HKSAR Government extends gratitude to various governments, organisations, and all sectors of society for warm support for those affected by Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po
A month has passed since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received condolences and support from various provinces and cities on the Chinese Mainland and from international counterparts. The HKSAR Government expresses its gratitude to the provincial and municipal governments of the Chinese Mainland, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, international organisations, consulates-general, honorary consulates, and officially recognised bodies in Hong Kong for their condolences and support for those affected by the fire through various channels, and thanks all sectors of Hong Kong society for their enthusiastic commitment to relief efforts and generous donations.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "On behalf of the HKSAR Government and all citizens of Hong Kong, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the condolences, care, and assistance from our country and around the world. Fire shows no mercy, but the love of people abounds.This care, transcending geographical boundaries, reflects the spirit of solidarity and mutual support. We will continue to face challenges with resilience and love, transforming sorrow into strength and assisting those affected in returning to normal life as soon as possible."
Mr Lee also expressed his gratitude to all sectors of Hong Kong society for their generous donations and active participation in relief efforts, covering areas such as accommodation, medical care, mental health, finance, and transport. These contributions have provided essential resources and support for post-disaster reconstruction and social recovery.
Following the fire, numerous charitable organisations and funds swiftly allocated donations to assist residents. The Government also established the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has so far received approximately $3.8 billion in donations. Together with the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the total fund has now reached around $4.1 billion. This fund provides various emergency financial support to various groups of people affected by the fire, including all residents, families of the deceased, hospitalised casualties, students, domestic helpers, workers, flat owners, and tenants.
Furthermore, many members of the public and organisations proactively donated supplies to address the immediate needs of the affected residents. In response, the Government and the information technology sector collaboratively established an online platform for donations of supplies. After assessing the actual needs of the residents, relevant government bureaux and departments and service organisations promptly distributed supplies, including food, beverages, clothing, personal care items, bedding, and electrical appliances, to support the residents' daily lives.
The HKSAR Government will continue to unite the strengths of all sectors, leading the community in its recovery and reforms with steadfast determination andaction, to jointly build a safer and better Hong Kong.
Source: AI-found images
Update on mosquito-borne diseases, dengue fever and chikungunya fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 26) reported the latest situation of dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF). The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, reminds the public that temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions (including neighbouring Southeast Asian countries) remain favourable for mosquito breeding. When travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, the public should take measures to prevent mosquito bites, including wearing loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers and applying insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or exposed parts of the body.
Dengue fever
----------------
From December 19 to yesterday (December 25), the CHP recorded two imported DF case. The patient had travelled to the Philippines and Cambodia respectively during the incubation period.
As of yesterday, 59 imported DF cases have been recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. From January to July 2025, over four million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths have been reported in 97 countries/territories.
DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. Indonesia, India and Vietnam have each recorded over 100 000 cases so far this year; Malaysia and Thailand have each recorded over 40 000 cases; and Singapore has also recorded over 3 500 cases.Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded 3 579 locally infected cases so far this year. A total of 21 cases were recorded in a week between December 1 and 7, with the highest number of cases recorded in Shantou and Chaozhou.
Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP'swebsite.
Chikungunya fever
-----------------------
As of 5pm today, no new cases of CF had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 81 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported.
Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the trails are currently closed until further notice. The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along Tsing Yi Nature Trails and the surrounding areas. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and a robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could cause stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.
Continuously strengthening prevention and control
---------------------------------------------------------
TheFEHDand relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Preventive measures taken by the public
----------------------------------------------
Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
read the label instructions carefully first;
apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
apply on exposed skin and clothing;
use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.
Source: AI-found images
