Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases
Latest information from WHO
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According to the latest report from the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 18, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported eight confirmed cases of Ebola disease, 395 suspected cases and 106 related deaths. Uganda has also reported two cases of Ebola disease and one related death.
Port health measures
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At the same time, notices have been posted in the airport’s arrival area. The CHP has co-ordinated with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to broadcast announcements in the arrival hall. The CHP is also urging, through relevant airlines, passengers who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda within the past 21 days to proactively declare their travel history to the Port Health Division officers upon arrival in Hong Kong for further health assessment. Regarding the isolation and referral mechanism for suspected cases, if an inbound traveller exhibits relevant symptoms and is assessed as a suspected case by the Port Health Division officers, arrangements will be made immediately to transfer the individual to the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre for isolation and examination. The individual will remain in isolation until the specimens test negative for the virus.
The CHP has also provided the AAHK and airlines with the latest information on the virus and urged airlines to remind their flight crews to strictly enforce established prevention and control measures if they identify suspected cases on their flights. Furthermore, the CHP has stepped up its publicity efforts at all boundary control points, including making public announcements and displaying posters, to remind travellers to be vigilant about Ebola.
Disease surveillance
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As of today, no confirmed or suspected Ebola disease cases have been recorded in Hong Kong.
In addition, the CHP convened a meeting yesterday (May 18) with representatives from the HA Head Office, Chief Infection Control Officer Office, and the HA’s experts in infectious disease and clinical microbiology, to discuss various issues thoroughly, including the isolation and testing of suspected cases, infection control measures and quarantine arrangements for close contacts.
Quarantine facilities
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Public education
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The HKSAR Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Response Plan to safeguard public health. Relevant government departments are fully prepared and will closely monitor the development of the epidemic, adjusting prevention and control strategies as necessary.
As the current risk of infection is primarily concentrated in affected areas overseas, the CHP urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel to affected countries and regions. Relevant travel advice has been uploaded to the Security Bureau’s Outbound Travel AlertsIssued at HKT 18:52
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Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
In view of the growing community concern over animal protection, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 19) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the secretariat services and administrative support provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), particularly with regards to its handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons and related arrangements.
According to government statistics, over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep pets, with the total number of pets exceeding 400,000, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services in the community. The VSB, a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, is responsible for regulating veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong, including registration and disciplinary matters. The Secretariat of the VSB (Secretariat), under the AFCD’s purview, provides secretarial and administrative support.
The Office notes recurring concerns about the cumbersome procedures for lodging complaints against veterinary surgeons, and that the Secretariat’s handling of such complaints is unduly prolonged. There are views that even if the VSB determines, after a disciplinary inquiry, that a veterinary surgeon has committed professional misconduct or acted negligently, the public announcement of the decision is subject to serious delays, preventing the public from being informed in time to raise awareness and make informed decisions about veterinary services. In addition, the Office has received complaints highlighting shortcomings in the Secretariat’s arrangements for disciplinary inquiries and its handling of enquiries, indicating potential room for improvement in its administration and service standards.
Mr Chan said, “The proper handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons has a direct bearing on the quality of veterinary services and public confidence in the profession, and is closely correlated with animal health and welfare. The VSB is statutorily mandated to regulate, register and exercise disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, and its ability to effectively perform these duties depends heavily on whether the administrative support provided by the Secretariat is proper. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the procedures and mechanisms through which the Secretariat supports the VSB in handling matters related to the regulation of veterinary surgeons, and review the AFCD’s supervisory role to identify areas for improvement and, where necessary, make pertinent recommendations.”
Mr Chan said, “The Office earlier announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government’s work in combating cruelty to animals, which attracted widespread public attention. Combating animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable lives is not a task that can be accomplished overnight; it requires the sustained and unwavering commitment of all sectors of society, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. This direct investigation operation is the second one of our series of investigations in relation to animal protection.”
The Ombudsman today also visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jockey Club Centennial Centre (Tsing Yi Centre) and met with its Executive Director, Ms Fiona Cumming, to gain an insight into the SPCA’s work in preventing animal cruelty and rescuing injured animals, as well as its perspectives on related issues.
