MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government today (November 21) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation), which came into operation today.

     “The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2783 in respect of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” a Government spokesman said.

     The amendments renew the arms embargo, travel ban and financial sanctions.

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People’s Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The results of Primary One discretionary places for September 2026 will be released next Monday (November 24) by all government and aided primary schools.
 
     A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said today (November 21), “There are 37 581 children applying for discretionary places in government and aided primary schools this year, of whom 19 656 will be offered a place in these schools. Among them, a total of 9 477 children are applicants with sibling(s) studying or with parent(s) working in the schools that they have applied to, whereas the remaining 10 179 are selected according to the Points System.”
 
     Parents who have already activated their POA e-platform (ePOA) account are reminded to check the results via the ePOA from 10am next Monday. Parents can also bring the parent’s copy of the paper Application Form for Primary One Admission (POA) and check the results of their discretionary place application between 9am and 5pm on that day at the school to which they have applied. 
 
     Parents whose children have been offered a discretionary place are advised to note carefully the registration arrangements of the schools concerned and the documents required for registration, such as the parent’s copy of the paper Application Form for POA or the electronic application record in the ePOA, as well as the specified number of photographs of their children. They should register their children next Wednesday (November 26) or Thursday (November 27) at the school to which they have applied during school hours. 

     “Parents who cannot register for their child on the above dates should notify the person-in-charge of the school in advance to make alternative arrangements. Otherwise, they will be deemed to have given up their discretionary place,” the spokesman said.

     Under the POA System, each government or aided primary school may make use of about 50 per cent of its total Primary One places as discretionary places. The remaining approximately 50 per cent of the total places will be reserved for Central Allocation at a later stage.
 
     “Parents of applicant children who have failed to secure a discretionary place or who have opted for Central Allocation only will be informed by the EDB in writing in mid-January 2026 to make choices of schools for Central Allocation via ePOA from January 19 to 25 or at a designated Central Allocation Centre on January 24 or 25. We encourage parents to register with ‘iAM Smart+’ (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html) as early as possible and activate their ePOA account using ‘iAM Smart+’ for more convenient and faster electronic services. 
 
     “For applications for participation in POA 2026 made after January 25, parents are required to approach the School Places Allocation Section of the EDB to complete the necessary procedures. The EDB will separately arrange a Primary One place for the applicant children in June 2026,” the spokesman said.
 
     “Parents should note that once their children have been allocated a Primary One place, they cannot take part in the POA System again in the future,” he added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the International Summit of AI for Science “Empowering Breakthroughs at the Intersection of AI and Science” today (November 21):

Professor Liu (Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Liu Weidong), Professor Boey (President and University Distinguished Professor of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Freddy Boey), Professor Luo (Co-Chair of the International Summit of AI for Science 2025, Professor of the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Luo Jiebo), Professor Ma (Co-Chair of the International Summit of AI for Science 2025, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of AI for Science of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Ma Weiying), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the International Summit of AI for Science 2025, cohosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the City University of Hong Kong.

     The theme of today – “Empowering Breakthroughs at the Intersection of AI and Science” – underscores the pivotal role of AI as a catalyst for innovation and technology (I&T) development. From life sciences to material sciences, AI is accelerating discovery. It is not merely a tool but a transformative force that reshapes the very paradigms of scientific research and technological revolution, as well as industry transformation. Today’s summit is a collective exploration of how AI can define the boundaries of human knowledge.

     Hong Kong is proud to stand at the forefront of this transformation. The Hong Kong SAR Government has identified AI as a key industry for future growth and has set out clear goals for the development of AI. With a focus on “strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach”, we introduce multidimensional policies to promote the development of AI in Hong Kong, in line with the national “AI+” initiative and consistent with the global development path of AI.

     Amongst others, InnoHK is a major government I&T initiative to foster global research collaboration. The InnoHK platform has successfully established collaborations with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes. On the AI and robotics side, we have so far brought together a total of 16 R&D (research and development) centres and laboratories and over 1 700 leading research talents locally and globally to drive breakthroughs in robotics and enhance Hong Kong’s AI capabilities. We are delighted that the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics established by the Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences also participated in this important initiative, with a focus on innovative integration of AI and life sciences. Besides, we are working on the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute in 2026, which will facilitate upstream AI R&D, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes, as well as expansion of application scenarios.

     According to the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong ranked fourth globally, rising three spots from the previous year. The new ranking is based on improvements in “technology”, “knowledge”, and “future readiness”, with the city achieving the top global spot in “technological framework” and “adaptive attitudes”. This achievement reaffirms our progress in developing Hong Kong into a global digital hub. 

