kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCS completes home quarantine
3.3.2022

A spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau said today (March 3) that the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, had completed his home quarantine as a close contact and returned to office for work today. The spokesman said that Mr Nip had undergone home quarantine in accordance with the "StayHomeSafe" Scheme since February 24. With reference to the Department of Health's latest guidelines on home quarantine for close contacts, persons who have received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine may conduct rapid antigen tests (RAT) on Day 6 and Day 7 of their home quarantine period. If they test negative upon taking the RAT on these two consecutive days (or any two consecutive days thereafter), their quarantine will be considered to be completed upon obtaining the second negative result. Mr Nip and family members conducted RAT yesterday and today and all the results are negative.
Private medical organisations' concerted efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccination service
28.2.2022

With the support from private medical organisations, starting from tomorrow (March 1), the Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC) at Yuen Chau Kok Sports Centre currently run by the Hospital Authority (HA) will be operated by the CUHK Medical Centre. The CCVC will continue to administer the BioNTech vaccine to children aged 5 to 11. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said, "The Government is in full throttle to let more healthcare personnel of private medical organisations to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme so as to allow the HA to free up more frontline staff to provide care to COVID-19 confirmed patients. "As the BioNTech vaccine for children requires a special dilution procedure, two of the three CCVCs set up in mid-February were operated by the HA. After March 1, the operation of the CCVC at Yuen Chau Kok Sports Centre will be taken up by the CUHK Medical Centre. I am very grateful to the healthcare personnel from private medical organisations for their support to the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and their concerted efforts to promote the vaccination drive." Since the launch of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme on February 26, 2021, almost six million persons have received their first vaccine dose as at 8pm today (February 28). Mr Nip appeals to eligible members of the public to take prompt action and get their first, second and third dose of vaccine administered accordingly. "The current epidemic situation is of grave concern. We should never try our luck. We need active participation from every member of the public to boost the vaccination rate in concert so as to build a protective barrier in the community. Apart from protecting oneself, getting vaccinated can reduce the speed of the spread of the virus. It also serves as an indirect protection to our healthcare system," he added. The designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme ) provides the latest information including vaccination venues, reservation and enquiry hotlines.
Family member of SCS tests positive for COVID-19
24.2.2022

A spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) said today (February 24) that the wife of the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, tested positive for COVID-19. Mr Nip tested negative after a COVID-19 rapid antigen test this morning, and his subsequent deep throat saliva specimen submitted for testing also showed a negative result. The other family members also tested negative after COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. Mrs Nip underwent a COVID-19 rapid antigen test this morning and tested preliminarily positive. She submitted a deep throat saliva specimen for testing and the result was positive. She is now at home pending admission to hospital or isolation facility in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). Mr Nip and other family members were identified as close contacts after the assessment conducted by the CHP of the DH. He and his family members will undergo home quarantine for 14 days and medical surveillance in accordance with the "StayHomeSafe" Scheme, including conducting tests on specified days within the period. Mr Nip will work from home during the quarantine period. The CSB has conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection at the relevant offices, and has arranged for relevant staff members to undergo testing. The CSB will continue to implement disease prevention measures vigorously, and has reminded all staff members to pay attention to personal hygiene and stay vigilant at all times. They should seek medical advice and inform the CSB if feeling unwell.
Transcript of remarks by SCS at media session
5.2.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (February 5): Reporter: Mr Nip, looking at future tightening of social distancing measures, what directions are we looking at? And my second question is regarding distributing rapid test kits to everyone in the city. Expert had kind of question on its effectiveness, he said it is not very effective in cutting transmission chains, when it is only for one time and on top of it, it is voluntary. So, what is your response to that? Secretary for the Civil Service: As regards the first question on social distancing measures, in view of the very serious epidemic situation now in Hong Kong, it's very important for our social distancing measures to achieve one single objective - to drastically reduce the people's flow in the community and reduce social contact so that we can cut all the transmission links. So it is very important. When we decide on what sort of social distancing measures that are required, basically we would look at the outcome and the effect of such measures, whether it would effectively reduce the flow of people in the community so as to achieve our objective of cutting all these transmission links. As regards the rapid antigen test, it's clear that the rapid antigen test has the advantages of easy to administer, rapidly getting the results. But, of course, its sensitivity is no way comparable with the PCR test (polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test). For the rapid antigen test that we are using, basically it could detect any CT value of, or below, 28, so it is reasonably sensitive, so to speak. We are not just deploying the rapid antigen test, we have several tiers of testing regime, including the compulsory testing notice and the restriction-testing declarations which are using the PCR test. But because of the very serious epidemic situation and the convenience these rapid antigen tests that can provide, I think it is a very good supplement to enable our citizens, our public to have access to these rapid antigen tests, so that they can know the quick results of whether they got infected or not. You could administer it daily or one time for several days. So I think we should look at it in totality, it is a sort of a supplement. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCS appeals to public to receive COVID-19 vaccination early (with photos)
3.2.2022

