Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) issued the following statement today (December 10) regarding the calibration certificate for vibration sensor used in hospital redevelopment and expansion projects:
The HA yesterday (December 9) reported to the police a suspected case of forged calibration certificate for vibration sensor for further investigation. A subcontractor named Novox Limited (Novox) submitted the calibration certificate to the main contractor, China Railway Construction Group Co.,Ltd (CRCC), for the expansion project of the Lai King Building in Princess Margaret Hospital (LKB). And the certificate was submitted to HA through the main contractor. Subsequent verification by the HA confirmed that the calibration certificate was not issued by the Guangdong Zhongzhenghang Metrology Testing Co., Ltd as listed on the certificate.
The HA takes this matter very seriously thus actively reporting to the Police. The HA has also instructed the main contractor to rigorously follow up and thoroughly investigate the incident. The HA has also requested the main contractor to suspend the work of the subcontractor, Novox Limited (Novox) and the HA reserves all rights to pursue legal action against any breach of hospital construction contract.
Vibration sensors are installed at hospital redevelopment and expansion sites to ensure that vibrations generated by construction works do not affect hospital operations and medical services. Apart from installing vibration sensors at hospital construction sites, the project team will also deploy portable instruments for manual monitoring where necessary. The vibration sensors are generally calibrated annually by the contractor to ensure the accuracy of the monitoring data. The contractor is also required to provide a certificate after the calibration.
The spokesperson for the HA emphasized, “These monitoring instruments serve a precautionary purpose. In parallel, the main contractor also use portable instruments for manual monitoring. We are also closely monitoring the feedbacks by our stakeholders. Should any healthcare staff report any service disturbance from the construction work, regardless of whether the vibration levels exceed specified limits, the hospital will prioritize patient safety and medical services by immediately suspending the relevant construction work. Over the past six months, the HA has not received any reports of medical services being suspended due to vibrations caused by hospital construction.”
The spokesperson added that the HA has conducted a preliminary assessment of the incident that there was no impact on medical services nor patient safety.
The HA is highly committed to ensuring the safety and management of hospital construction projects. All hospital construction contracts specify reference levels for acceptable vibration levels to ensure the impact of construction on hospital operations and medical services is minimized. The HA will investigate the relevant projects comprehensively, to verify all surveillance data and the process of data upload. The HA also strictly requires contractors to implement measures ensuring all works comply with relevant regulations. Regular inspections by the construction consultants are conducted to monitor contractors’ adherence to the requirements and verify compliance standards.
Novox was a subcontractor of vibration monitoring hired by the main contractors in various hospital redevelopment and expansion projects (including the LKB expansion project), whereas BEWIS Sensing Technology LLC (BEWIS) was the subcontractor of Novox in vibration sensor supply and equipment calibration.
On October 27, HA received notification from BEWIS stating that the contractual relationship with Novox has already been terminated. After redeiving such information, the HA immediately inquired the main contractors of all relevant hospital construction projects, requiring them to ensure that all projects remain unaffected. The HA also instructed the construction consultants and main contractors to reassess the performance of projects undertaken by Novox. Main contractors were reminded to strengthen supervision to ensure project quality meets standards and contractual requirements. The HA has also required all main contractors to commission accredited testing centers to recalibrate vibration sensors and submit certificates.
On November 15, the HA subsequently received five calibration certificates by Novox from the main contractor of LKB. Among all, four of the calibration were conducted on October 28, 2025, while the remaing one was conducted on November 25, 2024. Meanwhile, the HA received a relevant enquiry from HK01 on November 18. For the sake of prudency, the HA particularly tried to verify the authenticity of the certificate with the accredited testing centers. On December 8, the HA received notification through CRCC that the relevant authority had not issued such calibration certificate and suspected that the document was forged.