     We are excited to learn that the International Summit of AI for Science is a platform that connects Hong Kong with top international research talent to promote global collaboration and exchange among scientists. Many brilliant minds from all over the world have come together today to share their expertise across various fields and exchange ideas on AI. In this connection, I congratulate the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the City University of Hong Kong for organising this Summit.

     Last but not least, may I invite all voters to cast your votes in the upcoming Legislative Council election on December 7. This is important for Hong Kong. I wish today’s event every success. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Council on Human Reproductive Technology:
 
     The Council on Human Reproductive Technology (Council) today (November 21) issued a notice in the Gazette notifying the publication of the amended Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research (Code), requiring licensed centres to provide those storing their gametes or embryos for own use with additional counselling services.
 
     The Human Reproductive Technology (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) will come into effect on December 1, removing the statutory storage periods of gametes and embryos for own use under the Human Reproductive Technology (Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 561A) to enable members of the public to make their own decisions on the storage duration of their gametes or embryos depending on their health and other conditions, with a view to better realising reproductive autonomy.
 
     In connection with the Amendment Regulation, the Council amended the Code, requiring persons who have stored their gametes or embryos for their own use for five years or more to receive additional counselling services before storage can be extended. During counselling, licensed centres are required to provide information regarding the medical risks associated with the relevant procedures and risks of pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, etc. There will be a one-year grace period for the relevant arrangements, whereby persons concerned only need to complete the counselling services and procedures of extension of storage within one year after the commencement of the amended Code, or before their first storage extension, whichever is later. The amended Code would come into effect on the same day (December 1) as the Amendment Regulation.
 
     The amended Code is available on the website of the Council (www.chrt.org.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) today (November 21) said that it has reviewed about 83 000 proposals received from March 17 to May 31 objecting to the 2025-26 new rateable values and issued Notices of Decision (Form R22A) in respect of these objections in phases. 

A spokesman for the RVD said, “Anyone who lodged an objection during the above period and has yet to receive a Notice of Decision by November 30 should contact the RVD’s Customer Service Officer at enquiries@rvd.gov.hk or 2150 8833.”

Any changes in rateable values resulting from the RVD’s decisions on the objections will date back to April 1 this year, and adjustments will be made in subsequent demands.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (November 21) the sale of Tsing Yi Town Lot No. 203 at No. 183 Tsing Yi Road West, Tsing Yi, New Territories, for conversion to a fast charging station (FCS) for electric vehicles (EVs) through public tendering. The tender invitation will close on January 30, 2026.
 
A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, “To promote the green transformation of vehicles and to achieve zero vehicular emissions and carbon neutrality before 2050, the Government announced that there would be no new registration of fuel-propelled private cars (including hybrid vehicles) in 2035 or earlier. To cope with the rapid demand for charging facilities with the increase of EVs, the Government has expedited the expansion of the charging network for different types of EVs (including commercial EVs). The Government also sold through open tender three petrol filling station (PFS) sites in Kowloon Bay, Fo Tan and Tai Po for FCS purposes. The Government will, subject to actual market needs, select suitable PFS sites for conversion into FCSs in a timely manner. In addition, the area for retail use in the site of this sale is larger than that of a conventional PFS, allowing operators more flexibility to use such area to meet the needs of EV drivers.”
 
Tsing Yi Town Lot No. 203 has a site area of 1 973.9 square metres and is designated for EV FCS purposes. Land sale documents, including the forms of tender, tender notice, conditions of sale and sale plan of the lot, are now available on the Lands Department (LandsD) website (www.landsd.gov.hk) for downloading. The sale plan is available for inspection by the public from today until the close of the tender. The sale plan in hard copy form may also be purchased from today until the close of the tender at the Survey and Mapping Office of the LandsD, 6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong. The particulars of the tender have also been gazetted today.
 
The spokesperson continued, “In order to encourage owners of taxis and public light buses to expedite the adoption of electric taxis (e-taxis) and electric public light buses (e-PLBs), and by reference to the current arrangement of dedicated liquefied petroleum gas filling stations, a charging ceiling price mechanism will be established for e-taxis and e-PLBs at designated FCSs. The operators of designated FCSs cannot charge a price that is higher than the ceiling price to be announced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on a monthly basis. The charging price for other EVs will be determined by the market. For details about the calculation of charging ceiling prices for e-taxis and e-PLBs, please refer to the EEB website (www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/en/node78/Ceiling_price_calculation_e.pdf).”
 