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Community Vaccination Centre (CVC) at the Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre today (February 3) to inspect the first-day operation of the CVC in the Year of the Tiger and to learn more about the views of persons who received vaccination there. He also expressed gratitude to the medical and administrative support staff there for their dedicated efforts to serve the public. "Twelve CVCs are open in advance to provide vaccination services to the public on the third day of the Lunar New Year and more vaccination venues will resume operation tomorrow (February 4). I hope that members of the public can grasp and treasure the opportunity and get vaccinated," Mr Nip said. "Recently, there are cases that tested positive for COVID-19 with an unknown source of infection in some districts. Regardless of the districts people reside in, vaccination is the best way for them to protect themselves. Early vaccination means early protection. The Lunar New Year period is also an opportune time for vaccination." Mr Nip appealed to members of the public who have yet to receive vaccination to get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection. He also urged the public to make vaccination appointments for the elderly in their families as soon as possible. To assist the elderly in receiving COVID-19 vaccination, elderly persons aged 60 or above are accorded the same-day ticket service at CVCs (except for the CVCs located at private hospitals) so that they can receive vaccination on the day they collect the tickets. The designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme ) provides the latest information including details on vaccination venues, reservation and enquiry hotlines.
Civil Service College holds first talk of series on country's foreign affairs (with photos)
27.1.2022

The Civil Service College (CSC) today (January 27) held the first talk of the series on the country's foreign affairs jointly with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (OCMFA) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The talk, which was on the topic of "In-depth Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy for a Brighter Future of Hong Kong", was delivered via video-conferencing by the Director-General of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Mr Miao Deyu. The talk was also attended by Deputy Commissioner of OCMFA Mr Yang Yirui. Addressing the talk, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said that in the macro environment of the new era, it is very important for civil servants, in particular senior officials, to acquire a better understanding of the national development strategy and the evolving international landscape, as well as broaden their horizons and enhance their sensitivity. It is also important for them to act in concert with the HKSAR Government to fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems" when performing their duties, so that Hong Kong can play its due role and make a greater contribution to the national development. Mr Nip said the CSC will reinforce the sense of national identity among civil servant colleagues and deepen their capability for broad and strategic thinking through various trainings, including strengthening collaboration with the OCMFA to run a series of monthly talks on the country's foreign affairs, which will be delivered by relevant officials of the MFA. The talks will cover various topics so as to deepen civil servants' understanding of the international scene and the country's positioning, which in turn will enable them to act in better concert with the country's foreign affairs policy in handling the relevant areas of work. "This is a key training programme for the CSC since its establishment. We attach great importance to this programme and we are grateful for the strong support from the OCMFA," he said. About 220 civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks took part in today's talk. They joined the talk mostly through online access in light of the latest social distancing measures.
No need to return to offices for government employees residing in Kwai Chung Estate 
22.1.2022

In view of the latest development of the epidemic, the Government has informed all bureaux and departments (B/Ds) today (January 22) that all government employees residing in Kwai Chung Estate do not need to return to their offices but to stay at home and avoid going out for the time being until receiving further notice from their respective B/Ds. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, appealed to employers to make similar arrangements for their staff where practicable in the fight against the epidemic. He said that to cater for the implementation of various epidemic prevention measures, taking into consideration the scale and manpower requirement of individual operations, the Government will provide cross-departmental support by making suitable deployment of staff from B/Ds. The Civil Service Bureau has earlier informed B/Ds that on the premise of maintaining public services, B/Ds can make appropriate manpower arrangements according to their own circumstances so as to reduce people flow in offices.
More COVID-19 vaccination venues to serve the public (with photos)
15.1.2022

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, inspected the operation of a COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Station (MVS) at Maple Street Playground in Sham Shui Po today (January 15) to learn more about the public's views on the MVS. He thanked the medical and administrative support staff for their efforts in providing services to the public. Over 1 000 people received the BioNTech vaccine at this MVS yesterday (January 14). "To cater for the public's demand for COVID-19 vaccination and to expedite the pace of vaccination, the Government will continue to increase the number of vaccination venues and the vaccination uptake so as to build a protective barrier in the community." Mr Nip said. "There are now more channels for COVID-19 vaccination than before. Four additional Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) will be set up at the Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, Kowloon Bay Sports Centre, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre and Boundary Street Sports Centre this month. The number of general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority will also be increased from two to 25. Other channels include COVID-19 Vaccination Stations in public hospitals, Elderly Health Centres under the Department of Health, over 1 000 private doctors or clinics providing the Sinovac vaccination service and the venues of private healthcare institutions that have enrolled in the BioNTech Vaccination Pilot Scheme." To guard against the threat posed by the mutant virus strains with high transmissibility to the community, persons who are yet to receive vaccination should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection. Eligible persons should also receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible to enhance protection and build a protective barrier in the community. Both COVID-19 vaccines available in Hong Kong are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 infection. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The MVS operating in the form of a container will provide the BioNTech vaccination service at the open area outside Ching Chak House, Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui tomorrow (January 16) and on January 17. Another MVS which operates as a vaccination vehicle also provided the BioNTech vaccination service at the open area outside Sui Lung House, Siu Sai Wan Estate today, and will serve the public at the open area outside Lei Muk Shue Community Hall, Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan tomorrow and on January 17. Members of the public can receive their first, second or third dose of vaccination at the MVSs which operate from 10am to 5pm. The last on-site registration time is 4.30pm. They can refer to the designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for the service schedule of the MVSs ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/List_Mobile_Vaccination_Station_ENG.pdf ), which will be updated from time to time.
Second COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Station to commence operation this Friday
5.1.2022