During the meeting, Ms Cumming briefed Mr Chan on the SPCA’s latest efforts and challenges in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty, rescuing injured and abandoned animals, and promoting public education. Mr Chan also toured the facilities at the Centre, including the veterinary and animal care facilities, to learn about how frontline staff provide immediate treatment and rehabilitation support for injured animals. He spoke with staff members about their experiences in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty.
Mr Chan said, “Many animal protection organisations in the community have been working tirelessly to promote animal welfare. During our direct investigation operation, we received full support from the SPCA, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and relevant animal rescue organisations. Through their outstanding work in animal protection, emergency rescues and public education, these organisations demonstrate compassion and social responsibility, and truly deserve praise.”
Mr Chan added, “The media have recently reported on a suspected case of animal abuse and abandonment. The Police responded swiftly and decisively, leading to the arrest of the suspects within days. The action is highly commendable in fully demonstrating the Government’s commitment and determination to combat animal cruelty, and conveying a clear and powerful message to society.”
The Office will continue to follow up on the implementation of relevant policies and measures, with a view to fostering a more compassionate and caring society.
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by June 19, 2026:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: di490@ombudsman.hk
Secretary for Health receives World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day Award
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Secretary for Health receives World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day Award
The WHO marks May 31 as World No Tobacco Day annually to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, and to discourage the use of tobacco products in any form. Every year, the WHO selects individuals or organisations from members of each of the six WHO regions that have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in tobacco control for the Award, in recognition of their achievements and contributions.
Professor Lo’s receipt of the Award marks yet another WHO commendation for Hong Kong in the field of tobacco control, following the World No Tobacco Day Director-General’s Special Recognition Award presented to the then Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow in 2011, and the Award to the Department of Health in 2019. This latest recognition by the WHO signifies that Hong Kong’s tobacco control work has continued to build on past achievements and deliver tangible results.
Professor Lo said, “The WHO’s recognition is a tremendous encouragement to us. The steady advancement of our tobacco control work would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of all sectors of the community over the years. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all close partners on this journey, including the Legislative Council (LegCo), the Department of Health, the Primary Healthcare Commission, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, healthcare professionals, the education sector, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations, and each and every citizen who supports a smoke-free culture. In the process of formulating and implementing various tobacco control measures, various stakeholders, in particular the LegCo, have proactively provided invaluable advice to help us refine the relevant measures and make them more effective and responsive to the needs of society. Such close interaction and collaboration constitute the very driving force propelling Hong Kong towards a smoke-free city.”
The Government has all along adopted a multi-pronged and progressive approach, encompassing legislation, taxation, publicity, education, enforcement and provision of smoking cessation services, to reduce the harmful effects caused by smoking products to members of the public and society. The Government conducted a public consultation on tobacco control strategies in 2023 and, on the basis of community consensus, formulated a new phase of tobacco control strategies covering short, medium and long-term measures, which has since been taken forward in a proactive and orderly manner. Among these measures, the Government increased tobacco duty in 2023 and 2024, and introduced 10 short-term tobacco control measures for implementation in phases after the completion of the legislative process. Measures that have already taken effect include strengthening the legal framework for combating illicit cigarettes, expanding the statutory no-smoking areas, further imposing a comprehensive ban on the possession of alternative smoking products in public places, alongside the sustained enhancement of public education and smoking cessation services.
The aforesaid strategies have yielded notable results. According to preliminary data from the Census and Statistics Department, the smoking prevalence among the local population aged 15 and above dropped from 23 per cent in the 1980s to 8.5 per cent in 2025, hitting a record low, with the number of daily smokers decreasing by about 16 per cent compared with 2019, representing a reduction of nearly 100 000 smokers. Over the same period, the average number of daily consumption of cigarettes by smokers has also dropped by about 14 per cent, resulting in a nearly 30 per cent decrease in the overall consumption of cigarettes. This reflects the marked effectiveness of the Government’s tobacco control strategies in effectively safeguarding public health. The Government plans to fully implement plain packaging requirement for conventional smoking products and the duty stamp system by December next year to further reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products and strengthen efforts in combating illicit cigarettes.
