Government welcomes annual report of Process Review Panel for Accounting and Financial Reporting Council
The Government today (June 5) welcomed the publication of the annual report of the Process Review Panel (PRP) for the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).
A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "The PRP conducted an in-depth review of the internal processes and operational procedures in cases associated with the AFRC's performance of its various regulatory functions under the regulatory regime of the accounting profession. The PRP has made observations and suggestions which are conducive to maintaining the fair and effective exercise of regulatory powers by the AFRC, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of high-quality financial reporting and auditing in Hong Kong.
"We would like to express sincere gratitude to the PRP Chairperson, Ms Edith Shih, and members of the PRP for their valuable observations and recommendations such that the AFRC can further enhance its regulatory efficiency and effectiveness," the spokesman said.
The PRP is an independent panel established by the Chief Executive to review cases handled by the AFRC and to consider whether actions taken by the AFRC are consistent with its internal procedures and guidelines for ensuring fairness and consistency.
Source: AI-found images
CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza B infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 5) investigating a severe paediatric influenza B infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 17-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 27 due to a fever, vomiting and seizure. His condition gradually improved following treatment. He remained hospitalised and developed a fever again on June 3, accompanied by a cough with blood-stained sputum. He was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital yesterday (June 4) due to a drop in blood oxygen levels. His respiratoryspecimen collected on June 4 tested positive for the influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with severe pneumonia and shock. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy has not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He had no travel history and did not attend school during the incubation period. His close contacts remain asymptomatic. No influenza outbreaks have been reported recently at his boarding school. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
Influenza activity in Hong Kong has increased in recent weeks but remains below the baseline level. Based on past experience, Hong Kong may experience two influenza seasons each year. Last year's summer influenza season began later than usual and lasted longer than normal, extending from early September last year to early January this year, resulting in the absence of the winter influenza season that traditionally occurs in the first quarter of each year. Nearly six months have passed now since the last influenza season. Given that many members of the public have not been infected with the seasonal influenza virus in recent months, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity may further increase.
The CHP also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children's condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Separately, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage,COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, andVaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