Details of the charging ceiling price will be posted at designated FCSs when they are in operation and announced regularly on the EPD website (www.epd.gov.hk) to enable trade practitioners to monitor the changes in charging prices.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police yesterday (November 20) reclassified an industrial accident happened in Ngau Tau Kok on February 20, 2024, as manslaughter.

     At 4.56pm on February 20, 2024, Police received a report that a large-scale scaffolding had collapsed at a construction site on Shing Fu Lane. Two female workers, aged 68 and 54, were rushed to United Christian Hospital in unconscious state and were certified dead on the same day. Other three workers, one man and two women, aged between 45 and 63, were sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in conscious state.
 
     Upon further investigation, Police reclassified the case as manslaughter. A 48-year-old male foreman and a 58-year-old male worker were arrested yesterday (November 20) in Ngau Tau Kok and Tseung Kwan O respectively. Both arrestees have been jointly charged with two counts of manslaughter. The case will be mentioned at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts this morning (November 21).

     Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon East is under way.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 21) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in November, covering 13 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	November 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central and Western	Sai Wan	0.0%	N/A
Wan Chai	Tin Hau	0.0%	N/A
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	0.0%	N/A
Yuen Long	Tin Shui Wai	0.0%	N/A

 

District	Survey Area	November 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Eastern	Chai Wan West	0.9%	1.0
	North Point	1.9%	1.0
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill	0.9%	1.0
Kwun Tong	Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling	0.9%	1.0
Sha Tin	Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan	0.0%	N/A
North	Fanling	0.0%	N/A
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	4.2%	1.3
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan Town	1.7%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi North	3.7%	1.0

Among the fourth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering four survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas in November, all were below 10 per cent.

The FEHD has so far released four batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in November 2025, covering 35 survey areas. Among these 35 survey areas, 27 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. October 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Eight other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises; 
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources; 
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water; 
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days; 
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD is disseminating the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

Following the 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 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, 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#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Police today (November 21) reminded members of the public that in order to facilitate the holding of the Hong Kong Streetathon 2025 and the Community Chest HKEX Gong Run, the following special traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases from November 22 to 23. The Police urge members of the public travelling to areas subject to road traffic control to plan their journeys in advance and to make use of railway services as far as possible.  

