Press Releases

December 2003

30/12/2003	Women's Commission appointments and re-appointments announced
24/12/2003	WoC publicity and public education campaign effectiveness survey released
23/12/2003	Solid foundation laid in the work of Women's Commission
17/12/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on SARS Alert Level
17/12/2003	Alert Level (a) of SARS response system activated
06/12/2003	Women's Commission forum examines media's gender biases
05/12/2003	Appointment to the Hospital Authority
02/12/2003	HWFB will continue to enhance food safety
01/12/2003	Government Laboratory celebrates 90th anniversary
01/12/2003	Agreement signed with Netherlands on export of social insurance benefits

November 2003

29/11/2003	Applications open for infectious diseases research grants programme
26/11/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on QEH case
25/11/2003	Public consultation on labelling scheme on nutrition information
23/11/2003	SHWF's speech on "Letter to Hong Kong"
21/11/2003	Appointments to Social Welfare Advisory Committee
20/11/2003	SARS drill tests preparedness of departments
19/11/2003	Consultation on penalties for repeat cleanliness offenders +extended
18/11/2003	SAR doctors will join exchange programme with Mainland
17/11/2003	AQSIQ and HWFB sign Co-operation Arrangement
14/11/2003	SHWF to visit Beijing
13/11/2003	FMO to manage Aberdeen live fish wholesale market
13/11/2003	Advisory committee consulted on initial framework of CHP
11/11/2003	Trust Fund for SARS ready to receive applications
10/11/2003	SHWF inspects vaccination programme for mentally handicapped
10/11/2003	Membership of CHP Advisory Committee revealed
07/11/2003	Trust Fund for SARS: funding approved and committee established
04/11/2003	Health Secretary to visit Singapore
03/11/2003	Task force implements SARS recommendations- Annex(58KB)

October 2003

28/10/2003	AMSC endorses four-pronged approach to fight mosquito problems
28/10/2003	Additional $20 million to top up Trust Fund for SARS
25/10/2003	Reports of increase in medical fees clarified
24/10/2003	Four additional sweeteners allowed in HK
23/10/2003	SHWF to attend joint meeting on health in Macau
23/10/2003	Views sought on penalties for repeat hygiene offenders
21/10/2003	SHWF and US health officials exchange views on CHP
17/10/2003	$130 million trust fund to aid SARS affected families
16/10/2003	HWFB's statement on HA's SARS report
11/10/2003	Families the focus of Mental Health Month
09/10/2003	Social capital in action
07/10/2003	Way forward for SARS report's recommendations discussed
04/10/2003	SARS contingency fund under active consideration
03/10/2003	SARS experts to oversee implementation of recommendations
02/10/2003	Transcript of press conference on SARS Expert Committee report
02/10/2003	Lesson learned from SARS: be prepared

September 2003

28/09/2003	Applications for research grants called
24/09/2003	Isolation facilities well in place to tackle SARS: SHWF
23/09/2003	Government has overall response system to guard against SARS
23/09/2003	More copies of the SARS Checklist for interested parties
22/09/2003	Vigilant and prepared: a comprehensive strategy to guard against SARS
19/09/2003	Research Council appointed
16/09/2003	Transcript of SHWF on PMH case
11/09/2003	Immunisation against influenza for vulnerable groups
11/09/2003	Multi-pronged approach to prevent SARS resurgence: PSHWF
09/09/2003	SHWF visits Fu Hong Society Rehabilitation Centre
09/09/2003	Hong Kong takes steps to prevent SARS
08/09/2003	Better communication with Guangdong on infectious diseases
07/09/2003	SHWF to attend WHO Regional Committee for Western Pacific
04/09/2003	SHWF visits Health Department of Guangdong Province
03/09/2003	Response on trading activities of live marine fish at Aberdeen promenade
02/09/2003	Measures to tackle Vibrio cholerae studied

August 2003

29/08/2003	Appointment to Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee announced
29/08/2003	First "time use" survey findings released
27/08/2003	Transcript of SHWF and Food on Nethesole incident
26/08/2003	SARS Task Force endorses preventive measures - Annex
20/08/2003	SHWF goes on official visit to Macao
20/08/2003	Transcript of SHWF at a media session after visiting two residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) in Tseung Kwan O
20/08/2003	SHWF visits two elderly homes after SARS
19/08/2003	Full report will be made public simultaneously: experts
19/08/2003	Enhancement of Infection Control Facilities in the Public Hospital System
14/08/2003	SHWF discusses market operation with stall tenants
13/08/2003	Plenary session of SARS Expert Committee commences
12/08/2003	SARS Expert Committee convenes plenary session
10/08/2003	17 second-batch projects successful in securing CIIF support  - Annex(64KB)
08/08/2003	Financial aid for family members of another health care professional
06/08/2003	Hong Kong still the best place for business