Professor Lo stressed, “Today’s achievements in tobacco control are the culmination of the tireless efforts of generations of people from all sectors of society over the past four decades. We shall cherish the hard-earned results and carry forward these efforts. Tobacco control admits no complacency. The Government will continue to forge ahead with the tobacco control process in collaboration with the LegCo and all sectors of society, to eliminate the hazards posed by the tobacco products on society and safeguard public health, with a view to moving towards a ‘tobacco-free Hong Kong’.”
Issued at HKT 22:50
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Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets Director General of Guangdong Sub-Administration of General Administration of Customs
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A high-level meeting between Hong Kong Customs and the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) was held in Hong Kong on May 17. The delegations from both sides were headed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the GACC, Ms Zhang Geping.
Mr Chan welcomed Ms Zhang’s visit to Hong Kong Customs with her delegation. During the meeting, both sides had in-depth discussions and exchanges on matters including facilitating customs clearance, combating smuggling, risk prevention and control, and the development of smart customs, with an aim to further promote co-operation between the two Customs administrations.
On the same day, the delegation conducted a site visit to the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link to gain an in-depth understanding of the operations of passenger clearance by Hong Kong Customs.
The delegation also attended the 27th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs, in its capacity as the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P Region, during their visit to Hong Kong.
Singapore to Undertake IAEA Review by International Experts To Assess Its Ability To Make Informed Decision On Nuclear Energy Deployment
Source: Government of Singapore
JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA, MSE, MTI, EMA
19 May 2026 – Starting in 2027, Singapore will undertake an assessment by international experts to determine the country’s ability to make an informed decision on the potential deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies in the future. The assessment is known as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 1 Mission.
2 As part of efforts to assess the suitability of advanced nuclear energy technologies for power generation, Singapore has been progressively building capabilities in nuclear science, safety and technology in line with international best practices. The INIR Phase 1 Mission will support the Government in validating our progress and ensuring our capability development is advancing in the right direction, based on an internationally recognised assessment framework known as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones Approach.
3 The IAEA Milestones Approach comprehensively assesses 19 areas, such as capabilities to manage nuclear safety, radioactive waste, and emergency planning. The Approach reflects international best practices on nuclear energy deployment based on decades of international experience. More information on the IAEA Milestones Approach and INIR Mission can be found in Annex A.
4 The assessment via the INIR Phase 1 Mission will be a key milestone of Singapore’s nuclear capability building journey. The Mission will also enable the IAEA to better understand Singapore’s current stage of development and provide more tailored support for capability building efforts in the future.
5 Singapore has not made a decision on the adoption or deployment of nuclear energy. We will continue to monitor global developments and work with international partners to build capabilities in nuclear safety and regulation, as part of efforts to study all potential pathways for decarbonisation. Any decision to deploy nuclear energy will be carefully considered against its safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability in Singapore’s context.
Annex A_Factsheet on the IAEA Milestones Approach and INIR Mission
Annex B_Understanding the Role of Nuclear Energy in Singapore’s Energy Transition
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Tung Chung housing site sold
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The tender for Tung Chung Town Lot No. 54 at Area 106A in Tung Chung has been awarded on a 50-year land grant to Able Best Limited, the highest tenderer, at a premium of $1,627,000,000, the Lands Department announced today.
This piece of land, designated for private residential purposes, has a site area of 14,152 sqm. The gross floor area is in a range from 29,720 sq m to 49,532 sq m.
Department of Justice releases “Prosecutions Hong Kong 2025”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice (DoJ) today (May 19) released “Prosecutions Hong Kong 2025”, which reviews its work in 2025.
This annual report, themed “Walk in Justice, Now and Forever More”, provides an in-depth review of how the Prosecutions Division remained steadfast in upholding the rule of law and discharging its duty as a minister of justice amid an increasingly complex criminal landscape.
Core value – prosecutorial independence as the cornerstone of the rule of law
In the Director’s Overview, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang, emphasised that prosecutorial independence enshrined in Article 63 of the Basic Law is the cornerstone of the criminal justice system in Hong Kong. Public prosecutors “walk in justice” by ensuring that justice is delivered to victims of crime, defendants, and the community as a whole in a fair, impartial, and even-handed manner at every stage of the criminal justice process.