Currently, apart from the LKB, Novox has also undertaken vibration monitoring projects for other hospitals, including Kwong Wah Hospital, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, Grantham Hospital, and North District Hospital. Novox has also been appointed by various main contractors on real time noise and vibration monitoring system and the online monitoring platform, as well as noise and dust meters. In view of the abovementioned incidents, the HA will comprehensively review and trace all hospital construction projects and services commissioned by Novox, and the certificates submitted by Novox. The HA has zero tolerance on fraudulence. If any fraudulent activity is discovered, the matter will definitely be referred to the police for further investigation and damages will be claimed.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Regarding the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26, the Legal Aid Department (LAD) is making all-out efforts to follow up on the needs of the residents and other affected persons and provide appropriate support.
The LAD has established a dedicated task force and will implement a series of support measures to assist residents and other affected persons in applying for legal aid in accordance with the statutory requirements to handle litigation and related matters about personal injury claims, property damage claims, employees’ compensation claims, etc. The support measures include:
(1) The LAD has coordinated with the Social Welfare Department to leverage the “one social worker per household” service to disseminate information on legal aid, such as details on the scope of legal aid, application procedures and required documentation, eligibility criteria, and assist the residents and other affected persons in making legal aid applications;
(2) The LAD has established a dedicated service hotline (Tel: 2867 4516 or 2399 2277) to address enquiries about legal aid and provide appropriate assistance to residents and other affected persons;
(3) The LAD will streamline application procedures and deploy staff to expedite processing of legal aid applications, so as to ensure that eligible residents and other affected persons can obtain legal aid as soon as possible; and
(4) The LAD will organise seminars for residents and other affected persons to elaborate on matters in relation to applying for legal aid, with personnel on site to offer appropriate assistance. Details of the seminar will be disseminated through “one social worker per household” service and departmental channels in due course.
Furthermore, taking into account the burden and needs of residents and other affected persons, the LAD will arrange suitable legal representatives to handle their litigations upon approval of their legal aid applications, and will maintain communication with the residents and other affected persons throughout the process to ensure their rights and interests are fully safeguarded. In this regard, the LAD reminds residents and other affected persons intending to apply for legal aid not to arrange their own legal representation, or give instructions or signing authorisation documents for legal services, so as to avoid incurring unnecessary costs and safeguard their own interests. Should there be any enquiries regarding legal aid or related matters, please contact the LAD’s dedicated service hotline (Tel: 2867 4516 or 2399 2277).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy para table tennis (TT11) competition of 12th NGD and 9th NSOG to be held tomorrow
Competition date: Limited tickets for the para table tennis (TT11) competition are still available for sale and members of the public can purchase tickets at the ticket office of the competition area at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre. The ticket office will operate one hour before the event starts on event days until ticket verification ceases for that day’s event (i.e. 30 minutes before the scheduled finish time). Each ticket is sold at HK$11 and various electronic payment methods are accepted. Real-name registration for ticket sales is adopted and please prepare an identity document for ticket purchase and before entering the venue. An official franchised merchandise store will be set up on-site outside the competition venue, selling a variety of franchised products with Hong Kong characteristics incorporated and related to the competition events. Members of the public are welcome to visit and make purchases.
Outside the competition venue, there will also be a competition village with various game booths, including digital interactive games, booth games and art workshops themed around the competition events hosted by Hong Kong competition region. The competition village will be open from 10am to 4pm on December 13, and from 10am to 6pm on December 14. Members of the public are welcome to try the games and purchase tickets to watch the competitions and cheer for athletes in person. Issued at HKT 21:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into the Urban Area) has been open for application from eligible Guangdong private cars since yesterday (December 9). The Transport Department (TD) received over 100 applications referred from the Mainland authority on the first day.
The Guangdong Provincial Government conducted the first round of ballot last month (November 23), with 2 388 persons registered, exceeding the pre-set quota of 1 700. These 1 700 successful applicants started submitting their applications to the Guangdong Provincial Government from yesterday gradually.
