Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“Enchanting Beautiful China, Beautiful Hong Kong” Experience Day marks 105th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China
As pointed out by President Xi Jinping in his important speech delivered at the event on the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, over the past 105 years, the Communist Party of China has made seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation its aspiration and mission. The country has not only achieved rapid socio-economic development, but has also made world-renowned achievements in advancing ecological civilisation. Beautiful China has become a modern blueprint for realising the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and it also serves as the brightest defining feature for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation.
Officiating and delivering a speech at the event, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said that Hong Kong has always been an active participant and contributor in the country’s ambitious green development strategy. To align with the country’s “dual carbon” targets and the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been making every effort to accelerate the green and low-carbon transition, promoting new energy transport and the circular economy with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Experience Day showcased the achievements of the nation and Hong Kong in ecological and environmental protection and green transition, enabling the public to gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s leading role in environmental technologies, strengthening their sense of identity with and pride in the nation, as well as highlighting Hong Kong’s active participation and contribution.
Other officiating guests included the President of the Friends of Hong Kong Association, Dr Tam Kam-kau; HKSAR deputy to the National People’s Congress Ms Wong Ping-fan; Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Li Xiangdong; and the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui. Several experts and academics delivered keynote speeches, sharing valuable experiences in low-carbon transition and green energy with the attending members of the public and students.
In addition to the “Enchanting Beautiful China, Beautiful Hong Kong” Experience Day, the EPD will organise Green Facilities Guided Tours from July to August. Students will visit the EcoPark, WEEE·PARK, and T·PARK to see for themselves Hong Kong’s achievements in waste management and energy transition. The EPD will also hold thematic exhibitions at Recycling Stations of GREEN@COMMUNITY, allowing the public to understand the nation’s remarkable achievements in environmental protection, as well as encouraging them to actively participate in resource recycling. For details, please visit https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/news_events/events/beautiful_china_hk.htmlIssued at HKT 19:40
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SCST inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, inspected the passing-out parade for 13 probationary inspectors and 131 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (July 11), and witnessed their completion of rigorous training and transition into disciplined and professional police officers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law said that the country has officially entered a new phase under the National 15th Five-Year Plan this year, heralding unprecedented development opportunities for Hong Kong. As an important gateway for the nation’s opening up, Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” principle, leverages the strong support of the motherland while maintaining close global connections. The city has been proactively aligning with the national development strategies and further deepening its integration into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). She said that a safe, stable and lawful society is the foundation of all developments, and the Force’s role in steadfastly upholding the rule of law and maintaining social order is of paramount importance and crucial.
She noted that the Force keeps pace with the times through actively introducing innovative technologies and adopting intelligence-led policing strategies to address increasingly complex crime patterns. As the “one-hour living circle” in the GBA gradually takes shape, with the flow of people and goods becoming more frequent, the Force’s responsibilities in cross-border collaboration, major event security and emergency response co-ordination have grown significantly.
Miss Law has worked closely with the Force in various government roles, facing challenges side by side and collaborating effectively. She said that Hong Kong is confronting both new opportunities and challenges, and that, amid a complex and ever-changing geopolitical environment, safeguarding national security tops the operational priorities of the Force. She expressed the hope that police officers will always uphold professionalism, impartiality, empathy and the highest standard of integrity, serving as trusted guardians of the public, regardless of changes in the social environment.
She urged the graduates to bear in mind that their uniforms represent the entire Force, and even the spirit of the rule of law in Hong Kong. They should act strictly in accordance with the law and safeguard social order, think from the citizens’ perspectives and devote themselves to the well-being of the public, providing a solid security guarantee for the smooth implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan in Hong Kong.
Film Archive to present screening programme “Realising Art in Social Realism: The Miracle of Union Film”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film Archive to present screening programme “Realising Art in Social Realism: The Miracle of Union Film”
Union Film was co-founded in 1952 by filmmakers who shared a common goal of elevating the artistic quality of Cantonese film, with productions reflecting social realities and bearing educational significance. This programme features six early works of Union Film including masterpieces of five directors during their creative prime: Lee Tit, Lee Sun-fung, Chun Kim, Chu Kea and Ng Wui, as well as a collectively written and directed anthology works. The selection demonstrates Union Film’s concerns for society and people’s livelihoods, an aspiration for virtuous human relationships, and a philosophy that blends traditional Chinese and modern culture.
Being the longest-serving director at Union Film, Lee Tit was adept at the realistic depiction of the lives of ordinary people in films that resonate deeply with audiences, including “In the Face of Demolition” (1953) (2K Digitised Version), which uses dramatic tension to highlight social issues faced by diverse residents in a dilapidated building, serving as a microcosm of post-war Hong Kong. Although the film’s characters are from different walks of life in adverse circumstances, they lend support to each other and live in neighbourly accord, embodying the solidarity spirit of “one for all, all for one”.