International co-operation – a global showcase of Hong Kong’s rule of law
In 2025, Hong Kong organised the 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, hosted by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China. The Conference brought together around 80 prosecutors to discuss challenges in combating money laundering and corruption in the technological age. It not only marked a milestone in regional criminal justice co-operation, but also showcased Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to and unique position in upholding the rule of law under the “one country, two systems” principle.
Professional effectiveness – statistics and key cases
Over the past year, the Prosecutions Division demonstrated its outstanding professional efficiency while handling a substantial workload. The annual report presents various prosecutorial statistics and, through an overview of the duties of and notable cases handled by each subdivision, demonstrates their dedication to maintaining the effective operation of the criminal justice system.
“Prosecutions Hong Kong 2025” is now available on the DoJ website (www.doj.gov.hk/en/publications/yrreviewpd2025.html). Members of the public can also scan the QR code on the physical “Justice Link” information card to access the full electronic version.
Labour Department investigates fatal work accident in Kowloon City
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a fatal work accident that happened in Kowloon City this afternoon (May 19) in which a man died.
The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident, and is now conducting an investigation to look into its cause.
Government introduces proposed legislative amendments into LegCo to implement smoking ban in all construction sites
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government introduces proposed legislative amendments into LegCo to implement smoking ban in all construction sites
The Government will publish the Amendment Order and the Amendment Notice in the Gazette on May 22. The Amendment Order designates construction sites as no smoking areas and the Amendment Notice specifies Occupational Safety Officers (OSOs) of the Labour Department to carry out enforcement work related to all smoking offences in construction sites under the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance (Cap. 600). Any person smoking in a construction site commits an offence. OSOs can issue a fixed penalty notice under Cap. 600 to offenders with a fixed fine of $3,000. The Amendment Order is applicable to all types of construction sites, including building maintenance sites, except domestic premises and private quarters that are being occupied by their residents for residential purposes.
Meanwhile, the Amendment Regulation requires that contractors and subcontractors must take all reasonable steps to ensure that no person smokes or carries a lighted specified smoking product; or uses a naked light for lighting a specified smoking product in a construction site. Otherwise, those violating the Amendment Regulation are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $400,000.
The Amendment Order and the Amendment Notice will be subject to the negative vetting procedure, while the Amendment Regulation will be subject to the positive vetting procedure.
The Government will strive to facilitate the scrutiny work of the LegCo and looks forward to the LegCo’s support for early passage of the three legislative amendments, enabling the Government to implement the smoking ban in all construction sites as soon as possible.
Issued at HKT 12:10
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CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to commence visit to Germany
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, led a delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to commence a visit to Germany yesterday (May 18, Aachen time). During the trip, site visits to local higher education and innovation and technology infrastructure will be arranged, providing a solid reference for the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).
The delegation first visited RWTH Aachen University. Founded in 1870, RWTH Aachen University is the largest technology university in Germany, and a leading institution in engineering and applied sciences in Europe. The university is one of the nine members of the TU9, the alliance of leading universities of technology in Germany, and houses many national research centres, maintaining close ties with industry.
The delegation exchanged views with university representatives and stakeholders, and toured campus facilities, including WZL, one of the institutes of the university with the closest co-operation with industry and also one of Europe’s largest production technology institutes; and a running demonstration factory that involves industry partners and also serves research and training purposes. They learned about the university’s successful experience and practices in campus planning, industry-academia-research integration, innovation ecosystem development, technology transfers and interdisciplinary collaborations, thereby accumulating valuable practical references for the NMUT’s campus ecosystem and industry-academia collaboration.
Mr Chan said that RWTH Aachen University is widely recognised for its achievement of translating fundamental research into real-world applications through an exceptionally strong industry-led model, and deep collaboration with corporations. He expressed hope to draw on the university’s successful experience so that higher education and cutting-edge research can jointly drive technological breakthroughs and industrial advancement at the NMUT. He also expressed hope to learn from RWTH Aachen University’s experience in nurturing long-term fundamental research while fostering close industry partnerships in order to further deepen the integration of industry, academia, and research at the NMUT.
Mr Chan and other members of the delegation will proceed to Stuttgart on May 19 (Aachen time) to continue their visit.