Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for North District Hospital (NDH) made the following announcement today (April 30):
A 79-year-old male patient in a convalescent and rehabilitation mixed ward of NDH was confirmed to be infected with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on April 28. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing. Three more male patients and one female patient (aged from 74 to 94) were found to be VRE carriers. All patients have no signs of infection. A 94-year-old female passed away due to her underlying illness. The remaining four male patients are in stable condition, and are currently being treated in isolation in NDH.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned:
Isolation of VRE cases and application of stringent contact precautions;
Enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection; and
Enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
The hospital will continue applying the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates measles case imported from Pakistan Details of imported measles case —————————————- The case involves a 14-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever on April 22, followed by a rash on April 26. He was brought for medical treatment at a private clinic the next day (April 27). He subsequently developed a cough, runny nose and red eyes on April 28 and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH). He has been admitted to KWH for treatment in isolation. His clinical specimen tested positive for measles virus upon nucleic acid testing. The patient remains hospitalised in stable condition.
The CHP’s epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient received the first dose of measles vaccination on April 22 (the date of illness onset). However, since vaccines generally require 14 days to produce sufficient antibody protection, and the patient had not yet reached the appropriate age for the second dose of measles vaccination, the patient does not have immunity to measles. The patient had been to Pakistan with his parents from January 19 to April 17. As measles outbreaks have been ongoing in Pakistan and the patient had no contact with anyone infected with measles in Hong Kong, the case is classified as imported.
His two household contacts developed mild symptoms of upper respiratory infections. The CHP has arranged testing for them. Their clinical specimens tested negative for measles virus upon nucleic acid testing.
During the patient’s communicable period (April 22 to 30), he visited the Kowloon City Maternal and Child Health Centre, a private clinic and the Accident and Emergency Department of KWH on April 22, 27 and 28, respectively. The CHP is identifying close contacts and investigating whether any high-risk individuals were involved. As of 4pm today, a total of 95 people have been identified as close contacts of the patient. The CHP will continue to conduct medical surveillance for the close contacts.
Measles vaccination booth at airport ——————————————————————-
Currently, measles outbreaks continue to occur worldwide. As airport staff frequently come into contact with large numbers of travellers and a higher proportion of employees working at the airport are not locally born and may not have received measles vaccine during childhood, the risk of measles transmission is higher. During the investigation into the recent cluster involving three airport backend support staff, the CHP found that approximately 30 per cent of airport staff, especially those who were not born in Hong Kong, were unsure whether they had completed the two-dose measles vaccination series. In order to prevent another measles outbreak among airport staff, the CHP has set up a vaccination booth at the airport since April 24 to provide local airport staff with free measles vaccinations. Under the coordination of the CHP and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, more than 800 eligible airport staff members (including the contacts of the above-mentioned measles cluster) have received vaccinations.
The CHP urged all airport staff, especially those non-locally born people, to review their vaccination records as soon as possible. The measles vaccination service targets Hong Kong airport staff who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine and have never had measles. If a Hong Kong airport employee has undergone a blood test confirming a positive reaction to measles antibodies (IgG), vaccination is not required.
Non-airport staff should also review their vaccination records ——————————————————————– Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in many regions around the world. North America (including the United States, Canada and Mexico) and Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines) have seen persistent measles outbreaks in recent years due to low vaccination coverage. About 1 800 cases have been recorded in the United States so far this year, a figure significantly higher than the same period last year. In Europe, the number of measles cases in the United Kingdom and Spain has increased recently, with 442 and 103 cases recorded respectively since January this year. In Asia, the incidence of measles remains high in the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Cambodia. Japan has also seen a substantial rise in cases this year, with 362 cases recorded as of April 22, exceeding the 265 cases recorded last year and marking the highest record since 2019. Singapore and Australia have reported 27 and 92 measles cases respectively this year, also higher than in the same period last year. Most of the overseas cases involved those who were not vaccinated against measles or had an unknown vaccination status, which highlights the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community.
