Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 8) investigating a cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carrier cases involving five residents of a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE), and reminded all RCHEs to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in RCHE (the Guidelines) to implement measures for the detection, prevention and control of infectious diseases.

The CHP earlier received notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that five female residents aged 68 to 93 of an RCHE in Chai Wan who attended public hospitals for underlying illnesses, had samples tested positive for CPE upon laboratory tests. All of them carry the bacteria without symptoms of infection. The CHP immediately carried out epidemiological investigations after receiving notifications from the HA. It is found that the CPE might be transmitted within the institution. The CHP is conducting screening at the RCHE concerned to identify other possible carriers.

The CHP conducted a site inspection and found that the RCHE concerned had not fully implemented the related infection control measures. The CHP advised the RCHE to implement the necessary infection control measures to further prevent transmission of the resistant bacteria within the institution, including appropriate nursing procedures, thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection, proper hand hygiene for staff and residents. 
 
The CHP will continue to put the RCHE under medical surveillance and investigate the cluster.
 
Enterobacteriaceae (for example, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections at different body sites including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or bacteraemia. CPE are enterobacteriaceae that produce carbapenemase – an enzyme that can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins. These bacteria are commonly resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting therapeutic options, and may render severe clinical infections difficult to treat. The range of diseases associated with CPE varies from asymptomatic carriage to potentially life-threatening or fatal infections. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the general health of the patient.

​​Proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) like CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity can lower the risk of contracting MDROs by not eating raw or undercooked foods.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers from August 15 to September 28 for the public to support and participate in the third National Ecology Day (NED).

In 2023, the country designated August 15 every year as NED, with a view to promoting society’s awareness of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, and implementing the important concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”.

     The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours for the public on August 15. Members of the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5 per cent off for gift redemptions or e-coupons (excluding supermarket vouchers and dining vouchers) on the GREEN$ Mobile App, as well as at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores (excluding Recycling Spots) under the Environmental Protection Department on the same day.
 
     The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will hold a thematic exhibition for NED at the atrium of Citywalk 2 in Tsuen Wan from September 9 to 17. The nine-day event will feature various displays and interactive games to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the public regarding nature conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong.

     Furthermore, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will organise four guided eco-tours in Shing Mun Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre, and share tips on observing fireflies with the public at night in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, with a view to enabling the public to explore local wildlife and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Hong Kong’s natural ecology. Over 30 non-governmental organisations will provide a series of special activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safaris, workshops and seminars.

     A spokesman for the EEB said, “The HKSAR Government appeals to the public for active participation in the activities of NED. We hope that these activities will enhance the local community’s consciousness of the need for thought and action to conserve our nature and protect the environment, and jointly contribute to the building of a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. We are grateful to all relevant organisations for their participation in providing special activities and offers.”

     Details of the NED exhibition and relevant special activities and offers have been uploaded to the website of the CCO (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned2025), the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html), as well as the websites or social media platforms of the participating organisations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Emergency Unit of New Territories South of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (August 8) conducted an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise, codenamed “FLYINGEAGLE”, “YELLOWFORTRESS” and “RAINARROW” at the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility, Fantasy Road, Lantau Island. The exercise aimed to enhance the communication, co-ordination and immediate response capabilities among relevant government departments and stakeholders in dealing with emergencies during the 15th National Games (NG).

The exercise simulated three emergency scenarios during the cross-boundary road cycling race of the 15th NG: a terrorist-initiated car ramming and shooting against spectators; spectators breaching the race route and colliding with cyclists causing mass casualties; and a missing child case. The exercise aimed to test and enhance the abilities of relevant government departments and stakeholders to effectively deploy manpower, subdue attackers, as well as co-ordinate emergency evacuation and rescue operations under various contingencies.
 
Over 300 representatives from 10 government departments and relevant organisations participated in the exercise, including personnel from the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the HKPF, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China Limited and the Hong Kong Association for Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine.

The Police will continue to maintain close collaboration with relevant government departments and stakeholders, review contingency plans and make comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 15th NG to ensure public safety and the smooth running of the events.