Chun Kim excelled at portraying intergenerational relationships, with “Parents’ Hearts” (1955) (2K Digitised Version) being especially poignant among his works. The film tells the story of a father working day and night with his wife to put his sons through school, eventually falling ill from overexertion. Starring renowned Cantonese opera actor Ma Si-tsang, the film touches on the mutual assistance between impoverished artists outside the storyline of a familial relationship to highlight the compassion and generosity of human nature and reflect the harsh realities of an economic downturn and the decline of traditional art forms.
Adapted from Ba Jin’s renowned eponymous novel and directed by Lee Sun-fung, “Spring” (1953) (2K Digitised Version) tells the quandaries and choices in love and marriage faced by young people amidst traditional and contemporary ideologies. Lee Sun-fung was particularly skilled at conveying the emotions of female characters. In a scene when a young girl, who is about to be forced into marriage, played by Pak Yin, sings “The Death of Daiyu”, her melancholy and misery from a tortured romance is delicately revealed.
Chu Kea, who joined the film industry at the age of 13, drew on his diverse behind-the-scenes experiences from working in various posts to become a master of melodrama. His “An Orphan’s Tragedy” (1955) (2K Digitised Version) is the only film that Bruce Lee and Josephine Siao appear in together, and both deliver standout performances. The film tells the story of the protagonist becoming an orphan after his father has been framed by a villain. When the protagonist has grown up, he is set up by the same villain, forcing the father, who is now a fugitive, to come out of hiding to save him.
Ng was the most prolific director at Union Film and was equally at ease across different genres of film. In the Chinese opera film, “The Precious Lotus Lamp” (1956), Ng masterfully blends the languages of Cantonese opera and cinema, setting a new standard for period musical films. With Union Film’s rigorous approach to film production, Cheung Wood-yau and Tsi Lo Lin, both trained in Cantonese opera, were cast in the lead roles, offering their vocal prowess and refined stage movements and gestures on screen, while veteran Cantonese opera actor Siu Sun Kuen portrayed the antagonist and served as a consultant to ensure the artistic quality of the film.
Marking the second anniversary of Union Film, an all-star lineup of directors and actors came together for the two instalments of “Love” (Part 1 & The Sequel) (1955) (2K Digitised Version) in a spirit of collective creativity to present six stories involving a wide variety of passengers on a ship, shedding light on the relationships between family members, mothers and sons, sisters, spouses and lovers. The film depicts six different forms of human affection and examines the interpersonal intricacies within.
Tickets priced at $60 will be available from July 17 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk
The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 is held from June to September. For more information, please visit www.ccf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:55
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Film Archive to screen four classic films to revisit charm of traditional Chinese opera arts
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film Archive to screen four classic films to revisit charm of traditional Chinese opera arts
Known for its Jiangnan style, Yue opera is renowned for its elegant and melodious tunes, beautiful lyrics and refined costumes. Screenwriter Xu Jin’s Yue opera film adaptation “Dream of the Red Chamber” (1962) is considered a classic among other opera film adaptations of the original novel. Wang Wenjuan as Lin Daiyu and Xu Yulan as Jia Baoyu demonstrate rich stage experience and outstanding acting skills in the film. With the stellar acting performances and music accompaniment of the Second Troupe of the Shanghai Yue Opera Group, the film displays the essence of Yue opera on the silver screen, making it a timeless Chinese opera film masterpiece.
Another selected Chinese opera film, “Bride Hunter” (1961), is a Yue opera comedy co-directed by Hu Siao-fung and the great author Jin Yong under the pseudonym of Lin Huan. Legendary film actress Hsia Moon takes on a male role for the first time as the protagonist Zhou Wenbin, and then showcases her alluring female charm as Zhou disguises as a woman in the story, a performance that continues to delight audiences to this day.
The Cantonese opera film “The Lost Kite” (1957) (2K Digitised Version) features a plot of twists and turns about a maid falling in love with a scholar. Playing an elderly male character for the first time, Ma Si-tsang’s polished singing complements Hung Sin Nui’s unique vocal style, fully demonstrating the mesmerising quality of Cantonese opera.
The Chaozhou opera film classic “So Luk Neung” (1960) (2K Digitised Version) tells the story of So Luk Neung and her cousin, who fall in love over time, only for her father to marry her off to someone else. Upon the film’s release in places including Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, the film not only won critical acclaim and box-office success, but also sparked a trend for Chaozhou opera films in the 1960s.