Hong Kong is a city with a high volume of international travel. It therefore faces the potential risk of importation of the measles virus and its spread in the local community. The CHP’s territory-wide immunisation surveys showed that under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the two-dose measles vaccination coverage has remained consistently high, well above 95 per cent, and the local seroprevalence rates of measles virus antibodies reflect that most people in Hong Kong are immune to measles. However, measles is highly contagious. A small number of people who have not completed measles vaccinations (such as non-locally born people including new immigrants, foreign domestic helpers, overseas employees and people coming to Hong Kong for further studies) are still at risk of being infected and spreading measles to others without immunity against measles, such as children under one year old who have not yet received the first dose of the measles vaccine.
In response to the global rise in measles cases and the risk of imported cases, the CHP has earlier issued a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong informing them of the latest measles situation and urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. In addition to the airport industry mentioned above, the CHP has also sent a letter to foreign domestic helper agencies earlier, encouraging foreign domestic helpers to receive measles vaccination to protect their health and prevent the spread of the virus in the community.
The incubation period of measles (i.e. the time from infection to onset of illness) is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If travellers returning from places with a high incidence or an outbreak of measles develop symptoms of measles (e.g. fever and rash), they should seek medical advice immediately and avoid contact with non-immune individuals, especially pregnant women and infants under one year old. They should also report their symptoms and prior travel history to healthcare workers so that appropriate infection control measures can be implemented at the healthcare facilities to prevent any potential spread.
The Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme introduced a measles vaccine for the first time in 1967. Since then, the incidence of measles has gradually decreased. People born and raised in Hong Kong before 1967 can be considered to have acquired immunity to measles through natural infection, as measles was endemic in Hong Kong at that time. People born in Hong Kong in or after 1967 who have not yet completed the two doses of measles vaccination, or whose measles vaccination history is unknown, should consult their family doctors as soon as possible to complete the vaccination and ensure adequate protection against measles.
Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection: For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic pageIssued at HKT 20:40
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
In response to claims that prohibiting the possession of specified alternative smoking products (ASPs) in public places would deter tourists from visiting Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (April 30) issued the following statement:
Hong Kong has prohibited the import, sale and possession of ASPs for commercial purposes, including e-cigarettes and heat sticks since April 30, 2022. For the past four years, all inbound travellers, including tourists, have been legally barred from bringing e-cigarettes and heat sticks into the city, and such products have not been available for purchase locally. The ban taking effect today simply extends regulation to cover possession in public places. In practice, no additional restrictions are being imposed on tourists.
Regarding suggestions that the new measure will discourage tourists from visiting Hong Kong, the spokesman stressed that such claims completely overlook the fact that the importation (including carrying into Hong Kong) and sale of e-cigarettes and heat sticks have already been banned for four years. Extending prohibition to possession will not affect tourists’ willingness to visit Hong Kong. Instead, it is the rumour-mongers who are spreading false information, misleading the public and visitors, causing unnecessary alarm and damaging Hong Kong’s reputation. The spokesman urged all sectors to work with the government to convey accurate information to tourists and prevent misleading messages from damaging Hong Kong’s image as a healthy travel destination.
The World Health Organization has clearly identified the health risks posed by e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Hong Kong is not alone in prohibiting ASPs. Currently, more than 30 jurisdictions worldwide ban e-cigarettes, and over 10 ban heated tobacco products. Thailand and Singapore implemented comprehensive bans as early as 2014 and 2018 respectively, without adverse impact on their visitor numbers. In fact, the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong have continued to rise from 2023 to 2025, demonstrating that public health protection and tourism development can coexist.
Members of the public and tourists may visit the website of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) for detailed information and frequently asked questions. TACO has also adopted a multipronged publicity approach to disseminate relevant information to tourists, including:
producing promotional leaflets (see Annex) for tourists to help tourists to understand the new tobacco control measures. Relevant promotional materials are displayed and distributed at all border control points and visitor centres of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, ensuring that tourists are informed immediately upon arrival;
coordinating with the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Shenzhen Customs District and Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection to strengthen the promotion of Hong Kong’s latest tobacco control measures at Shenzhen ports, including displaying information on large electronic screens on the mainland side of the ports;
coordinating with airlines to make in-flight announcements about the new measures; and
conducting promotional activities on social media, at boundary control points and at major tourist attractions to remind the public and visitors to comply with the law.
Hong Kong welcome visitors from all over the world to experience the city’s healthy and vibrant appeal.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Heritage Museum offers multimedia immersive experience of “Mona Lisa” and showcases Renaissance treasures Addressing the opening ceremony held today (April 30), the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that this exhibition is undoubtedly a highlight programme of this year’s French May Arts Festival. Through an immersive digital journey, alongside outstanding artworks on loan from exceptional museums and art institutions, visitors can step inside the frame and experience new life from classical heritage. By bringing “Mona Lisa” to the people, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with art in a way that is interactive, educational, and deeply moving.
Other officiating guests included the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe; Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Nicholas Hunsworth; Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival Ms Pansy Ho; the Vice President of the Grand Palais Immersif, Mr Vincent Larnicol; the Chief Curator of Italian Painting of the Sixteenth Century of the Musée du Louvre, Mr Vincent Delieuvin; the Curator and Art Historian of the Musée national de la Renaissance, Dr Matteo Gianeselli; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; and the Museum Director of the HKHM, Mr Brian Lam.
Mona Lisa “narrates” the stories behind her mysterious smile
The first section of the exhibition “Meet Mona Lisa”, is centred on Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the “Mona Lisa”. The Musée du Louvre and the Grand Palais Immersif specially created a multimedia immersive experience for Hong Kong. Composing the extraordinary journey of this portrait spanning more than 500years into six chapters, Mona Lisa herself narrates the captivating stories behind that mysterious smile of hers, in a monologue.
Leonardo da Vinci’s precious original manuscripts showcase the captivating charm of the Renaissance
The second section “Portraying the Renaissance” highlights a selection of Renaissance art treasures from several renowned museums and cultural institutions, including the Musée national de la Renaissance and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, in diverse forms of art such as paintings, prints, sculptures, decorative art, and everyday objects. Most exhibits are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time, including four precious Leonardo da Vinci manuscripts, and works by other artists of the Renaissance period, for example, “The Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist” by Luca Penni, “The Crucifixion” by Noël Bellemare, and Michelangelo Buonarroti’s “The Rebellious Slave” (plaster reproduction cast using moulds).
Exhibits from the HKHM collection and paintings by Chinese Mainland artist Xu Lei that echo Renaissance art are also on display, enabling a dialogue across time and space and highlighting the influence of this cultural movement that originated in 14th century Europe. Furthermore, the museum lobby features a giant 5-metre animated installation that blends Hong Kong-style neon elements with classic art symbols to create a unique Hong Kong version of the “Mona Lisa”.
A series of talks, film screenings, public guided tours and tactile experience workshops will be held during the exhibition, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the “Mona Lisa” and the captivating charm of Renaissance art. The first talk will be held on May 1 at 3pm at the Theatre at the HKHM. The speaker, Mr Delieuvin, will visit Hong Kong to share his insights on “Why ‘Mona Lisa’? Discover What’s So Special About the Most Famous Painting in the World”.
To ensure a better visiting experience, crowd control measures for the exhibition will be implemented with flexibility. In the event of overcrowding, timed admission ticketing may be arranged. Visitors are advised to follow on-site notices and to stay updated through the HKHM’s official website, Instagram or VisitHKMuseums on Xiaohongshu.
