that the mosquito infestation is properly addressed.
 
The Government also urged members of the community to stay vigilant and carry out personal protective measures, as well as implement mosquito control measures at their household, work place and nearby environment, so as to prevent further transmission of CF.
 
The meeting today was chaired by Miss Wong. Government bureaux, departments and organisations attending the meeting were the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Architectural Services Department; the Civil Engineering and Development Department; the Development Bureau; the Department of Health; the Drainage Services Department; the Education Bureau; the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; the Environmental Protection Department; the FEHD; the Government Property Agency; the Hospital Authority; the HAD; the HD; the Highways Department; the Information Services Department; the Lands Department; the LCSD; the Marine Department; the Social Welfare Department and the Water Supplies Department.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan, accompanied by Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Donald Ng, today inspected enhanced preventive work to combat chikungunya fever at Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin and the surrounding area.

Mr Tse was informed that officers from the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had investigated the vicinity of the first local chikungunya fever case to be detected and found both mosquito breeding and stagnant water at a residential estate.

They instigated a prosecution and issued a statutory notice to the property management company concerned, asking it to eliminate the mosquito breeding grounds. The department also inspected nearby construction sites and again found mosquito breeding and stagnant water. It instigated a prosecution and issued four statutory notices to the contractors involved.

Additionally, the FEHD has inspected schools, elderly homes and childcare facilities in the surrounding area and installed new mosquito traps in the schools to strengthen mosquito prevention and control.

Mr Tse said the Government will enhance mosquito control efforts and called on people to support efforts by seeking medical advice and contacting the Centre for Health Protection if they have a fever, rash or joint pain.

He added that property management personnel should inspect public areas within buildings and housing estates such as flower beds, refuse rooms, and rooftops, to thoroughly eliminate stagnant water.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A torch relay will be held in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou and Shenzhen this Sunday ahead of the official opening of the 15th National Games on November 9, with 50 torchbearers taking part in the exercise along a 10km route in Hong Kong.

 

Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Yeung Tak-keung said at a press briefing today that the relay will start at 9.30am on Sunday and last for about two hours. It will start at the Central Government Offices in Tamar and end at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP).

 

The route will pass through the Central & Western District Promenade (Central Section), the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, the Monument in Commemoration of the Return of Hong Kong to China and Golden Bauhinia Square.

 

The torch will then cross Victoria Harbour by ferry and proceed along its Tsim Sha Tsui route. It will be carried from the Star Ferry Bus Terminus on Salisbury Road to Mody Lane, passing by the Cultural Centre and the Museum of Art. From there, the torch will be taken on an open-top bus to the bus terminal at the KTSP.

 

The last leg of the route will pass by the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground and the Kai Tak Sports Avenue, before arriving at KTSP Central Square.

 

“The torch relay route, we hope, can arouse the public’s interest in the 15th National Games and also show the best side of Hong Kong to our Mainland and overseas friends and audience,” Mr Yeung said.

 

Stressing that the relay route has been chosen to highlight Hong Kong’s unique cultural and sporting characteristics, he said the torchbearers will include representatives from various sectors of the community, including sports, sponsors, volunteers, youths, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.

 

Road sections of the Central & Western District Promenade (Central Section), Golden Bauhinia Square and the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade will be temporarily closed during the relay.

 

“Normally on Sunday mornings, the traffic is less busy, so we chose this time for the torch relay. We think that would minimise the disruption to our economic and other activities.”