 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Police Force (HKPF) today conducted an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise to enhance the communication, co-ordination and immediate response capabilities among relevant government departments and stakeholders in dealing with emergencies during the 15th National Games (NG).

Over 300 representatives from 10 government departments and relevant organisations participated in the exercise held at the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility, Fantasy Road, Lantau Island.

Codenamed “FLYINGEAGLE”, “YELLOWFORTRESS” and “RAINARROW”, the exercise simulated three emergency scenarios during the cross-boundary road cycling race of the 15th NG.

The three scenarios included a terrorist-initiated car ramming and shooting against spectators, spectators breaching the race route and colliding with cyclists causing mass casualties, as well as a missing child case.

The exercise tested and enhanced the abilities of relevant government departments and stakeholders to effectively deploy manpower, subdue attackers, as well as co-ordinate emergency evacuation and rescue operations under various contingencies.

The participants included the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the HKPF, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Association for Conflict & Catastrophe Medicine.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today that it will strengthen information dissemination and mosquito control work, with a view to further reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

The FEHD has been regularly announcing the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the department said it will announce the latest gravidtrap index through press releases and social media platforms.

In addition, to minimise the risk of CF transmission, the FEHD will extend its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the area gravidtrap index reaches 20%, to cover areas where the index falls between 10% and 20%.

Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, followed by intensive and targeted mosquito control work in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders.

The FEHD will also notify the nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung attended a sharing session on the Internship Programme for Non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) Students today, where she listened to the students share their internship experiences and encouraged them to better equip themselves in preparation for their future career planning.

Mrs Yeung was pleased to learn that the students had gained a deeper understanding of the work of the civil service through their internships in different bureaus and departments.

She said: “The Government attaches great importance to attracting talent from different backgrounds to join the civil service and building a diversified pool of talent to enhance the quality and efficiency of public service.

“In the recruitment process, all candidates are assessed on the basis of their ability, performance and character. Race is not, and has never been, a relevant consideration.”

Born and raised in Hong Kong, and being biliterate and trilingual, Administrative Officer Gurung Marco Ben and Executive Officer Kaur Gurinder Deep, Diya, were appointed as civil servants through the open recruitment process. At today’s event, they shared their experiences in applying for civil service jobs, as well as their daily work.

Mrs Yeung said the Government is glad to see NECs joining the civil service, and encouraged young people to equip themselves in order to take on challenges.

This year, 44 students joined the Internship Programme for NEC Students, marking a record high. Among them, Sheik Mahmood Afif, a university student studying computer engineering, assisted with the daily operations of the Smart Government Innovation Lab, including developing artificial intelligence analysis tools. He said the internship allowed him to apply his knowledge to work, and strengthened his interest in pursuing a career in a technology-related field.

Another intern, Lama Sujata, was posted to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s Festivals Office to take part in designing promotional materials, hospitality for artists, and venue management liaison. She credited the internship with enabling her to familiarise herself with the application of design and image processing software and enhanced her knowledge of event planning, which will greatly help her future career.

While Narag Kezra Leigh, a social work student, just finished her internship at the Labour Department where she assisted in promoting the Youth Employment Start. She remarked that the experience allowed her to better understand the employment services provided by the Government, in particular those for young people, and improved her interpersonal skills.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours on August 15 as a way for the public to support National Ecology Day (NED).

 

To promote society’s awareness of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, as well as implement the important concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, the country designated August 15 every year as NED.

 

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers from August 15 to September 28 for the public to support and participate in NED.

 

Apart from free admission at the Hong Kong Wetland Park, the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5% for gift redemptions or e-coupons, excluding supermarket vouchers and dining vouchers, on the GREEN$ mobile app, as well as at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores under the Environmental Protection Department on the same day.

 

Moreover, the Countryside Conservation Office under the Environment & Ecology Bureau will hold a thematic exhibition for NED at the atrium of Citywalk 2 in Tsuen Wan from September 9 to 17, which will feature various displays and interactive games to enhance people’s knowledge and awareness of nature conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong.

 

Furthermore, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department intends to organise four guided eco-tours in Shing Mun Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre, and share tips on observing fireflies with the public at night in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve.

 

Over 30 non-governmental organisations will provide a series of special activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safaris, workshops and seminars.