The exhibition will be held at Thematic Galleries 3, 4 and 5, 1/F of the HKHM. Admission is free. The exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the French May Arts Festival, jointly organised by the HKHM and the French May Arts Festival. The title sponsor is the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, with support from the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit hk.heritage.museum/en/exhibitions/monalisa2026.htmlIssued at HKT 21:52
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April
District
District Among the fifth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 30 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for the First Phase Gravidtrap Index of Kwai Chung East in Kwai Tsing District, and the Area Gravidtrap Indexes of Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District, Kai Tak in Kowloon City District, Sheung Shui in Northern District, Tseung Kwan O North in Sai Kung District, Tai Po East in Tai Po District and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District.
With reference to the data in the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual beginning time and extent of rise are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of rise are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, have implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions. 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 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. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 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 22:20
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the opening ceremony of the Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition this afternoon (April 30):
Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges); Adrian (Chairman of the Betting and Lotteries Commission, Mr Adrian Yip); Raymond (Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Raymond Tam), Gabriel (Executive Director, Charities and Community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Gabriel Leung), Edward (Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To), dear legislators, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is hosting the “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition in Wuhan, Hubei Province, showcasing Hong Kong’s diversity and latest developments through interactive art technology. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held today (April 30).
Co-organised with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan, the exhibition, themed “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, invites visitors from Wuhan and across Hubei Province to explore the unique opportunities and potential for tourism, education, business and investment in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong/Hubei co-operation mechanism established by Hubei Province and the HKSAR is the first high-level government co-operation mechanism set up between the HKSAR and a province in the central region of the Chinese Mainland. Over the years, the two sides have maintained meaningful exchanges and close co-operation, leveraging their complementary advantages and fostering robust economic and trade ties. As the provincial capital of Hubei, Wuhan also serves as a key node city of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The six thematic zones at the Wuhan stop are “Financial Bridgehead”, “I&T Brain Bank”, “Blossoming Creativity”, “Diversity and Greenery” and “Buzzing Sports Action”, along with the newly added “Events Capital”, which highlights Hong Kong’s mega-event economy. Each zone presents virtual scenes representing the city, offering visitors an immersive experience. Through multi-interactive art projections, light boxes, naked-eye 3D displays and 3D animations, the exhibition showcases the distinctive appeal of Hong Kong.
Visitors may also enjoy Hong Kong’s vibrant and colourful skyline, illustrated by Hong Kong artist Messy Desk (Jane Lee), at a photo corner in the venue. Promotional videos and digital panels presenting information about the city, as well as insights from Chinese Mainland companies about their experiences in Hong Kong, are also on display, highlighting why the city is one of the most desirable places to visit, study, live, work and invest.
During the exhibition, visitors can take part in an interactive game, “Snap a cool shot @Immersive Hong Kong”, with exciting prizes on offer. Prizes include two pairs of round-trip business or economy class air tickets from Wuhan to Hong Kong sponsored by Cathay Pacific, and sets of six giant panda figurines. Visitors playing digital interactive games at the exhibition can also receive souvenirs.
The exhibition is being held at Wuhan Xintiandi, a large-scale shopping centre in Wuhan by a Hong Kong developer, until May 10. Admission is free.
Wuhan is the ninth stop of the roving exhibition, following successful events in eight cities on the Chinese Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Middle East between July 2023 and October 2025.
Supporting organisations of the exhibition include the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Hong Kong Talent Engage, Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Kai Tak Sports Park.
More information on the exhibition is available from the dedicated page on the Brand Hong Kong website.
The phased return of residents to Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po entered its 11th day today, with the reopening of five low-zone floors of Wang Tai House and 10 middle-zone floors of Wang Kin House.
Supported by the “one social worker per household” service, 457 residents from 117 households returned to their units – exceeding the 437 individuals initially registered. The Government described the access arrangements as orderly and smooth.
Residents spent an average of two hours and 25 minutes on-site, from a minimum of 14 minutes to a maximum of three hours and 40 minutes. Approximately 77% of residents completed their visits in under three hours, while 27% stayed for less than two hours and 4% left within an hour.