July 2003

31/07/2003	Appointment and re-appointment of Elderly Commission Members
31/07/2003	Community involvement important in prevention of communicable diseases: SHWF
23/07/2003	Scheme to encourage provision of residential care home for the elderly premises
18/07/2003	FC approves $1.4 billion more to fight for SARS cause
18/07/2003	Hong Kong, Mainland seal pact on vaccination of chickens against H5 avian flu
17/07/2003	SARS Expert Committee will submit independent report
14/07/2003	Sir Robert Ho Tung Charitable Fund allocates $9.9M
11/07/2003	International community to learn from HK SARS outbreak review: expert
10/07/2003	Transcript of SHWF on Tuen Mun Road accident
09/07/2003	Public Health Group gets first-hand knowledge at Amoy Gardens
07/07/2003	Public Health Group commences five-day meeting
05/07/2003	Public Health Group convenes review on SARS outbreaks

June 2003

29/06/2003	Financial Assistance for Family Members of Another three Health Care Personnel
28/06/2003	HK people will have full and frank account of SARS attack: experts
27/06/2003	PSHWF to attend APEC Health Ministers Meeting in Bangkok
27/06/2003	Hospital group of SARS Expert Committee meets health care workers
26/06/2003	Hospital group of SARS Expert Committee starts three-day meeting
25/06/2003	Pre-market safety assessment proposed to ensure safety of GM foods
25/06/2003	In the Eye of the Storm photo exhibit pays tribute to local SARS heroes
23/06/2003	Lady MacLehose holiday camp to end its isolation centre role
23/06/2003	Transcript of SHWF on removal of HK from list of areas with local transmission
23/06/2003	SHWF welcomes removal of Hong Kong from list of areas with local transmission
20/06/2003	Transcript of SHWF on SARS Expert Committee
20/06/2003	SARS Expert Committee work in good progress
18/06/2003	Jockey Club Arts for the Disabled Scheme launched
16/06/2003	HK experience helps enhance global understanding on SARS: WHO chief
15/06/2003	Hong Kong reports SARS in transparent manner
14/06/2003	SARS clinical experience treasured as experts conclude workshop
13/06/2003	SHWF opens SARS clinical management workshop
13/06/2003	Transcript of SHWF on SARS Clinical Management Workshop
12/06/2003	SARS Expert Committee invites public submissions
12/06/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food
12/06/2003	HK co-hosts international SARS clinical management workshop
09/06/2003	Statement on infectious disease hospital
07/06/2003	Women's Commission promotes good practices on empowerment of women
05/06/2003	Government studies various options to control infection
05/06/2003	SHWF: CDC decision further demonstrates confidence in HK
05/06/2003	Transcript of SHWF to the media concerning the lifting of travel advisory by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention at the Central Government Offices
03/06/2003	ExCo approved seven-year residence requirements for CSSA and SSA - Annex: Summary of Existing and Proposed Residence Requirements(75KB)
03/06/2003	Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2003 to be gazetted
02/06/2003	SHWF grieved by death of a doctor
01/06/2003	SHWF saddened by death of ward attendant

May 2003

28/05/2003	SARS Experts Committee appointed
28/05/2003	Transcript of SHWF on Experts Committee
28/05/2003	Hong Kong welcomes lifting of travel advice by Australia
27/05/2003	SHWF saddened by the death of a health care assistant
26/05/2003	Financial assistance for family members of four heroes
23/05/2003	Prompt and proactive actions being taken in Lek Yuen Estate
23/05/2003	Transcript of SHWF at a stand-up press session on the lifting of travel advisory against HKSAR
23/05/2003	SHWF welcomes WHO's lifting of travel advisory
20/05/2003	Control measures on SARS in Hong Kong take effect
19/05/2003	SHWF meets health ministers of Finland and Canada
16/05/2003	WHO investigation findings support HK's work
16/05/2003	WHO Environmental Health Team Reports on Amoy Gardens
14/05/2003	Proactive and sustainable approach to containing dengue fever  - Comparison of Monthly Ovitrap Index between 2002 and 2003(10KB)
13/05/2003	SHWF to attend World Health Assembly in Geneva
13/05/2003	Response Team to step up pro-active efforts against SARS
12/05/2003	WHO updated on SARS control in HK
10/05/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on the treatment protocol of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) at a press conference
10/05/2003	Panel outlines SARS treatments and rehabilitation procedures
07/05/2003	No worry for outbreak in Tung Tau Estate and Koway Court
06/05/2003	Transcript of SHWF at a press briefing on the video conference with World Health Organisation (WHO) officials on severe acute respiratory syndrome
06/05/2003	WHO offers praise and encouragement for "heroic" HK action on SARS
04/05/2003	Vessel with sick crew requests to enter Hong Kong waters
03/05/2003	Transcript of a stand-up session by SHWF after a radio programme

