The Buildings Department approved 13 building plans in February - four on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, nine were for apartment and apartment-commercial developments, one was for commercial development, one was for factory and industrial developments, and two were for community services developments.

Consent was given for works to start on two building projects, which will provide 77,942 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

The department also issued 14 occupation permits - four on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.

Buildings certified for occupation have 149,306 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use involving 2,912 units, and 67,594 sq m for non-domestic use.

The declared cost of new buildings completed in the month was $3.7 billion.

At 1 a.m. at the Hong Kong Observatory :
Air temperature : 29 degrees Celsius
Relative Humidity : 82 per cent

The Government will ensure absolute transparency of the Employment Support Scheme, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said today.

Mr Cheung made the statement after attending a radio programme this morning, and reiterated that under the new $80 billion scheme, eligible employers have to undertake that they cannot implement redundancy and that the subsidy will go towards paying staff.

"We have got two very important criteria. One is, no redundancy at all. The second thing is, all the subsidy from the Government for that particular purpose must go to paying staff salaries and not other purposes. A very restrictive approach."

He added that the list of applicants for the scheme would be open for public inspection.

"We will ensure absolute transparency of the scheme. For any successful applicant, their amount of subsidy disbursed and so on will be released to the public, and also particularly to the employees concerned, so they know whether the employers have applied for the scheme and whether they are successful indeed.

"And finally in Hong Kong, we have got a very active media and also a very active trade union movement here."

Mr Cheung also said that imposing a penalty against those who did not comply with the scheme's regulations would be discussed.

"If there is any criminal element involved - conspiracy, dishonesty and so on - we will act in accordance with the law. Any outstanding sum that is not used will be clawed back. We are also considering imposing a penalty for any deviation from the so-called regulation or rules imposed by the scheme. Now, all these need to be thrashed out in the next few days.

"We will be going to the Finance Committee coming Friday. A special Finance Committee meeting will be lined up. Then the whole thing will go firm, because there are still some minor details yet to be thrashed out."

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said all the examination centres for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) Examination are well prepared to provide a very safe environment for candidates to take the exams.

Mr Yeung made the statement when asked by reporters this morning about the arrangements schools have made to prepare for the DSE to be held on April 24.

He said: “In terms of the distance between the seats, in terms of all the procedures for cleansing, and also the detailed arrangements including the toilet arrangement and other things, all the schools, all the examination centres, are well prepared to provide a very safe environment for our candidates to take the examinations.”

Regarding school resumption, Mr Yeung said the Government has not made any firm decision nor set any deadline for schools to resume classes.

The Education Bureau today issued a circular memorandum to tutorial schools, inviting them to apply for a relief grant under the Anti-epidemic Fund.

The bureau said a total of about $120 million has been allocated from the fund to provide a one-off relief grant of $40,000 to each eligible tutorial school.

These tutorial schools must be registered under the Education Ordinance, have been operating in the three months before the class suspension - November, December and January - and be in operation on the application date.

Designated centres under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Designated Evening Adult Education Courses, which offer evening secondary school courses for adult learners, are also eligible for the grant.

The measure is expected to benefit about 3,000 tutorial schools, and the relief grant will be disbursed about four weeks upon receipt of an application.

Additionally, the fund will also provide relief grants to school-related service providers who have been affected by the prolonged class suspension, incurring an expenditure of about $419 million.

Beneficiaries will include operators of catering outlets at primary schools, secondary schools and post-secondary institutions and lunchbox providers of primary and secondary schools.

School bus drivers, school private light bus drivers and escorts, or nannies, as well as instructors, coaches, trainers and operators of interest classes engaged by schools, will also benefit from the relief grants.

The bureau will distribute application forms for the relief grant through post-secondary institutions to the catering outlets operating on their campuses within this week. The application details for other relief grants will be announced as soon as possible.

Separately, the bureau announced earlier that it would provide a one-off relief grant of $80,000 to each private school offering full and formal curriculum.

The grant has been disbursed progressively to schools under the English Schools Foundation, international schools, private independent schools, and other private secondary day schools and private primary schools.