Regarding movement, 123 individuals from 65 households made multiple trips to their units. Among them, 55 people from 25 households made one additional trip, 48 people from 26 households made two more, 15 people from 11 households made three extra, three people from two households made four additional, and two people from the same household made five or more trips.
The integrated enquiry counter today handled nine requests for Police assistance, as well as one case involving physical discomfort.
The nine cases requesting Police assistance were related to suspected property loss such as watches, jewellery, cash and gold. In one case, the unit concerned was severely damaged and residents believed after investigation that the property might have been destroyed by fire. In another five cases, there were no signs of ransacking in the units, and the residents could not provide details on the property concerned. For the remaining three cases, Police will make further investigations.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM) is staging the Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance exhibition from May 1 to July 27 to take visitors on an immersive digital journey to explore the famous Mona Lisa painting and showcase a selection of Renaissance art treasures from various French and Italian cultural institutions. Admission is free.
Addressing the opening ceremony today, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law said the exhibition is undoubtedly a highlight programme of this year’s French May Arts Festival.
“Through the immersive digital journey specially curated by the Louvre and the Grand Palais Immersif, alongside the outstanding artworks on loan from exceptional museums and art institutions, we can step inside the frame and breathe new life into classical heritage,” she added.
The first section of the exhibition “Meet Mona Lisa”, is centred on the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece, condensing the extraordinary journey of the portrait spanning more than 500 years into six chapters, Mona Lisa herself narrates the captivating stories behind her mysterious smile in a monologue.
Meanwhile, the second section “Portraying the Renaissance” highlights a selection of Renaissance art treasures from several renowned museums and cultural institutions, including the Musée national de la Renaissance and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, in diverse forms of art such as paintings, prints, sculptures, decorative art, and everyday objects.
Most exhibits are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time, including four precious Leonardo da Vinci manuscripts, and works by other Renaissance period artists such as The Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist by Luca Penni, The Crucifixion by Noël Bellemare, and Michelangelo Buonarroti’s The Rebellious Slave (plaster reproduction cast using moulds).
Exhibits from the HKHM collection and paintings by Chinese Mainland artist Xu Lei that echo Renaissance art are also on display.
Furthermore, the museum lobby features a giant five-metre animated installation that blends Hong Kong-style neon elements with classic art symbols to create a unique Hong Kong version of the Mona Lisa.
The ban on the possession of alternative smoking products (ASPs) in public places came into effect today. In a press statement, the Department of Health rejected claims that the new measure will discourage tourists from visiting Hong Kong, and stressed that such claims completely overlook the fact that the importation and sale of e-cigarettes and heat sticks have already been banned for four years.
Pointing out that rumour-mongers are spreading false information, misleading the public and visitors, causing unnecessary alarm and damaging Hong Kong’s reputation, the department urged all sectors to work with the Government to convey accurate information to tourists and prevent misleading messages from damaging Hong Kong’s image as a healthy travel destination.
Since April 30, 2022, Hong Kong has prohibited the import, sale and possession of ASPs for commercial purposes, meaning that in the past four years, all inbound travellers have been legally barred from bringing those items into the city, and such items have not been available for purchase locally.
The new ban simply extends regulation to cover possession in public places, without imposing additional restrictions in practice on tourists, the department explained.
It also pointed out that the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong have continued to rise from 2023 to 2025, demonstrating that public health protection and tourism development can co-exist.
Additionally, the department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office has adopted a multipronged publicity approach to spread relevant information to tourists, including giving out promotional leaflets, displaying information on large electronic screens on the Mainland side of ports, and co-ordinating with airlines to make in-flight announcements. It also conducts promotional activities on social media, at boundary control points and at major tourist attractions to remind citizens and visitors to comply with the law.
According to the extended ban, any person who possesses e-cigarette capsules, e-liquids, heat sticks or other specified ASPs in public places will be liable for a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the possession exceeds the specified quantity or involves a commercial purpose, an offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.