Each screening session will be accompanied by a post-screening talk. Speakers include renowned stage director and playwright Edward Lam, Cantonese opera performer Wang Kit-ching, Chaozhou opera performer Chan Ming-ying, Chinese opera researcher Lio Mio-mei, and film researcher Yuen Tsz-ying.
The Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd. is the partner organisation of this screening programme. Tickets priced at $60 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk
The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 is being held from June to September. For more information, please visit www.ccf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:25
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Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs today (July 11) seized five live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $50,000.
Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species wrapped by plastics and concealed in socks in the carton box.
The batch of live turtles 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Secretary for Health visits Kwai Chung Hospital new blocks
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, visited the redeveloped Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) today (July 13) to learn about the facilities and operations of the hospital’s new blocks.
Accompanied by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (HA), Dr Libby Lee; the Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon West Cluster of the HA, Dr Alexander Law; and the Hospital Chief Executive of KCH, Dr Cheng Koi-man, Professor Lo visited facilities and relevant services including psychiatric wards and the Child and Adolescent Integrated Day Hospital to gain a better understanding of the new hospital blocks’ design concepts and service vision of the “therapeutic village”.
Professor Lo said, “The redeveloped KCH will provide holistic treatment for about one quarter of psychiatric patients in Hong Kong, significantly enhancing service standards and marking an important milestone in the development of mental health services in Hong Kong.
“The new blocks of KCH adopt the service concept of a ‘therapeutic village’. In addition to in-patient services, it also offers recovery and community support services, enabling patients in recovery to receive various day rehabilitation services delivered by allied health and nursing teams in the hospital. These services simulate a real-life environment to facilitate their gradual reintegration into family, work and social roles. I look forward to the ‘therapeutic village’ contributing to reduce the patients’ need for hospitalisation while serving as an important transitional hub for patients’ gradual reintegration into the community, standing side by side with the patients and the recovered ones on their roads to recovery.
“Furthermore, the redeveloped KCH houses the only service block dedicated to child and adolescent services in Hong Kong, providing one-stop treatment services to psychiatric patients under 18 years old. The building designs, ward environment, as well as assessment and treatment plans are all centred on children, adolescents and their families to better serve their needs. The Government attaches great importance to the mental health of children and adolescents, and the enhancement of related services at KCH will help strengthen support for those in need.”
Commissioned in 1981, KCH began redevelopment on its existing site in 2019 to upgrade the hospital facilities and align with modern psychiatric healthcare services. Specialist out-patient services have been relocated to new hospital blocks and services have been commenced by phases from late-March this year. Specialist out-patient services previously scattered across different districts will also be gradually integrated, with a view to enhancing synergy among healthcare teams. In-patient and day services will begin relocation from the old block to new blocks from the third quarter this year, and psychiatric bed capacity will also gradually increase to 1 000.
The total construction floor area of the new blocks will increase from about 80 000 square metres before redevelopment to about 134 000 sq m, providing more indoor and outdoor space for in-patients, while aiming to foster a homelike atmosphere by designing a comfortable and peaceful therapeutic environment to enhance treatment effectiveness. Together with various psychiatric support services provided by the day hospital, the new blocks will provide quality services for patients across all age groups.
Following the completion of the relocation, the hospital will commence subsequent project works to demolish the old block and construct a therapeutic/rehabilitation garden, further enhancing the hospital’s therapeutic environment and providing better healthcare services to psychiatric patients in need.
Speech by CS at Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony today (July 11):
Tammy (Publisher of the South China Morning Post, Ms Tammy Tam), Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), Bernard (Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board, Mr Bernard Chan), Advisory Board members, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a great pleasure to be here with you today at the Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony.
We are here to do more than hand out the awards. We are here to honour the hard work of our students, and we are here to thank the teachers and parents who guide them, every step of the way.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Awards, a truly remarkable milestone. Over the years, the Student of the Year Awards has grown into one of Hong Kong’s leading youth award programmes. It gives our students a platform to shine, and it pushes them to reach for even greater heights.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the South China Morning Post and the Hong Kong Jockey Club for organising this meaningful event year after year. Your unwavering commitment to recognising young talent helps build our next generation of leaders.
The theme of this year’s edition, “Leadership in Action: Shaping the Possible”, calls on every one of you to see the leader within. Leadership is not about a title. It is the courage to step forward, the strength to take responsibility, and the determination to turn ideas into reality. That is the spirit we celebrate today, and that spirit will shape a brighter future for our city, and for the world at large.
The Government shares this vision wholeheartedly. We are firmly committed to youth development. In late 2022, we released the Youth Development Blueprint, which set out more than 160 specific actions and measures. It laid down our guiding principles for promoting long‑term youth development.
And we are not standing still. We have since introduced around 130 additional youth‑related measures to keep pace with evolving needs. We are determined to create an enabling environment where every young person can realise their full potential.
