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2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme 2nd Instalment (Please click here for information)
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Proposals on Improving Governance at the District Level
This leaflet introduces the proposals on improving governance at the district level. For details, please visit the website of the Home Affairs Department: www.had.gov.hk.
Necessity of Improving Governance at the District Level
- According to Article 97 of the Basic Law, the District Councils (DCs) are district advisory and service organisations which are not organs of political power.
- Since the beginning of the sixth-term DCs, there had been acts that were in serious violation of the functions of DCs. Some DC members undermined national security, advocated the so-called “independence” of Hong Kong, supported the black-clad violence, and opposed the National Security Law. They unscrupulously disrupted and obstructed the administration of the Government, deliberately created division and confrontation within the society, ignored people’s livelihood, and harmed the well-being of the people.
- We have to institutionally restore the DCs back to the right track:
(1) DCs resuming their positioning under the Basic Law
(2) Strengthening the district governance structure
Three Guiding Principles
- National security must be accorded the top priority. The “one country, two systems” principle must be fully and faithfully implemented
- The principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” must be fully implemented
- “Executive-led” governance must be manifested
Major Initiatives
(1) The composition of reformed DCs; appointed, District Committees Constituency (DCC) and District Council Geographical Constituency (DCGC) members account for about 40%, 40% and 20% of the total number of members respectively, plus 27 ex-officio members, resulting in a total of 470 seats
(2) Introduction of an eligibility review mechanism to fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”
(3) District Officers (DOs) designated as DC Chairmen to manifest “executive-led” governance and coordinate district governance work more effectively so as to better serve the people
(4) Remuneration package of DC members generally maintained at the current level
(5) Introduction of a monitoring mechanism for DC members’ performance to provide for investigations on DC members whose behavior has allegedly failed to meet the public expectation so as to further strengthen the accountability of DC members and transparency of their work
(6) Strengthened district governance structure:
– Establishing the “Steering Committee on District Governance” which will be chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration to take a leading role on the overall strategies, policies and measures of district governance
– Repositioning the “Task Force on District Governance” which will be chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration to coordinate and steer the district work of various policy bureaux and departments
Benefits of the Proposals Brought to the Public
- The reformed DCs will resume their positioning under the Basic Law and no longer be a platform advocating the so-called “independence” of Hong Kong
- The strengthened district governance structure can better serve the people
Composition
- Individuals who are patriotic and have an affection for Hong Kong can participate in the work of DCs through multiple channels; more people with professional knowledge, various experiences and good calibre can enter DCs to serve the community
- Gauging opinions from various channels can enable the Government to look at problems through different lens and facilitate the formulation of appropriate policies
- More capable DC members possessing different experiences can provide assistance to residents who solicit help
- Enlargement of geographical constituencies facilitates a holistic perspective and encourages the consideration of the bigger picture
Eligibility review mechanism
- The principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” can be implemented; DCs will no longer be a platform advocating the so-called “independence” of Hong Kong and undermining national security, but resume to focus on the livelihood of the people
Designating DOs as DC Chairmen
- DOs can better coordinate DCs, “the three committees” (the District Fight Crime Committee, District Fire Safety Committee and Area Committees of each district) and “Care Teams” to create synergy and better serve the people
Remuneration package
- DC members can continue to work at the district level and serve the people
Performance monitoring mechanism
- Members of the public can monitor the performance of DC members on an ongoing basis, so as to ensure DC members duly discharge their duties
Strengthening the district governance structure
The policies and measures formulated by the various parties in the district governance structure are well coordinated and complementary with each other. These policies and measures can be implemented promptly to address the demands of the people in an effective and timely manner
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The implementation of the 2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme (CVS) under which consumption vouchers with a total value of $5,000 (for Hong Kong permanent resident and new arrival meeting eligibility criteria (B)(i) of the 2022 (Phase II) CVS) or $2,500 (for eligible person who has come to live in Hong Kong through different admission schemes and meeting eligibility criteria (B)(ii) of the 2022 (Phase II) CVS) will be disbursed to each eligible people by instalments. The first-instalment voucher of $3,000 or $1,500 will be disbursed on 16 April 2023 to eligible people using the registration information of the 2022 CVS. The remaining value will be disbursed from 16 July 2023 onwards to those eligible people who meet the eligibility criteria of 2023 CVS.Link to the webpage with details of the 2023 CVS: https://www.consumptionvoucher.gov.hk/en/2023cvs.htmlLink to the webpage with details of the eligibility criteria: https://www.consumptionvoucher.gov.hk/en/criteria.html
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Ceremony of Celebration Activities for Ethnic Minorities for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSARThe Home Affairs Department (HAD) held the Ceremony of Celebration Activities for Ethnic Minorities for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 28 August 2022 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland with ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung together with other guests, officiated at the ceremony. They encouraged ethnic minorities to participate in a series of celebration activities organised by support service centres for ethnic minorities and community support teams commissioned by the HAD. There were also some stellar stage performances by talented and energetic performers from ethnic minorities and from local communities which fully demonstrated that people of diverse cultures and backgrounds in Hong Kong could respect and appreciate each other’s culture.