I. The Hong Kong Streetathon 2025———————————— Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Expo Drive East; and
– Eastbound Expo Drive between Lung Wo Road and Expo Drive East.- Eastbound Island Eastern Corridor between Victoria Park Road and Taikoo Wan Road;
– Eastern Harbour Crossing (Kowloon bound tube); and
– The slip roads leading from Hing Fat Street, Man Hong Street and Eastern Harbour Crossing to eastbound Island Eastern Corridor.- Traffic along Man Kat Street heading for Wan Chai North and North Point will be diverted via Connaught Road Central, Harcourt Road, Gloucester Road and Victoria Park Road;
– After the reopening of eastbound Lung Wo Road, traffic along eastbound Lung Wo Road heading for North Point will be diverted via Hung Hing Road, Hung Hing Road flyover and Victoria Park Road;
– Traffic along Victoria Park Road or Hing Fat Street via Island Eastern Corridor heading for Chai Wan will be diverted via Gordon Road, Electric Road, Java Road, King’s Road, Kornhill Road, King’s Road, Shau Kei Wan Road, Tai Hong Street, Tai On Street, Oi Kan Road, Oi Yin Street, Oi Lai Street and Tung Hei Road towards eastbound Island Eastern Corridor;
– Traffic along Victoria Park Road or Hing Fat Street via Island Eastern Corridor heading for Eastern Harbour Crossing (Kowloon bound) will be diverted via Gordon Road, Electric Road, Java Road, King’s Road, Kornhill Road flyover and eastbound Hong On Street towards westbound Island Eastern Corridor;
– Traffic along Man Hong Street via Island Eastern Corridor heading for Chai Wan will be diverted via Java Road, King’s Road, Kornhill Road, King’s Road, Shau Kei Wan Road, Tai Hong Street, Tai On Street, Oi Kan Road, Oi Yin Street, Oi Lai Street and Tung Hei Road towards eastbound Island Eastern Corridor;
– Traffic along Man Hong Street via Island Eastern Corridor heading for Eastern Harbour Crossing (Kowloon bound) will be diverted via Java Road, King’s Road, Kornhill Road flyover and eastbound Hong On Street towards westbound Island Eastern Corridor; and
– Traffic along Eastern Harbour Crossing heading for Eastern District will be diverted via westbound Island Eastern Corridor, Man Hong Street, Java Road and King’s Road.- The slip roads leading from eastbound Wai Yip Street, westbound Wai Yip Street and westbound Kwun Tong Bypass to westbound Kai Fuk Road.- Traffic along westbound Kwun Tong Road or westbound Wai Yip Street heading for To Kwa Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui will be diverted via Kwun Tong Road, Prince Edward Road East and Ma Tau Chung Road;
– Traffic along westbound Wai Yip Street via Kai Fuk Road heading for eastbound Kai Cheung Road will be diverted via westbound Sheung Yuet Road, northbound Wang Kwong Road and eastbound Kai Cheung Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Wai Yip Street via Kai Fuk Road heading for eastbound Kai Cheung Road will be diverted via How Ming Street, westbound Hung To Road, southbound Lai Yip Street, westbound Wai Yip Street, westbound Sheung Yuet Road, northbound Wang Kwong Road and eastbound Kai Cheung Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Wai Yip Street heading for To Kwa Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui will be diverted via northbound Lai Yip Street, Kwun Tong Road, Prince Edward Road East and Ma Tau Chung Road;
– Traffic along westbound Kwun Tong Bypass heading for Kai Cheung Road will be diverted via Wang Chiu Road, westbound Sheung Yuet Road and northbound Wang Kwong Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Kwun Tong Bypass heading for To Kwa Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui will be diverted via Prince Edward Road East and Ma Tau Chung Road.- The slip road leading from eastbound Prince Edward Road East to westbound Kwun Tong Bypass; and
– The slip roads leading from eastbound Prince Edward Road East, eastbound Kai Fuk Road and southbound Wang Chiu Road to eastbound Kwun Tong Bypass.- Traffic along eastbound Prince Edward Road East heading for Tate’s Cairn Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Prince Edward Road East and westbound Lung Cheung Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Prince Edward Road East heading for Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O will be diverted via Kwun Tong Road, Wai Yip Street and Wai Fat Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Kai Fuk Road heading for Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O will be diverted via Kai Fuk Road flyover, Wai Yip Street and Wai Fat Road; and
– Traffic along southbound Wang Chiu Road heading for Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O will be diverted via eastbound Sheung Yee Road, Sheung Yee Road flyover, Ngau Tau Kok Road, Elegance Road, Kwun Tong Road and Lei Yue Mun Road.- Hoi Bun Road between Kai Hing Road and Tsun Yip Street;
– Eastbound Hoi Bun Road between Cheung Yip Street and Kai Hing Road;
– Hung Yip Street;
– Shun Yip Street;
– Lai Yip Street between Hoi Bun Road and Wai Yip Street; and
– How Ming Street between Hoi Bun Road and Wai Yip Street- Traffic along northbound Cheung Yip Street or Kai Hing Road heading for Kwun Tong will be diverted via Wang Chiu Road, Sheung Yee Road, Sheung Yee Road flyover and Ngau Tau Kok Road; and
– Traffic along Kei Yip Street or southbound Lai Yip Street heading for Kowloon Bay will be diverted via westbound Wai Yip Street and Sheung Yee Road.- Westbound Tseung Lam Highway between Wan O Road and Lam Tin Interchange; and
– The slip road leading from westbound Tseung Lam Highway to Cha Kwo Ling Road.- Traffic along southbound Wan Po Road heading for Kowloon will be diverted via southbound Wan Po Road, eastbound Chun Yat Street, southbound Chun Sing Street, roundabout, northbound Chun Sing Street, westbound Chun Yat Street, northbound Wan Po Road, Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road and Tseung Kwan O Tunnel.- The slip roads leading from Cha Kwo Ling Road and Eastern Harbour Crossing (Kowloon bound) to eastbound Tseung Lam Highway;
– Northbound Tseung Lam Highway between Tseung Lam Highway and Po Yap Road;
– Southbound Tseung Lam Highway between Po Yap Road and Tseung Lam Highway; and
– The slip roads leading from Tseung Lam Highway to Tong Yin Street.- Traffic along Eastern Harbour Crossing (Kowloon bound) heading for Tseung Kwan O will be diverted via westbound Lei Yue Mun Road, Tseung Kwan O Road, Tseung Kwan O Tunnel and Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road;
– Traffic along westbound Po Yap Road or eastbound Chui Ling Road heading for Kowloon will be diverted via northbound Po Shun Road, Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road and Tseung Kwan O Tunnel;
– Traffic along southbound Po Shun Road heading for Kowloon will be diverted via westbound Chui Ling Road, northbound King Ling Road, northbound Po Shun Road, Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road and Tseung Kwan O Tunnel;
– Traffic along eastbound Chui Ling Road or southbound Po Shun Road heading for LOHAS Park will be diverted via eastbound Po Yap Road and Wan Po Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Po Yap Road heading for LOHAS Park will be diverted via westbound Chui Ling Road, northbound King Ling Road, eastbound Tong Ming Street, southbound Po Hong Road, eastbound Po Yap Road and southbound Wan Po Road.- Traffic along southbound Cha Kwo Ling Road heading for Yau Tong or Tseung Kwan O will be diverted via westbound Wai Yip Street, northbound Wai Fat Road and Kwun Tong Bypass;
– Traffic along westbound Cha Kwo Ling Road heading for Kwun Tong or Laguna City will be diverted via Yau Tong Road and westbound Lei Yue Mun Road; and
– After reopening of westbound Tseung Lam Highway, traffic along Tseung Lam Highway heading for Kwun Tong or Laguna City will be diverted via eastbound Cha Kwo Ling Road, Yau Tong Road and westbound Lei Yue Mun Road.—————————- Three metered parking spaces on Expo Drive (metered parking spaces No. 3794A and 3795) will be suspended from 8pm on November 22 to 8.30am on November 23; and
– 42 metered parking spaces on Hoi Bun Road (metered parking spaces No. 12461, 12462B, 12701 to 12706, 12707B and 12708 to 12720), truck parking spaces, motorcycle parking spaces and disabled parking spaces will be suspended from 8pm on November 22 to 1pm on November 23.————– The left and middle lanes of westbound Lung Wo Road between Yiu Sing Street and Edinburgh Place.———————- Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via westbound Yiu Sing Street, northbound Man Yiu Street, roundabout and southbound Man Yiu Street.—————————–

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 21) issued another letter to doctors and schools, updating them on the latest situation regarding hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and reminding them to watch for related symptoms among schoolchildren as the local activity of HFMD has increased in recent days. Schools should report any HFMD outbreak to the CHP immediately. 
      
     The CHP’s latest surveillance data showed that the number of HFMD outbreaks in institutions/schools recorded has gradually increased, from 17 outbreaks affecting 50 persons in the week between October 26 and November 1, to 20 outbreaks (affecting 53 persons) and 25 outbreaks (affecting 61 persons) per week in the recent two weeks (i.e. November 2 to 8 and November 9 to 15 respectively). During the first five days of this week (November 16 to 20), 16 outbreaks affecting 40 persons have been reported. Among the 78 HFMD outbreaks recorded from October 26 to November 20, 82 per cent (64 outbreaks) occurred in child care centres/kindergartens (CCC/KG) and primary schools.
      
     Additionally, the CHP’s sentinel surveillance based at CCC/KG and private medical practitioner clinics revealed that the HFMD consultation rates have remained high since late October of this year. There was also an upsurge in consultation rates for HFMD in the Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals last week. 

     “HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs year-round in Hong Kong, with peak seasons generally occurring from May to July and from October to December. Given that the activity of HFMD remains at a high level, parents should stay alert to the health conditions of their young children. While most HFMD patients have mild symptoms, three cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection have been recorded so far this year, requiring hospitalisation. While all patients have recovered and been discharged, I hope that the public will not take this disease lightly,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
 
     “Schools and institutions have a higher chance of encountering outbreaks as HFMD can spread more easily among young children who have closer contact with each other. Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up. Management of venues with play facilities should also refer to the CHP’s Public Health Advice for Play Facilities on appropriate infection control in activities involving young children under 6 during the peak season of HFMD,” he added.
      
     HFMD patients usually experience fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat in the early stages of the illness. One to two days after the onset of fever, painful sores may develop in the mouth and often become ulcers. Most patients recover on their own within seven to 10 days.
            
      Dr Tsui stressed that alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71. Therefore, alcohol-based handrubs should not be a substitute for washing hands with liquid soap and water.
      
     To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially those in the management of schools and institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Wash hands before meals, after going to the toilet, when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing, or after handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry;
• Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry;
• Avoid going to overcrowded places;
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rashes have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted; and
• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.

     The CHP’s weekly publication, EV SCAN, is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP’s page for more information on HFMD and EV71 infection.