After preliminary vetting by the Mainland authority, the application information will be passed to the TD for further vetting and processing of permit application. When the applicants complete all the required application procedures (such as vehicle inspection, verification of e-contact means, obtaining insurance and then submit valid documents via the application system), the TD will issue an electronic permit and approval letter to the successful applicants. They shall then make a travel booking online before entry into Hong Kong. Starting from 0.00am on December 23, the approved Guangdong private cars with confirmed travel bookings can enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
The TD is working closely with the Mainland authority to expedite the processing of applications and remind the applicants to complete each application step on time to speed up the approval process.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (December 10), the CHP has recorded one new local case of chikungunya fever (CF), involving a patient who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails during the incubation period. The Tsing Yi Nature Trails is currently closed until further notice. The relevant government departments are conducting large-scale mosquito control and prevention efforts along the trails. To avoid exposure to chemicals or interfering the mosquito control operations, members of the public should not enter the area.
Latest case information
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The case involves a 40-year-old male living in Tuen Mun District. A preliminary investigation revealed that he developed joint pain and a fever on December 4 and 5 respectively, followed by rash on December 7. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (December 9) and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment and is now in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing.
The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The case is classified as local. He hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails with 11 persons on November 30, and reportedly suffered mosquitoe bites there. Other than that, the CHP found no overlap between his activities during the incubation period and the locations visited by earlier confirmed cases. The CHP considered that the patient likely contracted the infection while hiking near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on that day, and that there is an epidemiological linkage between this case and the recent local cases in Tsing Yi. His household contact and the 11 hiking companions are currently asymptomatic. The CHP has implemented prevention and control measures according to epidemiological investigations and risk assessment, including providing medical surveillance and health advice to the household contacts concerned. If necessary, the CHP will arrange for laboratory testing. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 79 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.
Regarding some local cases of CF who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the CHP held an interdepartmental meeting with representatives from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Home Affairs Department, the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the Lands Department, and the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) on December 8, to further confirmed measures to strengthen mosquito prevention and control in the vicinity of the Tsing Yi Nature Trails.
The CHP continues to urge individuals not to visit the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373). The CHP yesterday issued another letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong, urging them to closely monitor whether their patients present with compatible symptoms and arrange blood tests for those concerned. The CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch will provide free testing services.
Specifically targeting confirmed cases who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the FEHD has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the hiking trails. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could bring stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with Kwai Tsing District Office, Lands Department and Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.
Furthermore, the FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
​​The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
read the label instructions carefully first;
apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
apply on exposed skin and clothing;
use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
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​The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
To offer support to individuals affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, the Judiciary announced today that all potential legal proceedings related to the incident will be handled with priority and expeditiously through a series of facilitative measures.
A dedicated task group, headed by the Chief Judge of the High Court and comprising relevant court leaders and specialist judges, will be set up to ensure the swift handling of legal proceedings related to the incident at all court levels, without unduly compromising the administration of justice.
The Judiciary will designate a team of support staff for handling probate-related matters relating to the deceased victims of the fire. The team will liaise with relevant government departments to disseminate essential information on probate-related matters to affected families. A special hotline 2840 1683 is in operation to answer enquiries.
The Judiciary will also waive probate-related scheduled fees relating to the deceased victims. At the same time, the court will consider fee concessions for other court services.
Additionally, the processing of coroner-related matters, including the issue of Certificates of the Fact of Death, will be expedited.
The Legal Aid Department (LAD) today announced that it has established a dedicated task force to implement support measures to assist individuals affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, in applying for legal aid in accordance with statutory requirements.
The legal aid aims to handle litigation and related matters about personal injury claims, property damage claims and employees’ compensation claims, the department explained.
Specifically, the LAD has co-ordinated with the Social Welfare Department to leverage the “one social worker per household” service to disseminate information on legal aid, such as details on the scope of the legal aid, application procedures and eligibility criteria.
In addition, the LAD has established telephone hotlines (2867 4516 or 2399 2277) to address enquiries from the affected citizens about legal aid.
To ensure that the affected citizens can obtain legal aid as soon as possible, the LAD will streamline the application procedures and deploy staff to expedite the processing of applications.