Activity photos can be viewed in this link (Please click this link)
The video highlights of the Ceremony can also be found at https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio2
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The Home Affairs Department has handed over anti-epidemic service packs and COVID-19 rapid test kits to the CHEER Centre for their onward distribution to the ethnic minorities. Let us be united and fight the virus.
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Useful Hotline For COVID-19 epidemic Support
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A COVID Home Recovery Guide at Home For Families and Kids E-Book
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aEb0IaR3830g_66teuw51_OA8HneD6_n/view?usp=sharing
Use of Domestic Gas Appliances Bearing GU Mark – Announcement of Public Interest
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Important Health Information
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. CHP acknowledges WHO’s statement on antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccinesAcknowledging the updated statement on antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health stressed that receiving COVID-19 vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of serious illness and death from infection and called on members of the public who have not received the first three doses of vaccine to get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/19/P2023051900675.htm
2. Government responds to enquiries on latest advice of WHOFollowing WHO’s announcement that the COVID-19 epidemic situation no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the Government would make reference to WHO’s latest advice on the epidemic situation in assessing the local situation and relevant risks, as well as the mutation of COVID-19 strains, thereby appraising the epidemic prevention and control response level, and adjusting the remaining measures and arrangements in relation to the epidemic accordingly. Announcements would be made in due course as appropriate.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/06/P2023050600622.htm
3. Community testing centres and community testing stations completely ceased operationThe Government announced that five COVID-19 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) had completely ceased operation from May 13.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/05/P2023050500431.htm
4. Government’s response on arrangement of extending shelf life of COVID-19 oral drugsA Government spokesman stressed that all COVID-19 oral drugs currently prescribed to confirmed COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong have been tested and confirmed by the drug manufacturers as effective and safe, and comply with the relevant drug safety regulation. The practice of shelf life extension of the two COVID-19 oral drugs is also an established practice in the global pharmaceutical industry. The spokesman reiterated that the COVID-19 oral drugs is safe and effective while the local supply is sufficient. The Government would ensure that there are sufficient medical resources to meet local needs.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/12/P2023051200653.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Department of Health
23 May 2023
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Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government announced latest arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination services and vaccination venues with effect from end of AprilThe Government announced that further adjustment would be made to the COVID-19 vaccination service arrangements and vaccination venues starting from the end of April to align with the updated COVID-19 vaccination arrangement in the new phase of resumption of normalcy, with a view to sustaining sufficient capacity to cater for public demand while ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the arrangements.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/20/P2023042000559.htm
2. Heightened vigilance against COVID-19 and influenza urgedThe Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged members of the public to heighten their vigilance against COVID-19 due to its increased activity as indicated in local surveillance data. Persons who are symptomatic, even if having mild symptoms, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly with a view to lowering the risk of spreading the virus to high-risk persons. Strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene should also be observed at all times. The CHP stressed that vaccination can effectively prevent infection and serious cases.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/18/P2023041800574.htm
3. Amount of COVID-19 oral drugs requested by private doctors via online platform adjustedA Government spokesman reiterated that it has been closely monitoring the usage of COVID-19 oral drugs, and in light of the recent epidemic situation, the number of standard courses of each of the two COVID-19 oral drugs private doctors can request via the dedicated online platform set up by the Government has been increased to 10 courses per order with immediate effect.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/24/P2023042400650.htm
4. COVID-19 vaccination new arrangementIn light of local experts’ advice, the Government announced a new phase of COVID-19 vaccination arrangement.For details, refer to:https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=605863158253000&set=a.348153910690594
5. COVID-19-related hotlines to cease operationThe Government announced that the COVID-19 hotlines (2125 1111/2125 1122/1830 111) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health as well as the enquiry hotline (1836 115) and the Chinese Medicine Service Hotline (1834 511) under the Hospital Authority (HA) ceased operation on 8pm April 18.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/14/P2023041400692.htm
6. Repeal of provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination under Employment OrdinanceThe Labour Department (LD) announced that the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 (Commencement) Notice was published in the Gazette on April 14 and would take effect on June 16 to repeal the provisions under the Employment Ordinance (EO) relating to a legitimate COVID-19 vaccination request (vaccination provisions).For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/12/P2023041100385.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Department of Health
26 April 2023
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Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government announces prevention and control measures and vaccination arrangements in new phase of resumption of normalcyWith the local epidemic situation continuing to subside, the management measures being aligned with upper respiratory tract illnesses, and social and economic activities resuming to full normalcy, the Government announced a new phase of prevention and control measures and vaccination arrangements.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/31/P2023033100694.htm
2. RAT requirement in public hospitals and residential care homes was lifted on March 25The Government announced that, as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to subside, the existing rapid antigen testing (RAT) requirement applicable to public hospitals as well as residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) was lifted on March 25. Visitors of public hospitals, RCHEs and RCHDs are not required to undergo an RAT prior to their visits, whereas clinical staff of public hospitals as well as staff and residents of residential care homes (RCHs) are no longer required to undergo an RAT on a daily basis.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/22/P2023032200546.htm
3. Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccine booster in 2023The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened a meeting to discuss and issue the updated consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster in Hong Kong this year.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/29/P2023032900779.htm
4. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccinationIn the preceding month till 11.59pm on March 28, the Department of Health (DH) received 12 reports (Note 1) of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. No death cases were reported by the Hospital Authority (HA) involving individuals who had received vaccines within 14 days before they passed away and had potential association with vaccination.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/31/P2023033100478.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/Department of Health
4 Apr 2023
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Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Five testing points to continue provision of self-paid nucleic acid testing service from March 22The Government reminded that starting from March 22, members of the public who need to undergo self-paid nucleic acid testing can receive such service at five community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs), the rapid nucleic acid testing centre at Hong Kong International Airport or local testing institutions. The remaining 16 CTC/CTSs has ceased operation.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/20/P2023032000588.htm
2. Government reminds foreign domestic helpers and employers that flexibility arrangements to cope with COVID-19 pandemic will be discontinued on May 1The Government reminds foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and their employers that the flexibility arrangements to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic will be discontinued on May 1. Employers and FDHs should discuss matters relating to employment, contract renewals or the return to FDHs’ places of origin as soon as possible to avoid breaching the relevant requirements.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/10/P2023030900588.htm
3. Public urged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination earlyCurrently, Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above may choose to receive both COVID-19 vaccination and free SIV at Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs). To encourage and facilitate children in getting SIV, from March 22 onwards, Hong Kong residents aged between 6 months and below 18 years may choose to receive free SIV on-site when they are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at CVCs. They can also make reservations for receiving both COVID-19 vaccination and SIV through the booking system of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk) starting from 9am on March 22.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/21/P2023032100572.htm
4. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccinationIn the preceding month till 11.59pm on February 28, the Department of Health (DH) received 21 reports of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. No death cases were reported by the Hospital Authority (HA) involving individuals who had received vaccines within 14 days before they passed away and had potential association with vaccination.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100666.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/Department of Health
22 Mar 2023
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Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government lifts all mandatory mask-wearing requirementsHaving assessed the latest epidemic development, the Government announced that all mandatory mask-wearing requirements will be lifted with effect from March 1, thereby enabling the society to resume normalcy in full.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800677.htm
2. Hospital Authority supports resumption of normalcy measuresThe Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman said the HA will implement a series of measures to fully tie in with the Government’s latest resumption of normalcy measures from March 1 onwards, embracing the full recovery of Hong Kong with the whole society.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800473.htm
3. New arrangements for nucleic acid testing service to commence from WednesdayThe Government reminded members of the public that the nucleic acid testing requirement for public hospitals, residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) has been replaced by rapid antigen tests (RATs) starting from March 1. Following the complete lifting of compulsory nucleic acid testing requirements, free nucleic acid testing service in the community testing network ceased accordingly from the same day onwards. A total of 21 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) will be retained for provision of self-paid nucleic acid testing service to members of the public from 10am to 8pm daily (closed from 1.30pm to 2pm/2.30pm for deep cleaning and disinfection).For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700235.htm
4. Health Bureau’s response on regulatory mechanism of nucleic acid testing servicesThe Government has been maintaining a robust regulatory mechanism for community nucleic acid testing services to strictly monitor the quality of the relevant services in order to safeguard the credibility of testing results and the proper use of public money. In addition, the Government has all along been requiring all testing contractors to ensure that community testing centres and stations (CTC/CTSs) are run properly as stipulated and in compliance with various daily operation and infection control requirements.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/26/P2023022600276.htm
5. Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation assesses serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccinationThe Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation, set up under the Department of Health (DH) to provide independent assessment on the potential causal link between Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) and COVID-19 vaccination in Hong Kong, convened a meeting on February 27 to assess serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccination.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700637.htm
6. Government reminds public not to resell or provide to others COVID-19 oral drugsThe Government reminded members of the public not to resell or provide to others COVID-19 oral drugs, nor should they attempt to obtain COVID-19 oral drugs through improper means. It is an offence to illegally possess, sell or resell (including supply without payment) COVID-19 oral drugs. Obtaining COVID-19 oral drugs through improper means may well constitute the related criminal offence, liable to imprisonment.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800529.htm
7. Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility closing ceremonyThe closing ceremony of the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility (PBCIF) was held on March 1. It was officiated by the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk. Representatives from various departments and organisations which had provided services for the PBCIF also attended the ceremony to witness the important moment marking the completion of mission by the anti-epidemic facility.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100631.htm
8. AMS completes COVID-19 anti-epidemic dutiesThe Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) announced that the Headquarters Control Room, which was activated in view of the epidemic, ceased operation on March 1. The AMS also held a lights-off ceremony in the Headquarters Control Room today, signifying the completion of its COVID-19 anti-epidemic duties. The Commissioner of the AMS, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chief Staff Officer, Mr Wong Ying-keung; volunteer members and staff members joined and witnessed this ceremony.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100559.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/Department of Health
2 Mar 2023
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Citywide RAT to Curb COVID Spread (Reminder)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk (English)
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Quick Tips for fighting the novel coronavirus
Mentor@Home Scheme
CHEER drop-in opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am to 9pm
Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Public holidays: closed
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