![](\"https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/05/20200518/20200518_191102_060/images/20200518194310823.jpg\"/)
Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan participated in the World Health Organization's (WHO) 73rd World Health Assembly via video conferencing today as a member of the Chinese delegation.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, this year’s assembly is being held through video conferencing on May 18 and 19.
Its focus is on the anti-epidemic work by WHO member states and international co-operation.
During the assembly, member states will deliver statements focused largely on the COVID-19 pandemic, report their progress in fighting the disease, share knowledge on the evolving situation, and consider a draft resolution on COVID-19.
Prof Chan said: \"In fighting against COVID-19, I believe that exchanging unique perspectives and hearing from leading experts in various fields are crucial to navigating the anti-pandemic strategies in the future, not just as individual countries but as a global community.
\"The Government has maintained close co-operation with the WHO and health authorities of its member states to fight the pandemic together, with a view to protecting the health of Hong Kong people and maintaining a robust healthcare system in Hong Kong.\"
","contentSnippet":"Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan participated in the World Health Organization's (WHO) 73rd World Health","publishedDate":"2020-05-17T16:00:00.000Z","categories":[],"author":""},{"title":"Exemptions from quarantine set","link":"https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/05/20200518/20200518_171430_381.html","content":"![](\"https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/05/20200518/20200518_171430_381/images/20200518185645386.jpg\"/)
The Government today announced that people conducting audit services or enterprises providing construction-related services in the Mainland can apply for an exemption from the compulsory quarantine arrangement.
In accordance with the amended Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation, the Chief Secretary may designate anybody or category of people for exemption from quarantine if their travelling is necessary for purposes relating to manufacturing operations in the interest of Hong Kong's economic development.
The Chief Secretary has exempted two more categories of people from the quarantine arrangement.
They include certified public accountants, partners, directors or employees of practice units registered with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, who are required to travel to the Mainland to conduct audit work for companies listed on a recognised stock market and having Mainland operations.
The other category is owners of enterprises with a valid business registration certificate and with provision of construction-related professional services in the Mainland and up to one person employed and authorised by the enterprise, as well as up to two people employed and authorised by such an enterprise.
An exempted person must only travel to and stay in the Mainland area or city where the professional services are provided, and must take every precautionary measure to ensure personal hygiene and avoid unnecessary social contact whilst in the Mainland.
After returning to Hong Kong, the exempted person will be subject to medical surveillance arranged by the Department of Health for a period of 14 days.
Currently, travellers to the Mainland would still be subject to the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement imposed by Mainland authorities.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is discussing with Mainland authorities on mutual recognition of COVID-19 testing results conducted by recognised medical laboratories, with a view to exempting the quarantine requirement for Hong Kong travellers to the Mainland.
","contentSnippet":"The Government today announced that people conducting audit services or enterprises providing construction-related ","publishedDate":"2020-05-17T16:00:00.000Z","categories":[],"author":""},{"title":"No new COVID-19 cases in HK","link":"https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/05/20200518/20200518_160232_138.html","content":"![](\"https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/05/20200518/20200518_160232_138/images/20200518163025455.jpg\"/)
The Centre for Health Protection announced that as of 4pm today, no new COVID-19 cases have been recorded, leaving the number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong at 1,055.
The centre again urged members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance from other people to minimise the risk of infection.
People should go out less and avoid social activities such as having meals out or other gatherings to minimise the risk of coronavirus clusters emerging in the community, it added.
As the COVID-19 situation remains severe and the number of cases reported around the world continues to rise, people are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong as well as maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.
Additionally, the Hospital Authority reported that 27 patients confirmed with COVID-19 are currently hospitalised and 1,025 confirmed and suspected patients have been discharged.
For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.
","contentSnippet":"The Centre for Health Protection announced that as of 4pm today, no new COVID-19 cases have been recorded, leaving the n","publishedDate":"2020-05-17T16:00:00.000Z","categories":[],"author":""}]}}});