The second COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Station (MVS) will commerce operation on Friday (January 7) and provide vaccination services at Wong Tai Sin Temple Square for three consecutive days (from January 7 to 9) to enable people in the district, in particular elderly persons, to receive the BioNTech vaccine conveniently. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said today (January 5), "The second COVID-19 MVS will be operated in the form of a container. Having been retrofitted for vaccination purposes, the container will be transported by truck to designated locations where it will be placed on the ground. Members of the public can get vaccinated at the vaccination booths inside the container. It will assist people with impaired mobility to receive vaccination." He stressed, "The spreading threat posed by mutant virus strains is a looming risk to Hong Kong. Hence, persons who are yet to receive vaccination should get vaccinated immediately, and persons who are eligible for a third dose should make reservations and receive vaccination as early as possible. There are various channels for the public to get vaccinated, such as Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs), COVID-19 Vaccination Stations at public hospitals, designated clinics under the Hospital Authority, private clinics, vaccination venues under private healthcare institutions and the like. We will closely monitor the situation including the demand for vaccination and will make suitable adjustments." Mr Nip said that the new MVS will provide the public with one more venue for getting vaccinated. The first MVS, which commenced operation last month, has provided services at Sun Chui Estate in Sha Tin, Lok Wah (South) Estate in Kwun Tong, Cheung Hong Estate in Kwai Tsing and Yan Tin Estate in Tuen Mun. A total of about 5 220 doses of vaccines have been administered. Moreover, the MVS has also provided vaccination services at secondary schools for students and staff members of schools. The procedures for receiving vaccination at the MVSs are the same as those in CVCs. There will be temporary waiting and resting areas at open spaces next to the mobile stations and free medical consultation services will be available for people who are planning to get vaccinated on the spot. Only one type of vaccine is provided at the MVSs each time, i.e. the Fosun/BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine or the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine. Members of the public can receive their first, second or third dose of vaccination at the mobile stations. The MVSs operate from 10am to 5pm. The last on-site registration time is 4.30pm. Walk-in services for eligible persons are available. To reduce waiting time, prior booking through a hotline is welcome. The hotline for enquiries and bookings is 5193 0375 (from 9am to 5pm on weekdays except public holidays). Members of the public can refer to the designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for the service schedule of the MVSs ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/List_Mobile_Vaccination_Station_ENG.pdf ), which will be updated from time to time.
Civil Service College and Peking University's joint programme holds lecture on "The Short-term Fluctuations and Long-term Growth of China's Economy" (with photos)
19.12.2023

The Civil Service College (CSC), in collaboration with the Institute for Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Peking University, launched an in-depth programme on "one country, two systems" and the contemporary China. As part of the programme, a lecture on the topic of "The Short-term Fluctuations and Long-term Growth of China's Economy" was delivered by the Founding Dean of Peking University's HSBC Business School, Professor Hai Wen, at the CSC today (December 19). President Xi Jinping said at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting last month that this year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. The country will continue to pursue high-quality development and high-standard opening up. Chinese modernisation will bring the world more and greater opportunities for the modernisation of all countries. Addressing the lecture, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said that senior civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government must have an accurate understanding of the country's economic development direction and strategies. Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. It benefits from the free flow of capital, talent and information, and the upholding of the common law system. Serving as a bridge linking the Mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong plays an important role in the country's commitment to openness in its development. HKSAR civil servants should actively support the Government in capitalising on Hong Kong's unique advantages, dovetailing with national strategies including the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, the Government is committed to consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's development of the "eight centres", providing impetus for sustaining Hong Kong's competitiveness and economic growth, and contributing to the country's modernisation on all fronts. Around 70 civil servants at the rank of Directorate Pay Scale Point 1 and 2 attended the in-depth programme. In addition, about 80 politically appointed officials and other directorate officers enrolled and sat in on the lecture via video conferencing. The programme was organised to further strengthen training for senior officials and directorate civil servants. It consists of 12 monthly lectures covering a wide range of topics, such as the Communist Party of China and the contemporary China, socialism with Chinese characteristics, the theory and practice of "one country, two systems", as well as developments in contemporary Chinese society, economy, national defence, technology, and more. Distinguished scholars from the Mainland will deliver the programme and engage in in-depth discussions with participants.