Trial Reservation System Launches at Po Pin Chau Section to Manage Visitor Numbers

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to implement trial reservation system at Po Pin Chau Section

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (August 21) that a trial reservation system will be implemented at the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section of the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung (see attached illustration) on weekends, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Golden Week, from September 5 to October 7, to better manage visitor numbers and flow. The trial system applies only to the Po Pin Chau Section, and no reservation is required for entry to other areas of the High Island Reservoir East Dam. Reservations during the trial period will be free of charge.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image

Implementation dates and quotas

Visitors wishing to enter the Po Pin Chau Section between 9am and 5pm on weekends, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Golden Week within the period from September 5 to October 7, must make a reservation. Each two-hour period constitutes a session, with a capacity of 500 people per session and a total daily capacity of 2 000 people. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The dates requiring reservations are September 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 25 to 27, and October 1 to 7. Apart from the dates specified above, and outside the hours of 9am to 5pm, visitors do not need a reservation to visit the Po Pin Chau Section.

The reservation system will open at 11am on August 24 (Monday) for bookings for September 5 and 6. Thereafter, the system will open for reservations every Monday at 11am, accepting reservations for the weekend or Golden Week one week later, thus allowing visitors to plan their trips in advance.

Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Booking platform

Reservations will require real-name registration. Visitors must register in advance through the Klook platform, which includes the website (klook.com/en-US/activity/226636-high-island-geo-trail-po-pin-chau/), mobile application, and Klook WeChat mini-program. Each person may reserve up to five places per registration for themselves and their accompanying persons. In addition to receiving an e-voucher (containing a QR code) via email, registrants can also access the e-voucher on the relevant application or WeChat mini-program. Registrants may cancel their reservation up to 48 hours prior to the start of the reserved time slot.

Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

On-site verification

Visitors with valid reservations are required to arrive at the entrance of the Po Pin Chau Section on the reserved date and time slot, and present their e-voucher and personal identification document to on-site staff for verification to gain entry. If quotas remain available during a particular time slot, walk-in visitors may complete their e-booking on-site. The AFCD will set up a counter at the entrance of the Po Pin Chau Section to handle entry and visitor enquiries.

To ensure that members of the public and visitors are aware of these new measures, the Government will step up publicity through various channels. For introduction, transportation information, and the latest updates on the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section, please visit the webpage (hiking.gov.hk/ppcbooking?lang=en-us). Members of the public and visitors may inquire about the details of the reservation system by email at ppcbooking@afcd.gov.hk or by phone at 2150 6693 (available daily from 9am to 5pm).

Po Pin Chau, Photo source: online image

CHP investigates imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) announced an imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection and reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infections.

The case involves a 24-year-old male with good past health. He developed abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, blood and mucus in stool and headache since August 6. He attended a private hospital on August 9 and was admitted for treatment. His condition improved after treatment and was discharged on August 13. Throughout the hospitalisation period, his condition remained stable without any complications. His stool sample tested positive for STEC by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

According to information provided by the patient, he travelled to Malaysia between August 1 and 8, part of which fell within the incubation period. During the trip, he had consumed high-risk food and beverages, including drinking unboiled tap water, and consuming pre-cut fruits and street foods. The CHP classified the case as an imported case. One of his five travel collaterals also developed diarrhoea. The CHP advised the travel collateral to seek medical attention as soon as possible with arrangement to test stool sample to confirm if there is any infection. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

Over the past five years (2021 to 2025), the CHP has recorded one to six cases of STEC infection annually. The above case is the fourth case of STEC infection recorded in Hong Kong this year.

The incubation period of STEC infection generally ranges from three to four days. In general, STEC infections are mostly associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur. Waterborne transmissions have been reported, both from contaminated drinking water and from recreational waters. The public is advised to observe good personal and food hygiene.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'swebpagefor more information about STEC.

Source: AI-found images