Furthermore, seminars will be held to elaborate on legal aid application matters. Staff will offer assistance on site.
Separately, taking into account the burden and needs of the affected citizens, the LAD will arrange legal representatives to handle their litigation upon approval of their legal aid applications.
In this regard, the LAD reminds the prospective applicants not to arrange their own legal representation, and not give instructions or sign authorisation documents for legal services, in order to avoid incurring unnecessary costs and safeguard their own interests.
Upon liaison with Police, the Housing Department will remove burnt scaffolding on the external walls of Wang Cheong House, Wang Tai House and Wang Sun House at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, starting this Friday.
Meanwhile, the Buildings Department’s orders to remove scaffold nets has all been complied with. It will announce a new set of arrangements within this week requiring scaffold nets used at construction sites to be sampled on-site and certified as compliant with the relevant standards prior to installation, so that the relevant external wall work can resume as soon as possible.
Financial support
As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.1 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.4 billion.
The fund will provide a living allowance to each affected household. As of today, 1,717 cases had been processed.
The fund will also provide the families of each deceased victim with a $200,000 token of solidarity, as well as $50,000 to cover funeral costs. As of today, a total of 109 cases had been processed.
Furthermore, the Government announced today that a new special one-off grant of $100,000 under the fund will be provided to flat owners at all the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court.
Social workers from the Social Welfare Department have been in contact with more than 1,980 affected households, and more than 4,900 residents have been registered for the “one social worker per household” follow-up service.
Accommodation arrangements
As of this morning, a total of 1,435 residents had been accommodated under the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels, camps or hotel rooms. Another 2,677 residents have moved into transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society.
Separately, the temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre has ceased operation as users there have all relocated to the emergency accommodation arranged by the Government. The temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall will remain in operation until existing users have moved to the emergency accommodation.
Relief supplies
On the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 1,700 registrations have been received, with approximately 30% submitted by organisations. Over 16,300 donated items, covering various categories, have been distributed.
Regulation work
The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit has inspected the scaffoldings at Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po, On Kay Court in Kwun Tong, Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, Ching Lai Court in Sham Shui Po and Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan. The contractor concerned has completed removing all the miscellaneous items on the scaffolding.
As of 4pm today, the Labour Department had inspected 404 construction sites, issued a total of 210 written warnings and 104 improvement notices, and taken out 25 prosecutions.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu, accompanied by his wife and colleagues, visited the new office of The Epoch Times to offer congratulations on the relocation and was warmly welcomed by President Lilian Fan.
Director General Wu stated that The Epoch Times has long adhered to professional journalism and in-depth reporting, accompanying countless readers around the world through many significant moments in history. With the move to a brand-new workspace, he expressed confidence that the newspaper will continue to deliver more diverse, insightful, and heartwarming content, contributing greater positive energy to society. He further expressed anticipation for seeing more outstanding stories and coverage from the new premises and pledged continued collaboration with The Epoch Times in upholding truth and advancing societal progress.
The Transport Department (TD) today said it received over 100 applications, referred by the Mainland authority, on the first day of applications for the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into the Urban Area), from eligible Guangdong private cars.
The Guangdong Provincial Government conducted the first ballot round on November 23, with 2,388 people registered, exceeding the pre-set quota of 1,700.
These 1,700 successful applicants started submitting their applications to the Guangdong Provincial Government gradually from yesterday.
After preliminary vetting by the Mainland authority, the application information will be passed to the TD for further vetting and processing of permit application.
When the applicants complete all the required application procedures, such as vehicle inspection, verification of e-contact means, obtaining insurance, and then submitting valid documents via the application system, the TD will issue an electronic permit and approval letter to the successful applicants.
They can then make a travel booking online before entry into Hong Kong. Starting from 0.00am on December 23, the approved Guangdong private cars with confirmed travel bookings can enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
The TD is working closely with the Mainland authority to expedite the processing of applications. It reminded the applicants to complete each application step on time to speed up the approval process.