Hong Kong Health Authorities Monitor New MERS Case from Saudi Arabia, Urge Travel Caution

Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 3) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Saudi Arabia. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety and take due consideration of the health risks when visiting other places.

According to the WHO, the additional case involves a male aged between 50 and 55 with underlying illnesses. The patient was admitted to the hospital on August 31, and his nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on September 4. He is fully recovered now.

According to the latest information, 2 614 MERS cases (with 943 deaths) have been reported to the WHO since 2012, among which 2 205 cases were reported by Saudi Arabia (including the patient reported above).

"We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"As countries in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, continue to report MERS cases from time to time, travellers should refrain from going to farms, barns or markets with camels and avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry. Most of the cases reported in the Middle East had a history of exposure to camels, consumption of camel milk or contact with other MERS patients," the spokesman said.

"Scientific evidence shows that camels are reservoirs for MERS-CoV. Camels infected with MERS-CoV may not show any signs of infection. Infected animals may shed MERS-CoV through nasal and eye discharge and faeces, and potentially in their milk and urine. The virus may also be found in the raw organs and meat of infected animals. Therefore, the best protection is to practise good hygiene and avoid direct contact with all of these," the spokesman added.

From time to time, suspected MERS cases reported to the CHP for investigation involve patients with a history of contact with camels in the Middle East. The CHP strongly advises travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS-CoV. ​Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene.

​The public may visit the MERS page of theCHPand itsTravel Health Serviceto learn more aboutMERS statistics inaffected areas. The public should also refer tothe CHP'sFacebook pageandYouTube channeland the WHO'slatest newsfor more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP'shealth advice on MERS.

Coordination Group on Implementation of Fintech Initiatives convenes fourth meeting

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, today (October 3) chaired the fourth meeting of the Coordination Group on Implementation of Fintech Initiatives (CGFin) and conducted exchanges with representatives from the financial regulators, the fintech sector, academia, and research institutions on the latest developments of Hong Kong's fintech sector.

Mr Hui said, "As an international financial centre with a robust regulatory environment, as well as rich business opportunities and capital support, Hong Kong is an ideal destination for the development of digital finance and fintech. The Government and the financial regulators have long been strongly supporting the development of fintech, including enhancing financial infrastructure, building a more active fintech ecosystem, nurturing fintech talent, and strengthening liaison and collaboration with the Mainland and overseas partners. The work of CGFin will continue to promote cross-sectoral co-ordination and co-operation. I greatly appreciate the valuable views expressed by the industry representatives."

The Government exchanged views with the participants on different fintech areas, including how virtual assets should be further integrated into the mainstream financial market, and the adoption of artificial intelligence in the financial market. In addition, at the meeting, Cyberport and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority reported the latest developments of the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme and the wholesale central bank digital currency Project Ensemble respectively.

The meeting also noted that Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024, themed "Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech", will be held from October 28 to November 1, with the main conference to be staged on October 28 and 29 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The ninth edition of the event will attract attendees from all over the world, including renowned speakers across different sectors. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong will collaborate with participating parties and the industry to showcase the vitality of Hong Kong's fintech ecosystem to global markets.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury is the Chairman of CGFin. Its members include representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council, Invest Hong Kong, Cyberport, and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.