The Chief Executive has reappointed Frederick Ma as Chairman of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Council from April 25 to December 31, the Government announced today.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung thanked Mr Ma for accepting the reappointment, saying that under his leadership, EdUHK continues to focus on educational research, development and innovation and promoting and supporting the development of teacher education in Hong Kong by nurturing outstanding and committed educators and professionals.

Mr Ma cannot accept a three-year term up until 2023 due to personal reasons. In the meantime, the Government will identify a suitable candidate for the chairmanship of the EdUHK Council.

To reduce social contact in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Primary One Central Allocation results will be posted to parents.

Announcing the move today, the Education Bureau said it will deliver door-to-door the Primary One Registration Form with Central Allocation results to parents from June 3 to 4 through Hongkong Post’s Local CourierPost service.

If no one is present to receive the item at the time of delivery, a mail collection notification card will be left for parents to collect it from the designated post office from the afternoon of the following working day.

If parents have not received the Primary One Registration Form or the notification card by June 5, they can collect the registration form at the designated Collection Centre from June 6 to 7.

The Education Bureau will send letters to parents tomorrow to notify them of the arrangements.

Parents can get updates on the latest arrangements for the release of Central Allocation results and registration through the bureau’s press releases and messages posted on its website.

Call 2891 0088 for information on Primary One admission. For further enquiries, contact the bureau's School Places Allocation Section (Primary One Admission) on 2832 7700 or 2832 7740.

The deadline for applications under the first round of funding from the Elder Academy Development Foundation in 2020 has been extended to June 30, the Labour & Welfare Bureau announced today.

The decision aims to provide sufficient time for primary and secondary school sponsoring bodies, post-secondary institutions and organisations, which may be affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, to prepare their submissions.

The fund’s committee accepts funding applications all year round and conducts vetting and disburses funding twice a year. The deadlines were generally May 31 and October 31 respectively.

The committee will continue to monitor the situation and announce arrangements for the next round in due course.

To tie in with the Elder Academy Scheme, the fund mainly provides funding for primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary institutions to set up academies to provide learning opportunities in a school setting for the elderly.

Funding is also provided for activities that encourage elderly learning and inter-generational harmony.

Call 3655 5861 or 3655 5007 for enquiries.

The Government said it will continue to spare no effort in improving workers' benefits and protection and enhance occupational safety and health in various industries at a pace commensurate with Hong Kong's overall socio-economic development.

The Government made the statement today in response to the demands of different labour groups, noting that it would take into account both employees' interests and employers' abilities to afford the benefits, despite the severe blow dealt by the COVID-19 epidemic to the local economy.

"The seasonally adjusted unemployment and underemployment rates for January to March this year have soared to their highest levels in recent years. The labour market will continue to face significant pressure in the near term.

“The Government has rolled out relief measures of unprecedented scale, including the one-off measures in the 2020-21 Budget and two rounds of measures under the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF) totalling $287.5 billion, with a view to preserving the vitality of the economy and relieving people's financial burden.

“The Government will launch as soon as possible the Employment Support Scheme under the second round of the AEF, with a total commitment of $81 billion, to provide time-limited financial support to employers to help them retain employees who will otherwise be made redundant.”

Moreover, the Government explained that it has earmarked $6 billion to create around 30,000 time-limited jobs in the public and private sectors in the coming two years for people with different skills and academic qualifications.

It emphasised that the Labour Department will raise the ceiling of on-the-job training allowance payable to employers under the Employment Programme for the Elderly & Middle-aged, the Youth Employment & Training Programme and the Work Orientation & Placement Scheme in the second half of this year.

It will also launch a pilot scheme to encourage eligible participants of these programmes to undergo and complete the training by offering a retention allowance.

On improvements to other labour benefits, the Government pointed out that it is working at full steam on the preparatory work to abolish the arrangement of 'offsetting' severance payments and long service payments with employers' mandatory contributions under the Mandatory Provident Fund System.

It stressed that it will strive to introduce the enabling bill into the Legislative Council by the end of this year, aiming to secure its passage by 2022.

