6 overstayers among 35 people arrested in latest anti-illegal work raids

 

Immigration officers lead a suspected illegal worker away (File)

A total of 35 people were rounded up in the latest week-long operations carried out by government law enforcers to flush out illegal workers across Hong Kong, including six overstayers.

The raids which were carried out from September 11 to 17 targeted restaurants, retail stores, flats under renovation, and other known hotspots for illegal work.

Apart from the overstayers, those arrested included 22 suspected illegal workers, six employers, and one aider and abettor.

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The suspected illegal workers comprised 11 men and 11 women, aged 26 to 55. Two of the men and one woman were holders of recognizance forms, which allow them to remain in Hong Kong but not take up any job, paid or unpaid. In addition, the woman suspect was found to possess a forged HK identity card.

Three men and three women, aged 30 to 57, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested and remain under investigation.

The suspected aider and abettor was a woman aged 44.

The six overstayers comprised two men and four women, aged 33 to 52.

The raids and arrests were conducted jointly by agents from the Immigration Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the Hong Kong Police.

Illegal work carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, and a fine of up to HK$20,000. The prison term goes up to three years for overstayers, illegal immigrants and recognizance paper holders or asylum seekers.

Those found in possession of forged HK ID cards face a prison term of up to 10 years and fine not exceeding HK$10,000.

Employers face the toughest penalty of up to HK$500,000 in fine and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

To report illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

 

Filipinos in HK mark martial law anniversary with protest against Pax Silica

 

Calls to junk Pax Silica in the Philippines dominated the anti-martial law rally

About 50 Filipinos who were mostly migrant workers staged a protest outside the Philippine Consulate General in Admiralty early on Sunday, Sept. 20, to commemorate one of the darkest periods in the country’s history, the declaration of martial law 54 years ago.

Then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. put the Philippines under martial law on Sept 21, 1972, which paved the way for him to rule the country with an iron fist for 14 years.

DETAILS HERE

Claiming a growing communist insurgency and a Muslim separatist rebellion in the south, Marcos suspended the constitution, dissolved Congress, silenced independent media, and caused the arbitrary arrest of some 70,000 people, nearly half of them tortured while in detention.

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The 1986 People Power Revolution forced Marcos Sr to flee the country with his family and close cronies.

Protesters denounce the Philippines' agreement to Pax Silica as a 'sellout'

Led by the Network for Philippine Studies in Hong Kong (NePS-HK), the Sunday picket was held simultaneously with similar protests by Filipino groups in other parts of the world.

Alongside chants of “Never again to martial law,” the Hong Kong protesters called out the decision by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to join the United States-led Pax Silica project, which aims to build supply chains for semi-conductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure and critical minerals, and reduce dependence on China.

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As the 13^th signatory to the alliance, the Philippines committed to designating a 1,620-hectare site in New Clark City, Tarlac as a high-tech hub for the project.

Critics, however, say that in building the massive site, the government will displace roughly 1,000 indigenous Aetas, and drain limited water and power resources in the area.

The HK protesters called on other Filipinos to oppose the Pax Silica infrastructure, and stand against “the yielding of our lands and labor.”

 

Php15m from AKSYON Fund distributed to 279 OFWs, families

 

Beneficiaries pose at the Pasay Astrodome

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) distributed almost Php15 million in AKSYON Fund Assistance to 279 OFWs and their families in three separate events last Sept. 14 as part of the Handog ng Pangulo (HNP) ceremonies marking President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s birthday, the DMW has reported. 

They are the latest of the more than 200,000 beneficiaries of the Aksyon (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan) Fund, a special state fund that has distributed PhP2.83 billion for urgent legal, medical, and financial aid to distressed overseas Filipino workers and their families.

The biggest chunk of the day’s aid was the P10 million given to 200 OFWs and their families during ceremonoes held at the Pasay City Astrodome.

"I never expected that there would be a program like this to help OFWs. I thought I would just go back to the Philippines with no other help to receive. That is why I am so grateful to DMW for its tireless service and concern for our OFWs," said Jessica B. Gajes from Saudi Arabia.

