CS Attends Launch Ceremony of Long March Exchange Activity Series for Hong Kong and Macao Youth in Jiangxi

CS attends launch ceremony of Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth in Jiangxi

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday afternoon (May 10), and attended the launch ceremony of the Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth this morning (May 11).

Mr Chan said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has always attached great importance to patriotic education. In particular, we actively encourage young people to participate in exchange activities on the Mainland to fully understand the country's history, culture and latest achievements. The Long March holds great significance in the nation's development history. We hope that young people can gain an in-depth understanding of its history, learn from its spirit of perseverance and solidarity, and grow into a new generation with an affection for the country and for Hong Kong that is equipped with global perspectives. They should seize the immense opportunities arising from our country's new journey and proactively integrate into and contribute to the overall national development."

During their visit to Ruijin, Mr Chan and Mr Leung also visited the Yeping Revolutionary Sites and the Central Revolutionary Base Area History Museum. These landmarks bear witness to the dedication and sacrifices of the revolutionary forebears, which deeply moved the delegation. Mr Chan expressed the wish to further strengthen co-operation with Jiangxi in patriotic education and organise more in-depth and impactful exchange activities for more Hong Kong youth to visit historical sites and appreciate the national spirit, thereby fostering a deeper identification with the country and Chinese culture, and cultivating their national identity and patriotic sentiment.

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March and to strengthen the national awareness and patriotic spirit of Hong Kong and Macao youth, about 120 youth representatives from Hong Kong and Macao, along with Mainland youth, visited Ganzhou, Jiangxi, from May 8 to 11. They toured memorial museums and historical sites related to the Long March, and visited local research institutes, enterprises and heritage sites. At the launch ceremony, Hong Kong youth representatives shared their experiences and insights gained from retracing the Long March route. Similar visits and exchange activities for Hong Kong and Macao youth will be conducted in other Long March-related provinces progressively. Through first-hand visits to revolutionary sites, young people can gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and culture, enhance their understanding of the country's development journey, and further strengthen their sense of belonging to the nation as well as its culture and history.

Mr Chan departs for Hong Kong this afternoon (May 11).

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10) and toured the Central Revolutionary Base Area History Museum today (May 11). Photo shows Mr Chan (second right) and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (fourth right), being briefed by a staff member during the tour. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10) and toured the Central Revolutionary Base Area History Museum today (May 11). Photo shows Mr Chan (third left) and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (first left), being briefed by a staff member during the tour. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10). Photo shows Mr Chan (centre) touring the Yeping Revolutionary Sites and being briefed by a staff member. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left) touring the Yeping Revolutionary Sites and being briefed by a staff member. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left) and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (fifth left), being briefed by a staff member during a visit to the Yeping Revolutionary Sites. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left), accompanied by the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (third left), touring the Yeping Revolutionary Sites. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki visited Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10) and attended the launch ceremony of the Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth. Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (first left), Mr Chan (second left) engaged with youth representatives from Hong Kong before attending the launch ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the launch ceremony of the Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, today (May 11). Photo shows Mr Chan (14th right); the President of the All-China Youth Federation, Mr Xu Xiao (16th right), Vice Governor of Jiangxi Province Ms Zhang ying (12th right); the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Ms O Lam (14th left); the Director of Bureau IV of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Chen Wei (12th left); the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (10th left), and other guests officiating at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki visited Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday (May 10) and attended the launch ceremony of the Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth. Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung (fourth right), Mr Chan (third right) engaged with youth representatives from Hong Kong before attending the launch ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the launch ceremony of the Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, today (May 11). Photo shows Mr Chan delivering a speech at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH announces latest situation regarding Legionnaires' disease case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 11) reported the latest number of Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

From May 3 to 9, the CHP recorded seven LD cases involving six men and one woman aged between 51 and 93. All of the cases were community-acquired. The details are as follows:

a 51-year-old female with good past health living in Eastern District;

a 64-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Wong Tai Sin District;

a 65-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Yau Tsim Mong District;

a 78-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Kwai Tsing District;

a 78-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Kwun Tong District;

a 79-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Wong Tai Sin District; and

a 93-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Eastern District.

The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. An initial investigation revealed that the seven cases are sporadic cases. No epidemiological linkages have been established between these cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

As of May 9, 46 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2025 and 2024, there were 167 and 135 LD cases respectively.

Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.

Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

Immunocompromised persons should:

Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;

Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and

If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers' instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

The public should observe the health advice below:

Observe personal hygiene;

Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;

Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;

If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations;

Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;

Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;

Seek and follow doctors' professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and

When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

Wear gloves and a face mask;

Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;

Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;

Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and

Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

The public may visit the CHP'sLD page, theCode of Practice for Prevention of LDand theHousekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Managementof the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP'srisk-based strategyfor prevention and control of LD.

Additionally, as smokers and alcoholics are more susceptible to LD, the Government urgesmembers of the public to quit smoking and avoid drinking. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183, which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services. The public may also visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation. The DH has also developed and promulgated the Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention tool to primary healthcare service providers to facilitate the early identification and management of at-risk drinkers. For information on alcohol-related harm, please visit the DH'sChange for Health website.

Source: AI-found images