Meanwhile, the Government introduced the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2019 into LegCo on January 8 this year. The bill, which proposes to extend statutory maternity leave by four weeks, is now being handled by the LegCo Panel on Manpower.

The Chief Executive announced on January 14 this year 10 new initiatives on improving people's livelihood, one of which is to increase progressively the number of statutory holidays so that it will be on par with that of general holidays.

The Government stated that it will work out the relevant proposal, invite the Labour Advisory Board to discuss, and will facilitate and support its work.

The Minimum Wage Commission is conducting a new round of review on the Statutory Minimum Wage rate and will submit a report on its recommendation to the Chief Executive in Council by end-October.

The Government added that it attaches great importance to employees' occupational safety and health.

It said the Labour Department has been adjusting its strategies of inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, education and training according to the occupational safety and health risk levels of different industries as well as taking sufficient precautionary measures to prevent accidents by driving employers and employees to work together.

The Education Bureau and the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today announced their latest arrangements on public services starting May 4.

All Regional Education Offices, the Joint Office for Kindergartens & Child Care Centres, the School Places Allocation Section, the Qualifications Framework Secretariat and other service units will resume normal opening hours from May 4.

However, the Hong Kong Teachers' Centre, Special Education Resource Centre, Central Resources Centre and Young Achievers' Gallery located at Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, as well as the Arts & Technology Education Centre will remain closed until further notice.

The AFCD’s licensing services and reception counters at Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices and the Marine Parks Office at CDW Building in Tsuen Wan will resume normal services Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.45pm.

The anti-rabies dog inoculation and dog licensing services at the animal management centres will also resume as normal from May 4.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Wetland Park (except some indoor facilities and play areas), eight Country Park Visitor/Education Centres, seven Hong Kong Geopark Park Visitor Centres and the Endangered Species Resources Centre will reopen from May 4.

However, school and public programmes will remain suspended until further notice.

The barbecue sites and campsites in country parks will also continue to be closed until May 7.

Click here for the latest public service arrangements.

Beatrice K. Gandara
Nov 1, 2011; 24:199-205
From Research to Practice

John R. White
May 1, 2014; 27:82-86
From Research to Practice

Gretchen Benson
Feb 1, 2011; 24:36-40
Nutrition FYI

Priscilla Hollander
Jul 1, 2007; 20:159-165
Articles

Jacob Oleck
Aug 1, 2016; 29:180-184
Pharmacy and Therapeutics

Caroline Trapp
Feb 1, 2012; 25:38-44
Nutrition FYI

Mays H. Vue
Aug 1, 2011; 24:171-177
Pharmacy and Therapeutics

Abdur Rehman
Nov 1, 2011; 24:234-238
Pharmacy and Therapeutics

Maggie B. Covington
Aug 1, 2001; 14:
Articles

Peggy Yarborough
Jan 1, 2003; 16:
Case Studies

Curtis Triplitt
Oct 1, 2006; 19:202-211
Pharmacy Update

Geralyn Spollett
Jan 1, 2003; 16:
Case Studies

Property management companies and owners’ organisations which have successfully applied for an anti-epidemic support scheme were reminded today to disburse the hardship allowance to frontline workers as soon as practicable upon receiving the subsidies.

The Home Affairs Department said the workers concerned shall acknowledge receipt of the allowance using the prescribed forms.

The property management companies or owners’ organisations shall submit a report on the allowance’s overall payment to the Property Management Services Authority within three months of receiving the subsidies.

The department and/or the authority will conduct a random review and check to ensure that the frontline property management workers have received the allowance.

As of today, more than 8,160 applications have been received for the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector under the Anti-epidemic Fund.

About 2,850 applications have been approved, involving more than $100 million in subsidies and benefitting more than 17,500 building blocks and about 25,500 frontline workers.

Call 3696 1156 or 3696 1166 for enquiries.

Some 60,000 workers of over 340 contractors received the first round of allowance under the Anti-epidemic Fund, the Government said today.

The Government explained that it has been making use of the fund to provide allowances to eligible cleansing and security workers engaged by service contractors of the Government and Housing Authority.