DETAILS HERE

DMW Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia and Assistant Secretary Francis Ron De Guzman, together with DMW-NCR Regional Director Ace Falconi Millar, led the distribution of assistance.

“Our assistance and support to our New Heroes does not end with the distribution of the AKSYON Fund. We are here with our partner agencies to provide comprehensive assistance and services as directed by our President Bongbong Marcos," Olalia stated.

In Batangas City, the DMW distributed ₱4.075 million of AKSYON Fund assistance to 66 OFWs and their families at the Batangas Provincial Capitol.

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DMW Assistant Secretary Violeta D. Illescas, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Batangas, led the distribution of assistance to 46 beneficiaries who received ₱50,000, nine who received ₱75,000, and 11 who received ₱100,000.

"The AKSYON Fund and the services we provided today are direct assistance so that our OFWs can get back on their feet and feel that the government is always focused on their welfare," said Illescas.

DMW also provided direct assistance to 15 clients through its Service Desk for legal assistance, livelihood applications, and online concerns. The agency also participated in the off-site Job Fair at Robinsons Place Lipa, in partnership with recruitment agencies such as 21st Century Manpower Resources Inc. and Maersk-Philippines Crewing Inc.

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At the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, DMW and the municipal government distributed PHP875,000 in AKSYON Fund to 13 OFWs and their families.

Aside from the 13 AKSYON Fund beneficiaries who attended in person, there are an additional 24 beneficiaries who can collect their assistance at the DMW-NCR Regional Office.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Rufino "Ruffy" Biazon and Muntinlupa Lone District Rep. Jaime "Jimmy" Fresnedi led the activity, while Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida represented President Marcos Jr.

In his speech, Sec. Vida urged Muntinlupa residents to take advantage of the government services: "I encourage our countrymen to take advantage of the services available here today, learn about the benefits that can be used, use this opportunity to help your families, jobs, and future"

One of the recipients was Josephine Y. Martires, 50 years old, sister of a deceased OFW from the United Arab Emirates: "First of all, I am grateful to everyone who helped us, to DMW. Second, thank you to PBBM. Thank you very much and belated happy birthday."

The assistance available through AKSYON Fund include legal help for employer disputes or cases.  medical care and emergency hospital treatments, emergency repatriation and transport back home,  financial cash grants for economic relief, burial and shipment of human remains.

Needy OFWs must submit their applications within one year of arrival directly at DMW central or regional offices.

Pinoy awaits sentence for drug possession

 

DB Plaza in Discovery Bay

Just 0.04 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (otherwise known as shabu) promises to complicate the life of a Filipino Hong Kong resident, after he pleaded guilty to drug possession at West Kowloon Court.

Instead of sentencing him right away last Friday (September 18), Principal Magistrate Don So ordered three reports done on C. Villanueva, 48 years old who works as a cleaner, to assess how serious his drug problem is.

Magistrate So adjourned the case to October 2 to await the Drug Abuse Treatment Center, probationary officer, and welfare assistance reports before he decides on the sentence. In the meantime, Villanueva remains in jail.

DETAILS HERE

The reports are expected to give an expert view on whether he is suitable for a community-based sentence like a probation order, a community service order or drug rehabilitation, instead of immediate prison time.

Villanueva was charged with violation of sections 8(1)(a) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

This came after he was arrested on May 12, 2026 outside a shop in DB Plaza, Discovery Bay in Lantau island, when the drug was found in his possession.

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Meanwhile at Tuen Mun Court, Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang granted bail of $5,000 to Micah Layug, 28 years old, but remanded in jail her co-accused Marianne Fontanilla, 45 years old, who are facing three counts of drug charges.

He adjourned the case to November 27.

Layug and Fontanilla are accused of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134, and Section 159G of the Crimes Ordinance, for 20-800 grams of liquid methamphetamine found in their possession on December 18, 2025 at Yuen Long Post Office, Unit B111 & B130, 1/F, Hop Yick Plaza, No. 23 Tai Tong Road, Yuen Long.

Basahin ang detalye!

Fontanilla is the sole accused in the charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, after she was arrested the next day on ther 12^th floor of Mirador Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

She allegedly “unlawfully trafficked in a dangerous drug, namely 8 number of cannabis oil capsules, 3.5 grams of cannabis buds, 3 grams of cocaine, 261.5 grams of crack cocaine, 18 number of zip lock bags with drug traces, 1 grinder with cannabis traces and 1 cigarette pack with drug traces,” the police complaint said.

The third charge, possession of apparatus fit and intended for the smoking of a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 36(1) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, arose from the two smoking devices with cannabis oil capsules, found in Fontanilla’s possession on the same day and place.

 

Grand mid-autumn lantern carnival opens in HK

 

The spectacular ''Shadowlight" can be viewed at Victoria Park

The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 which features spectacular lantern displays, performances and festive activities at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, officially opened Thursday, September 17.

At the same time, a lighting installation to celebrate the Mid-Autum Festival was opened at the Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui, and will remain on display until October 11.

DETAILS HERE

This year’s festval is presented for the first time by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which commissioned Nanjing master craftsmen to create “Shadowlight”, an exquisite 8-meter-tall banyan tree lantern illuminated with brilliant color lights that can be viewed from multiple angles.

Other giant colored lanterns make up the display themed "A Delightful Journey through the Lantern Garden", which draws inspiration from Hong Kong's distinct flavors and lifestyle.

A colorful lantern installation focuses on HK's beloved street foods

They include "A Feast of Light and Cherished Memories", which features smiling faces alongside beloved local delicacies such as egg waffles, Hong Kong-style milk tea, curry fishballs and others.

The lantern installation "Love in Every Moment" portrays a flower in bloom, complemented by heart-shaped light plaques and a corridor of heart-shaped arches, featuring scenes of daily life in Hong Kong.

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"Lantern-lit ICH: Shining with Craft Under Moonlight" is a traditional lantern crafted by veteran paper-crafting master Hui Ka-hung and features rabbits embracing a giant moon, singing nanyin and waving a lion-head lantern. The display allows visitors to experience the warmth of ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) handicrafts amid the festive atmosphere.

Also on display is "Pandas and Steeds Beneath the Palms" which features giant pandas and galloping steeds, as well as a large-scale lantern installation

Another lantern called "Heartfelt Wishes to the Moon under the Glow of Lanterns" was created by students and persons with disabilities.

The lighting installation at the Cultura Centre grounds can be seen until Oct 11

Over at the Cultural Centre, the Mid-Autumn lighting installation “Moonlit Bunny Crew” dominates the surrounding grounds. Created by local talents, the installation uses vivid geometric shapes to present the district’s distinctive landmarks.

The installations will be lit daily from 6.30pm to 11pm, with extended lighting hours until midnight on Mid-Autumn Day (September 25).

As part of the Victoria Park festivities, a Mid-Autumn creative market, a Chinese knots DIY zone, and self-service lantern riddles will be open throughout the carnival that will last until September 27.

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Another must-see is the age-old Tai Hang fire dragon dance to enter Victoria Park and a gala night with Cantonese opera excerpts, as well as folk dancing and Chinese music performances.

A youth night will be held on the evening of September 26, featuring performances by young artists.

For more details, please call 2591 1340 or visit: www.cpo.gov.hk/event/en-mid-autumn-lantern-carnival-2026/.

 

 

Imported carers can earn 10-20% more than FDHs, says labor chief

 

FDHs who wish to become carers will have to go home first and get trained, says Sun

Foreign workers who will be allowed to enter Hong Kong from next year to look after elderly people staying at home can expect salaries that are 10 to 20 percent more than the current minimum allowable wage of $5,100 for foreign domestic helpers.

Secretary for Labor and Welfare Chris Sun said this in a press conference on Friday, but did not give an exact salary range for the foreign domestic carers.

But he said only those with advanced training and experience in elderly care will be hired under the pilot scheme, which will be modeled on the existing regime for admitting FDHs.

DETAILS HERE

This means, they will be live-in workers and cannot take on any other job, or engage in business. They will also be hired on two-year contracts, with a day off each week, apart from statutory holidays.

It is not clear, however, if they will be working exclusively as carers, and would not be required to do housework on top of their stipulated job.

Sun also allayed fears that the new scheme would disrupt the hiring of FDHs, emphasizing that applicants for the foreign carers posts would have to be certified as having at least three years of experience in elderly care.

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Moreover, those currently working as FDHs will need to first return to their home countries to complete the required training and meet the qualifications before being allowed to return as carers.

Asked if the Philippine government has started preparing for the new scheme that could open the doors to more highly skilled and better-paid workers, Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. said they have had talks with the Hong Kong Labour Department on this.

“We’re ready to take it to the next level,” Congen Israel said.

It's estimated that in 20 years, seniors will comprise about a third of all people in HK 

Sun said Hong Kong’s ageing population and the growing demand for more capable helpers to care for elderly relatives at home sparked the decision to open a new category of imported workers.

"It gives the public a choice. If you only need a foreign domestic helper, then you continue to hire in the foreign domestic helper market," he said.

"But if you need someone with high ability, who can be certified and can provide elderly care services, you can pay a bit more to hire a foreign domestic carer."

The pilot scheme was announced by Chief Executive John Lee in his Policy Address on Wednesday as part of the government’s response to Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population.

Government experts predict that in 2046, one in every three people in Hong Kong will be aged 60 and above.

Pinay gets 20 weeks for 5-year overstay

 

A Filipina has been sentenced to 20 weeks' imprisonment after she pleaded guilty at Shatin Court to overstaying in Hong Kong for five years.

With the confession, Ederleth Purugganan. 42 years old, was given a one-third dscount on her original jail sentence of 30 weeks.

Magistrate Raymond Wong, in a decision on Thursday (September 17)  convicted her of breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

DETAILS HERE

A complaint filed last June 25 by the Immigration Department charged her with remaining in Hong Kong on 14 June 2026, when she was arrested, despite a condition of stay set by an an Immigration sssistant who limited her stay in Hong Kong until 28 May 2021 or two weeks after termination of her employnent contract as domestic helper.

Meanwhile, asylum seeker Jonalyn Calsiyao, 36 years years old, was freed temporarily on the same overstaying charge with a bail of $20 with conditions such as not leaving Hong Kong and reporting at a police station regularly.

Magistrate Raymond Wong scheduled the next hearing for October 5.

The Immigration complaint said Calsiyao, arrived in Hong Kong as a tourist, whose stay was limited to February 27, 2019.

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However, she remained in Hong Kong on July 22, 2022, when she was arrested.

Her period of overstay stopped when she applied for non-refoulement, which seeks to prevent the Hong Kong government to deport her forcibly.

Husband appeals for information after OFW-wife hanged self

 

The Filipina was found hanging inside a flat in this luxury estate

“Pwede ko pong makita ang labi ng asawa ko if sya talaga?” (May I see the remains of my wife if it’s really her?)

This was the anguished plea of a man from Aklan province in the Philippines, after being told his wife who had worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for only three months, had taken her own life in her employer’s flat in mid-Levels.

Police records show the 33-year-old Filipina who had previously worked in the Middle East was found to have hanged herself using a piece of curtain cloth, in the afternoon of September 12 (Saturday).

Basahin ang detalye!

A resident of the flat in Bowen Place, 11A Bowen Road, called the police at 5:33pm, after which the helper was taken down. She was taken unconscious to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai, where she was declared dead.

A suicide note was reportedly found at the scene, indicating unpaid debts as the reason for the suicide.

The police report said an autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

It was the second reported suicide of a Filipina domestic worker in just three days. On September 9, a 36-year-old Filipina was found to have hanged herself with a rope inside her employer’s flat in Pok Fu Lam, also because of debt.

The victim’s husband said he was visited by staff of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to tell him about his wife’s death, but was told that “ang mga nakakataas” (higher-ups) would be the ones to inform him about the cause.

The husband then sought help from his fellow Aklanons who are in Hong Kong to get more information about his wife’s death, and to beg if he could at least see a picture of the deceased to prove that it was really she who died.

He said the last time they spoke was about two weeks earlier,  after she sent money to him and their three young children for the first time.

Comments posted on social media by anguished relatives said the deceased gave no indications of what she was going through, even during a conversation with one of them the day before she took her life.

But during her talk with her husband, the deceased reportedly complained about her mounting debts, including one she obtained online, for which she was charged a high interest.

The victim had reportedly not been home since she left to work for the Middle East two years ago, leaving behind her husband and three children aged 7, 9, and 13, in New Washington, Aklan. From there, she went directly to Hong Kong to start working as a domestic helper.

It took OWWA sometime to reach the victim’s husband, as she had reportedly indicated her grandmother as her next-of-kin. Friends say the grandmother died about three months, around the time she moved to Hong Kong.

One of her provincemates who is in Hong Kong said the deceased’s relatives are asking if they could see even just pictures of her if a wake is to be held here.

“Hindi naman namin alam kung saan para mapuntahan,” said the Hong Kong-based friend. (But we don’t even know where we could go to see her remains).

But recently, they were told that her remains are now at Victoria mortuary in Kennedy Town, and that her employer is working on the repatriation.

Those who are feeling depressed are advised to seek professional help immediately, either through the Migrant Workers Office hotline (6345 9324) or NGOs like the Mission for Migrant Workers (9529 2326). They can also call the 24-hour multi-lingual hotline of the Samaritans, 28960000. 

 

 

 

 

Deported Pinay who returned under new name jailed 18 months

 

Eastern Court (File footage)

A Filipina who had been deported 20 years ago and then returned to Hong Kong with a passport under a new name, was jailed for 18 months today after pleading guilty at Eastern Court.

Rizalie Enriquez, 44 years old, tearfully admitted that she is the Rhodora Paraso Belderol, who was deported on May 23, 2006. “Opo, inaamin ko po,” she said to a court interpreter, who translated it to English for the court.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung handed down the sentence after deducting the usual one-third discount for a guilty plea. He also cancelled the hearing earlier scheduled for October 9.

Basahin ang detalye!

Enriquez was charged with breach of deportation order, contrary to section 43(1) (a) of the Immigration Ordinance.

The charge sheet filed by Police said Enriqueż was in contravention of the May 23, 2006 deportation order and prohibited from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter, when she was arrested last August 13 in Wanchai.

During investigation, Enriquez was positively identified as the deported Rhodora Belderol when her fingerprint matched that which was taken 20 years ago.

Duterte appears at ICC hearing

 

Duterte appeared in a dark suit and sported dark hair (pool photo)

Jailed former Philippine president Rodrigo D. Duterte appeared in person Wednesday at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. It was the first time he was seen in court since his initial appearance in March 2025.

Duterte, 81, wore a dark suit and sported a full head of dark hair as he listened intently during the third status conference before his trial, which is due to begin in November. He did not speak, but waved to supporters seated at the public gallery.

But before that, the court will have to decide on whether the former leader is fit to stand trial. His lawyers argue that he suffers from significant memory loss and cognitive decline, making him unable to assist his legal team.

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However, ICC prosecutors and a court-appointed medical panel maintain that he has the mental capacity to understand the charges and follow the proceedings.

The former strongman who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 is being held at the ICC on three counts of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder, covering 49 incidents and at least 76 victims during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.

At Wednesday’s conference ICC presiding judge Joanna Korner stressed the need to proceed with the trial as quickly as possible, and said the court is not inclined to adopt the usual practice of holding blocks of hearings with breaks and sitting hours.

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Instead, Judge Korner said the court intends to sit through the hearing from November 30 until the middle of December, just before the Christmas break.

Duterte’s counsel, Peter Haynes, slammed the prosecution for disclosing a mountain of evidence which he described as being in ä terrible “mess.”

Haynes said the prosecution has now listed nearly 20,000 items as evidence, compared to about 5,000 at the confirmation stage.

“And what has been dumped in the Registry is 62,500 exhibits. That 324,000 pages of evidence and over 1,000 video and audio files which run to many thousands of hours. And they’re in a terrible mess,” he added.

Meanwhile, protest actions were held by various groups near the ICC as the hearing of Duterte’s case went underway. Several groups of Filipino workers and residents in the Netherlands held protests either in support, or to condemn Duterte.

Filipino rights groups like Migrante and Bayan Europe called for Duterte to be held accountable for the thousands of people killed under his “Oplan Tokhang” operations.

Conversely, about Duterte loyalists gathered outside the ICC and in cities across Mindanao to protest his detention and demand his release, calling the proceedings biased.

Pinoy asks for jail term, gets drug rehab

 

Eastern Magistrate's Court 

C. De Vera’s lawyer asked for up to one month’s jail term when he appeared for sentencing today at Eastern Court for drug possession and failure to produce a Hong Kong ID.

But Magistrate Edward Wong sentenced De Vera, 42-years old, to an indefinite stay at a Drug Addiction Treatment Center until he kicks the drug habit, and $500 fine for falure to produce an ID.

“You wish to be sentenced to jail. But you have a heavy problem with drugtaking since 2007,” Magistrate Wong told him. “Prison is mainly for retribution for crime. DATC is for rehabilitation.”

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He added: “We don’t know if it will work for you but it is worth a try.”

De Vera had been tried for possession of a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 8(4)(a) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, and failure to comply with requirement to produce proof of identity for inspection, contrary to section 49 of the Public Order Ordinance.

He was charged with possession of a dangerous drug after police investigators found his pocket a plastic bag containing 0.14 gram of a crystalline solid containing methamphetamine hydrochloride. (a salt of methamphetamine).

Basahin ang detalye!

This happened while he was inside the Breath Test Room, Report Room, North Point Police Station on Java Road last  June 11.

He was arrested by police on Kam Ping Street, North Point, earlier that day after he failed to show his HKID when police officer Huang Junhua demanded to see it.

Under the law, police can require people to produce their HKID if they reasonably believe that it is necessary for the purpose of preventing, detecting, or investigating of an offense for which the sentence is fixed by law or for which a person may (on a first conviction for that offence) be sentenced to imprisonment.”

Public urged to take flu jabs soon amid surge in cases

 

HA doctors hold press conference to urge public to take flu jabs early

The Hospital Authority urged people in Hong Kong to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as soon as possible, amid a surge in infections and serious cases.

An HA consultant said Tuesday the number of cases could go even higher in the winter, so now is the time to get the jab, as it takes two weeks for antibodies to form following vaccination. This protection could last for at least six months.

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“If people receive vaccination in September and October, there will be enough time for their bodies to develop antibodies, so that they will have sufficient immunity during Christmas and New Year – a peak time for travel and gatherings,” said Chan Ting Bong of the New Territories East Cluster’s department of family medicine.

Chan said that pregnant women in particular should get the vaccine as soon as possible, because this will not only protect their own health but also that of the babies they’re carrying.

HK Medical Association doctors echo the call for early vaccination

Earlier, the Hong Kong Medical Association issued the same call, and warned of possible flu outbreaks at schools at the start of classes, increasing the risk of community transmission.

Raymond Tso, council member of the association said that an increasing number of cases were recorded from late August to early September, as students began returning to schools.

Basahin ang detalye!

“That’s why we advise people to get their vaccination sooner to prevent any serious consequences of flu infections,” Tso added.

One flu outbreak that has caused concern happened at the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, where 13 more patients and one staff member were recently reported to have been infected. Three infected patients aged 81 to 95 have died, all of whom had underlying illnesses.

The sick patients who were in the tuberculosis and infirmary wards have been put in isolation, while the staff member is on leave.

The hospital had previously announced that since September 7, eight patients and two staff members had tested positive for influenza A. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures to prevent a further spread of the virus.

The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme by the government is set to begin on Thursday, with eligible patients who regularly visit public hospitals and outpatient clinics being first in line.

The flu jab is given free to those aged 50 and above, children from six months to 18 years old, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases and disabilities. Designated private clinics also administer them free or at subsidized cost to eligible patients.

One such clinic will resume providing free flu shots to Filipinos who turn 50 this year, or older, on September 22, Tuesday, at the Migrant Workers Office on the 29th floor of United Centre in Admiralty.

After this, the free jabs will be given half-a-day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and whole day on Sundays. Those eligible may walk in during designated days and time as listed by the MWO.