April 2003

26/04/2003	International partnership and co-operation important in combating SARS
26/04/2003	Calculation of death rate consistent with WHO practice
26/04/2003	SHWF expresses condolences over the death of a nurse
25/04/2003	PSHWF to attend ASEAN Health Minister Meeting
23/04/2003	WHO team coming to HK, says Health Secretary
23/04/2003	Transcript of SHWF at a press briefing on the latest situation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
22/04/2003	Building up social capital to face the challenges of SARS
19/04/2003	Health Secretary urges SARS patients to seek early treatment
19/04/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at a press conference on the local treatment experience of severe acute respiratory syndrome and the clinical correlation of outcome
19/04/2003	SHWF takes part in Territory-wide Cleansing Day
18/04/2003	Response Team set up to take pro-active actions against AP
17/04/2003	Transcript of SHWF on the findings of an investigation of severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak at Amoy Gardens
17/04/2003	Amoy Gardens investigation findings make public
17/04/2003	Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) at Amoy Gardens, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong - Main Findings of the Investigation(23KB) - Annex
16/04/2003	Additional legislative provisions to deal with severe acute respiratory syndrome
15/04/2003	Temporary quarters for health care staff
15/04/2003	Cigarette tar and nicotine yields fall
11/04/2003	Appointment to the Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene
10/04/2003	Transcript of press conference on implementation of home confinement
10/04/2003	Household contacts of AP patients ordered to stay at home
08/04/2003	Amoy Gardens Block E residents can return home if cleared medical check-up
07/04/2003	Disinfection of Block E of Amoy Gardens starts
04/04/2003	Community shows support for affected residents
03/04/2003	Improvement measures at Lei Yue Mun Park Holiday Village
02/04/2003	Falling virus numbers a good sign, says CE
02/04/2003	Camp move further step in tackling disease
01/04/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on the latest situation of severe acute respiratory syndrome

March 2003

31/03/2003	Transcript of SHWF's opening statement on the isolation order
28/03/2003	Health declaration at all ports starts tomorrow afternoon
28/03/2003	Women's Commission appeals to all women in Hong Kong- Annex(53KB)
25/03/2003	SHWF calls upon partnership with health care professionals
24/03/2003	Inter-departmental effort to disseminate public health advice to the public
24/03/2003	Health Secretary lists four points to tackle virus
24/03/2003	Transcript of SHWF on severe respiratory syndrome
22/03/2003	Transcript of SHWF on atypical pneumonia
22/03/2003	Transcript of remarks on severe respiratory syndrome
22/03/2003	SHWF reiterates public health is top priority
22/03/2003	Closer cross-border cooperation to prevent disease spreading
21/03/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on atypical pneumonia
21/03/2003	Health Secretary outlines preventive measures for unique atypical pneumonia
20/03/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on atypical pneumonia
19/03/2003	Virus findings heartening, says Health Secretary
19/03/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on atypical pneumonia
18/03/2003	Health Secretary updates on atypical pneumonia
18/03/2003	Transcript on atypical pneumonia cases
18/03/2003	Medical fee waiver mechanism to be further revised - Annex : Asset Limit for Waiving of Medical Charges
17/03/2003	Index patient causing cluster of atypical pneumonia in hospital traced
16/03/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on pneumonia update
15/03/2003	Transcript of SHWF on pneumonia update
14/03/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at a stand-up briefing at Central Government Offices
13/03/2003	Surveillance and infection control measures to tackle viral infection cases
12/03/2003	Medical fee waiver mechanism aims at helping the vulnerable
07/03/2003	New criteria for ex-gratia allowance to pig and poultry farmers approved
02/03/2003	Downward adjustment in CSSA not targeted at vulnerable groups
01/03/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at a media session after attending a radio programme
01/03/2003	Women's Commission Celebrates International Women's Day 2003

February 2003

25/02/2003	ExCo endorses rate adjustment of CSSA and SSA - Annex A(24KB) - Annex B
21/02/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at the Central Government Offices
20/02/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at the Central Government Offices
14/02/2003	Law to speed up closure of unhygienic food establishments takes effect
13/02/2003	Vector surveillance to step up as high season of dengue fever approaches - Annex
11/02/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at the Central Government Offices
11/02/2003	Limited public resources will be used in the most optimal manner
10/02/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at a media session after visiting a number of farmers taking part in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's Organic Farming Conversion Scheme
10/02/2003	The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food visits farming community in Yuen Long

January 2003

27/01/2003	Adjustment of CSSA will not affect basic living standard
24/01/2003	Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at a media session at Central Government Offices
23/01/2003	Appointment of the Chairperson of the Guardianship Board
22/01/2003	Surveillance on avian flu to be stepped up
22/01/2003	Transcript of the remarks made by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food at a media session after attending a radio programme
17/01/2003	Strategy to control avian influenza explained to trade
15/01/2003	Information paper on HWFB Policy Agenda available on internet
14/01/2003	Twelve projects successful in securing CIIF support
11/01/2003	Opening remarks by Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food in the press conference on the Policy Agenda under the theme of "Caring and Just Society/ Enlightened People with a Rich Culture"
07/01/2003	Transcript of remarks by Secretary for Health, Welfare and food at the Central Goverment Offices