Front-line cleansing workers, toilet attendants and security workers employed by the service contractors can receive a monthly allowance of $1,000 for a period of no fewer than four months throughout the epidemic period.

The first round of funding amounted to some $60 million.

Eligible workers who performed duties in March have received the $1,000 allowance applicable to that month.

Arrangements were made for the April allowance to be issued concurrently with the salary of that month.

Front-line workers are not required to submit any application for the allowance.

The departments and the Housing Authority entered into agreements with their contractors to ensure the transfer of the allowance to eligible workers. 

The Government said the allowance aims to provide financial support to cleansing and security staff engaged by service contractors in anti-epidemic efforts, and gives recognition for their committed services at this critical juncture.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau today announced that the subsidy quota for three mask production lines have been reassigned.

Three production lines, previously approved under the Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme, have withdrawn from the scheme, the Government said.

The subsidy quota concerned has been allocated to SDL Skin (Asia), Safeguard HK and SwissTech.

SDL Skin (Asia) has been approved for obtaining a subsidy for a second production line and is expected to supply an average of 1.6 million masks every month to the Government. The production line may receive a subsidy of up to $1 million.

Safeguard HK has been approved for obtaining a subsidy for one production line and is expected to supply an average of 500,000 masks to the Government every month. The production line may receive up to $2 million.

SwissTech has been approved for obtaining a subsidy for one production line and is expected to supply an average of 2 million masks every month to the Government and produce a further 1 million masks on average monthly for the local market.

The production line may receive up to $3 million.

It is estimated that when all 20 subsidised lines under the scheme are in full production, they will collectively supply 33.85 million masks to the Government and a further 7.15 million to the local market monthly.

The companies which withdrew from the scheme were CareHK and Shang Manufactory.

The Government did not sign agreements with or make disbursements to these firms.

The Mortgage Corporation today announced that the pilot scheme for fixed-rate mortgages will start receiving applications from May 7.

The aggregate loan amount of the Fixed-rate Mortgage Pilot Scheme is $1 billion, subject to a maximum loan amount of each private residential mortgage of $10 million.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the pilot scheme, announced in the 2020-21 Budget, provides an alternative financing option to homebuyers for mitigating their risks arising from interest rate volatility, thereby promoting the development of the mortgage market in the long run.

In response to the change in market interest rates, mortgage interest rates under the pilot scheme have been lowered, as compared to the levels previously announced in the Budget. The interest rates per annum for 10, 15 and 20 years are 2.55%, 2.65% and 2.75%.

Mortgages under the pilot scheme will be offered through Bank of China, Chong Hing Bank, Dah Sing Bank, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Shanghai Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and The Bank of East Asia.

At the end of the fixed-rate period, borrowers may either re-fix the mortgage rate under fixed-rate mortgages or convert the mortgage to a loan on a floating rate, which is the prime rate minus 2.35%.

The pilot scheme will be effective until October 31.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has rejected allegations made by certain officials and politicians in the United States, United Kingdom and European Parliament relating to an April 18 arrest operation and other security matters.

In a statement today, the Hong Kong SAR Government said such allegations were totally unfounded and amounted to a serious intervention in Hong Kong's affairs.

The SAR Government strongly disagreed with the grossly irresponsible remarks and expressed deep regret about them.

It pointed out that since its return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has maintained stability and prosperity under the principle of "one country, two systems", exercising "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Basic Law (BL).   

"The Central Government has time and again reiterated that it will unswervingly implement the policy of one country, two systems' and make sure that it is fully applied in Hong Kong without being bent or distorted. 

“How to implement the policy in the HKSAR - an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China (BL Article 1) and a local administrative region of the People's Republic of China which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the Central People's Government (BL Article 12) - are entirely internal affairs of the People's Republic of China.

“No other state has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, in those internal affairs.”

The statement noted Hong Kong people enjoy extensive rights and freedoms which are enshrined in the Basic Law. Basic Law Article 4 states that the HKSAR shall safeguard the rights and freedoms of the residents and of other persons in the region in accordance with law. 

“In addition, human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are fully protected by the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other legislation, and underpinned by an independent judiciary."

The SAR Government said it always respects and protects human rights and freedoms. Any allegation that there has been an erosion in freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people is unfounded.

However, these rights are not absolute. As pointed out by the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal at the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2020: "It is important to understand that the enjoyment of these rights has limits so as not to affect adversely to an unacceptable level the enjoyment by other members of their community of their rights and liberties."

There are clear limits in the law as to the exercise of these rights. When the law is broken, action will be taken in accordance with the criminal justice system.

"We therefore take great exception to comments made by officials and politicians in foreign countries concerning the recent arrests and prosecution of a number of persons for organising and participating in unauthorised assemblies in Hong Kong. 

“The allegation by some that those arrests amounted to an attack on Hong Kong's freedoms and a breach of the BL is absurd and can hardly stand the test of any law-abiding jurisdiction," the statement emphasised.

It also pointed out that Basic Law Article 63 provides that "The Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference." 

Prosecutors have always been discharging this constitutional duty independently and professionally, without fear or favour. Prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective assessment of all admissible evidence and applicable laws, made strictly in accordance with the Prosecution Code which is available to the public.

Cases will not be handled any differently owing to the political beliefs or background of the persons involved.

When law enforcement agencies have completed their investigation, they would seek legal advice from the Department of Justice. The prosecutors would carefully consider the investigation reports and relevant materials submitted. A prosecution would only be commenced if the prosecutor is satisfied that there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction.

In short, the well-established procedures of Hong Kong's criminal justice system include the independent investigations by law enforcement agencies, the independent prosecutorial decisions based on the objective assessment of evidence, applicable laws and in accordance with the Prosecution Code, and finally, open trials by an independent judiciary. 

"The guarantee of judicial independence is explicitly set out in the BL and the quality of the judgments of our courts contributes to the much respected judiciary and rule of law in the HKSAR.

"We therefore note with abhorrence certain overseas politicians' request that the HKSAR Government should drop the charges against the arrested individuals. If we were to accede or to be seen to yield to such unreasonable demands, we would not only be unfair and unprofessional but would also act in violation of the spirit of the rule of law – a core value in Hong Kong," the statement added.

The SAR Government remains steadfast to uphold the rule of law. The latest Rule of Law Index 2020 released by the World Justice Project, in which Hong Kong maintains its ranking as No. 5 in the East Asia and Pacific Region and No. 16 globally, several places ahead of the United States, has clearly affirmed Hong Kong's commitment.

On legislating for Basic Law Article 23, the statement said, "The HKSAR Government has the constitutional duty to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place to safeguard national security.

“Having laws in place to protect national security is common in many jurisdictions, and we do not see how any defence of sovereignty and security by a jurisdiction would impact on its local and overseas investment. 

“Coincidentally, it is relevant to note security issues arising from the social unrest last year were part of the causes affecting Hong Kong's score under 'Investment Freedom' according to the US-based Heritage Foundation 2020 Index of Economic Freedom."

As regards enquiries about the role of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR, they represent the Central People's Government to which the HKSAR comes directly under pertaining to Basic Law Article 12. 

These offices have the power and responsibility over the proper and full implementation of the Basic Law and "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong.

It is therefore clearly legitimate for the HKMAO and LOCPG to recently express their concerns over the prolonged paralysis of the Legislative Council House Committee, thereby hindering LegCo's performance of its legislative functions under the Basic Law.

"Any suggestion that those legitimate remarks by the HKMAO and the LOCPG amount to interference only illustrates an ignorance of the constitutional order of the HKSAR and its relationship with the Central Authorities," the SAR Government added.

The Government has mechanisms to investigate complaints against civil servants impartially, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip said today.

Mr Nip made the remarks in response to media queries on recent allegations levelled against senior police officers.

He said: “There are established mechanisms to investigate every complaint in accordance with the procedures and rules. Depending on the circumstances and the case details, some are being handled by departments and bureaus. Some may be handled by the Civil Service Bureau.

“There are established mechanisms in dealing with that. Of course we would handle each and every complaint in a very serious and impartial manner.”

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang today visited the temporary operation centre for the special scheme for delivering urgently needed prescription medication to Hong Kong people in Guangdong and Fujian.

Under the compulsory quarantine arrangements, many Hong Kong people who are staying in Guangdong and Fujian provinces are unable to attend follow-up consultations in Hong Kong to replenish their prescription medication and return to the Mainland on the same day.

The Government introduced a special scheme on February 24 to deliver medicine to them, with priority given to those who would run out of prescription medication by end-April.

Mr Tsang was pleased to learn that as of April 29, prescription medication deliveries had been made to more than 7,600 Hong Kong residents in need.

He thanked the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions for offering voluntary services for the drug delivery scheme with its well-established service networks on the Mainland.

Mr Tsang also thanked the Pharmaceutical Society of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Care Foundation for deploying pharmacists to the temporary operation centre to help verify drug records and patients' information.

During his visit, he gave encouragement to participating volunteers and thanked them for their support for the scheme.

Mr Tsang said as the expiry date for the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation has been extended to June 7, the special scheme will be extended and give priority to cases in which prescription drugs will run out on or before that date.

Call 2343 2255 for enquiries about the scheme.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said the prevailing chairwoman of the Legislative Council House Committee should have the responsibility and power to deal with the matters of the committee.

Mrs Lam made the statement ahead of the Executive Council meeting this morning, noting LegCo President Andrew Leung had sought advice from outside senior counsel on how to address the delay in electing the committee’s chairman.

She said the senior counsels have observed that many of the matters raised in the House Committee’s meetings by the presiding member in the past six months have been irrelevant to the purpose of electing the committee’s chairman and vice-chairman.

“The second point that the senior counsels have observed during their very detailed scrutiny of the deliberations is that there was at least one occasion on March 13 in the House Committee meeting that gave people a very clear impression that the delaying of the election by the presiding member of the House Committee was quite deliberate and deliberate for political reasons.

“And the third thing that I observed from the senior counsels’ advice is, having regard to all these circumstances, they are of the firm view - this is the word taken from the senior counsels’ statement - that the prevailing chairwoman of the House Committee should have the responsibility and the power to deal with the business of the House Committee.”

The Chief Executive added that she expects the committee’s prevailing chairwoman Starry Lee to exercise her power.

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said law enforcement agencies are investigating cases where police officers are suspected of breaching property rules and will give a full account to society.

Speaking to reporters before the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mrs Lam said nobody is above the law.

“The law will be applied in the same manner regardless of the status, the background, the political affiliation of that particular person.

“As far as I am concerned, as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong and also as an individual, no law-breaking behaviour is acceptable. But it is not for me to stand here to judge each and every case because every case or every complaint has to be investigated and analysed by the law enforcement agencies.

“I am sure that they will do it as diligently as possible and will give a full account to society, especially given the recent concerns.”

The 2020 honours and awards selection and appointment of Justices of the Peace (JPs) exercise will be postponed, as well as the announcement of the list of honours and awards and JP appointments, the Government announced today.

It decided to defer the exercise to accord top priority to the ongoing anti-epidemic work and implementation of measures to retain employment, support businesses and ease people's livelihood in the face of challenges arising from the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Honours List and JP appointments will be announced on October 1 instead of July 1 as in previous years, the Government added.

The partnership will join hands with four UK startups as it hopes to reduce plastic waste as part of its retail tech initiative, JLAB

Education secretary, Damian Hinds, wants schools across the UK to “take advantage of all of the opportunities available through Edtech” in the government's new strategy

A group of technologists has led crowdsourcing efforts to create a single repository of information for specialists fighting the Coronavirus outbreak. Techworld speaks with founder Edward Saperia to hear more about how collaboration tools can help the efforts

The UK-based digital identity specialist managed to raise a bumper round during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is looking at ways to apply its technology to help combat the global crisis

Companies with large numbers of furloughed workers are offering staff an introductory course in JavaScript coding, thanks to the European coding bootcamp, Codeworks.

The Housing Authority’s Commercial Properties Committee today approved the extension of rent concessions to over 8,300 non-domestic tenants or licensees for six months from April 1 to September 30.

The authority had earlier granted a 50% rent concession to its eligible retail and factory tenants for six months from April 1.

Under the extension, their rent concession will be increased to 75% over the same period with retrospective effect from April 1. The rent concession does not include rates and air-conditioning charges.

The authority said such further measures are to support the Government's new series of measures announced in early April to relieve the financial burden of individuals and businesses.

A total of 2,450 retail and 3,300 factory tenants will benefit from the approved increase in the rent concession.

The 75% rent concession will also be extended to cover tenants and licensees of bus kiosks and most advertising signboards, as well as car park users for the monthly parking of commercial vehicles.

About 40 tenancies for bus kiosks, 80 advertising signboards and about 2,500 car park users stand to benefit from the concession.

Tenants of premises in the authority's properties which are required to be closed under relevant regulations or the Government's directions, may also apply to the authority for a 100% rent concession for the period during which they are required to be closed.

The authority added that the approved measures will be implemented as soon as possible. For rent and licence fees already paid for the months of April and May, arrangements will be made for offsetting in the payment for subsequent months.

The committee has approved three rounds of rent concessions since last September. Together with this round, the total rent and licence fees foregone by the authority is estimated to reach more than $1 billion.

About $31 million in funding has been given to support 79 projects under the special round of the Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme, the Government announced today.

A total of 210 applications were received for the special round, which was launched last November to fund local research institutions and think tanks to research topics relating to the underlying causes of the social incidents that took place in the second half of 2019.

The research may also cover important political, economic, cultural and societal issues relating to deep-seated problems of society.

Assessment of the applications received under the special round was conducted by the independent assessment panel chaired by and comprising experienced academics.

The research quality of the proposal and relevance to the themes of the special round were the principal assessment criteria, with consideration given to factors such as whether the research proposal was solution-oriented, feasible and practical, whether the methodology was reasonable and sound, the applicant’s capability and whether the proposed budget was cost-effective. 

The assessment panel took a holistic view on each research proposal, reached a collective decision and made recommendations, the Policy Innovation & Co-ordination Office said, adding that a declaration of interest system was in place to ensure the assessments were fair and impartial.

In general, a sum of up to $500,000 has been granted to each approved project under the special round.

The approved projects have commenced progressively and are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the first batch to be completed in late September to early October.

Click here for details of the funded projects.

Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit today met representatives of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and research and development centres (R&D) specialising in innovations winning recognition worldwide.

While touring the Hong Kong Science Park, Mr Sit visited the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute, the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute and HKSTPC.

He met representatives of HKSTPC start-ups that specialise in healthcare technology, artificial intelligence, chips, material science and vehicle safety technology. Some start-ups have participated in the StayHomeSafe mobile app.

Mr Sit noted that Science Park is a breeding ground for local innovation and technology that shows tremendous strength.

He emphasised that with the concerted efforts of the HKSTPC and all R&D centres, batches of R&D talent have been nurtured, with their innovations winning recognition worldwide.

Their work has also helped consolidate Hong Kong's R&D strengths, promote applied R&D and foster commercialisation of R&D results, he added.

On the application of technology solutions in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the secretary pointed out that the electronic wristbands and StayHomeSafe mobile app used for home quarantine arrangements, the NASK Nanofiber Smart Mask supplied to the Hospital Authority and the CuMask are all R&D achievements from Science Park.

Mr Sit said he hoped that with the collaborative efforts of the HKSTPC and R&D centres, the I&T development in Hong Kong will be further promoted, driving economic development and improving people's livelihood.

Police today said it is highly concerned about recent criminal offences involving police officers and that a number of these officers have been arrested.

Among them, officers in connection with serious offences have been or will be interdicted.

The force said it is furious and disappointed about the officers who are suspected of having breached the law and that the incidents have impaired public confidence in Police.

Police attach the utmost importance to the discipline and integrity of officers.

All officers, irrespective of their ranks, must abide by the law at all times.

Police management has zero tolerance towards any acts that breach the law or discipline by police officers, it added.

The force also said it attaches great importance to the integrity of its officers.

The Complaints & Internal Investigations Branch formulated the Integrated Integrity Management Framework to promote integrity and honesty among officers as well as to regulate their discipline and conduct.

To avoid similar incidents, Police said its management is reviewing the force’s internal management strategy.

Police reiterated that no bad element in the force can be tolerated.

If an officer is suspected of having breached the law or committed a breach of discipline, Police will conduct an investigation according to the established mechanism and take appropriate actions.

The CuMasks have undergone strict testing and certification processes before the product will be distributed to help people combat the COVID-19 virus, Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit said today.

Mr Sit’s remarks came amid public concerns over the safety of the free reusable face masks that the Government plans to distribute to all Hong Kong citizens.

Addressing reporters after attending a radio programme this morning, Mr Sit said: “The product has gone through a very comprehensive and clear testing and certification process.

“The product can fully comply with the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) F2100 Level 1 requirement, so that the product can fully meet the need of protecting our people from COVID-19.

“I have to emphasise that this whole process must be done by proper laboratories and that’s what we have done.”

Mr Sit noted that a dedicated website on the CuMask has been set up that contains information on the testing reports of the masks.

“For those people who may not have a complete understanding about our product, they may go to our website so that they can see the reports and certificates.

“I fully hope this product can help our people to combat COVID-19.That’s what we would like to do."

Below, Mac Hyman, Tulane University, talks about types of mathematical models--their strengths and weaknesses--the data that we currently have and what we really need, and what models can tell us about a possible second wave.

At the beginning of the video, he thanks the mathematics community for its work, and near the end says, "Our mathematical community is really playing a central role in helping to predict the spread, and help mitigate this epidemic, and prioritize our efforts. …Do not underestimate the power that mathematics can have in helping to mitigate this epidemic—-we have a role to play."

See the full set of videos on modeling COVID-19 and see media coverage of mathematics' role in modeling the pandemic.

The AMS is pleased to announce that Scott Hershberger has been chosen as the 2020 AMS Mass Media Fellow. Scott studied mathematics and physics at Washington University in St. Louis and will graduate in May 2020. He will be working at Scientific American this summer.

The Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellows program is organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This program is designed to improve public understanding of science and technology by placing advanced undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate science, mathematics and engineering students in media outlets nationwide. The fellows work for ten weeks over the summer as reporters, researchers, and production assistants alongside media professionals to sharpen their communication skills and increase their understanding of the editorial process by which events and ideas become news.

Now in its 45th year, this fellowship program has placed more than 700 fellows in media organizations nationwide as they research, write, and report today’s headlines. The program is designed to report science-related issues in the media in easy-to-understand ways so as to improve public understanding and appreciation for science and technology.

For more information on the AMS Mass Media Fellowship, visit the website.

updated April 1, 2020

In response to current challenges that colleges and universities face as a result of the spread of COVID-19, the American Mathematical Society is offering libraries and institutions additional support, in line with recommendations in the ICOLC Statement on the Global COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Library Services and Resources.

The AMS is also participating in the Copyright Clearance Center Education Continuity License program, providing access to our content for distance learning and other educational uses at no cost to the user.

We are extending grace access for content hosted on our platforms (including MathSciNet) through the end of May for our existing customers. We will re-evaluate this timing as needed.

As courses transition to online, we can provide instructors with complimentary electronic “reserve” copies of our textbooks for cases in which students do not have access to their print copies.

E-books purchased through the perpetual access model on the AMS platform are always available DRM-free with unlimited simultaneous use. In addition, we are partnering with ProQuest to allow multi-user access through mid-June to all e-books purchased on their platforms. Read ProQuest’s statement.

We are providing remote access to all our content, including MathSciNet. In normal circumstances, this remote access can be set up while on campus or while connected via institution VPN (in order to validate IP-based access). We realize many students, faculty, and researchers did not have an opportunity to initiate this access before leaving campus, so we have given instructions to our library partners on how patrons can connect to our content. Please contact your librarian for assistance.

Libraries: if you have not received instructions to share with your patrons, please email us at cust-serv@ams.org or be in touch about any other of your library’s needs.

Review all AMS Resources & Updates.