This year also marks the beginning of the National 15th Five‑Year Plan period, a critical moment for Hong Kong’s future. To align with the national strategy, the Government is now drawing up Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan.
And on youth development, we will build on the foundation of the Blueprint, and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while remaining closely connected to the world.
We aim to nurture a new generation of young people with a global perspective, a sense of responsibility, and a deep affection for Hong Kong and our country. This vision requires all of us, the Government, schools, families, and the wider community, to work hand in hand. Together, we will build a strong foundation for our youth to grow and succeed.
Today, my warmest congratulations go to all the finalists and award recipients. Your achievements speak volumes about your talent, dedication and resilience. You have earned more than recognition from your schools, your families and the wider community. Above all, your courage to embrace challenges, and your determination to push beyond your limits will be your greatest guides. They will serve you well as you keep reaching for excellence in everything you do.
To every student in this room, I encourage you to always have confidence in your own potential. Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep reaching for new heights. Hong Kong needs bright young minds like you, who are willing to lead, to serve and to innovate. I have every confidence that many of you will go on to shape a brighter future for our city.
Let me once again congratulate all the winners and finalists. I wish you every success in the years ahead, and I hope today’s ceremony will be a memorable milestone in your future journey. Thank you!
LegCo to consider proposed resolution in relation to implementation of comprehensive smoking ban in construction sites
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (July 15) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare will move a proposed resolution under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance in relation to the implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban in construction sites. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.
The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs will also move a proposed resolution under the District Councils Ordinance. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 2.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will move a proposed resolution under the Trading Funds Ordinance. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 3.
Meanwhile, Mr Chan Chun-ying will move a motion under Rule 49E(2) of the Rules of Procedure to take note of a report of the House Committee on consideration of subsidiary legislation and other instruments. The motion is set out in Appendix 4.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Mr Sunny Tan, will present the “Reports of the Public Accounts Committee on Report Nos. 85 and 86 of the Director of Audit on the Results of Value for Money Audits” and address the Council.
Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.
Toll waiver and LPG fuel subsidy for commercial vehicles to end on July 16 and July 30 respectively as scheduled
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply announced today (July 13) that the two-month toll waiver and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel subsidy for commercial vehicles will end at 11.59pm on July 16 and 11.59pm on July 30 respectively as scheduled.
The Government Economist estimates that international refined oil prices for diesel will gradually decline for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, recent data also indicate that the prices of auto-LPG have remained broadly stable. As the support measures are temporary and short-term in nature, and to avoid creating risks to public finances, the Task Force decided that the above two time-limited support measures would end as scheduled upon the expiration of the two-month period.
Starting from 0.00am on July 17, all commercial vehicles using government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Sha Control Area must resume paying normal tolls. The payment means and time limits remain unchanged. The Transport Department (TD) has directed the toll service provider to adjust the HKeToll system to ensure smooth operations. Motorists may obtain real-time toll information via the HKeToll or HKeMobility mobile apps, as well as toll information displays.
In addition, from 0.00am on July 31, upon the cessation of the LPG fuel subsidy to local passenger transport commercial vehicles, drivers should note that the actual LPG prices will be subject to the oil companies’ retail prices.
The Task Force will continue to dynamically assess the situation in the Middle East region as well as fuel supply and prices to ensure the stability of Hong Kong’s energy supply.
CHP reminds public to take precautions against cold weather
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 12) reminded the public, particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pregnant women, infants and children, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.
Elderly and people with chronic illnesses
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A spokesman for the CHP said that in general, elderly people have less insulating fat, and their body temperature control mechanisms would be weaker. Their body may not respond appropriately to the cold weather. In addition, some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat.
Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes or hypothyroidism, would lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Besides, persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.
The spokesman reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;
- Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
- Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
- Stay in a warm environment. Avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
- Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation;
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead; and
- Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
Infants, children and pregnant women
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Infants and young children are more susceptible to heat loss during the cold weather. The spokesman reminded parents that they should ensure babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them. When children engage in outdoor activities, their clothing should be adjusted accordingly, and changed quickly if soaked. Infants, young children and pregnant women should also try to avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower.
Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:
- Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;
- Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;
- Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;
- Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents’ bed; and
- Maintain a smoke-free environment.
Outdoor workers
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Outdoor workers should take heed of the weather report and wear appropriate warm clothing for work. Clothing should be changed as soon as possible if soaked. When the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions. They should take a break immediately and seek help and medical attention if feeling unwell.
General public
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In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.
A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may become more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
- Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
- Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
- Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
- When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
- Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation;
- When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
- Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
- Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
- Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
- Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
- Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;
- Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
- For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;
- Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogens;
- Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
- Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and
- Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.
In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.
For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage as well as press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against cold weather for outdoor workers and their employers when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.
The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens.