Civil Service Newsletter Septmember 2022 Issue No.112

Features

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Message from the Chief Executive

President Xi Jinping’s arrival to inspect Hong Kong and attend the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Four Sessions on “Spirit of the President’s Important Speech” held by Civil Service Bureau

Uniting expertise: civil servants fight epidemic together

Leveraging technologies in fight against COVID-19

Explanation of WCAG 2.0 Level Double-A Conformance
Uniting expertise: civil servants fight epidemic together

Civil Service Newsletter Editorial Board

EARLY this year, the fifth wave of the epidemic took a turn for the worse and brought unprecedented challenges to Hong Kong. The Government assumed the primary responsibility for the anti-epidemic work and utilised all available manpower and resources to fight against and control the epidemic situation as quickly as possible.

The civil service, as the backbone of the Government, is obligated and assumes an important role in the fight against the virus. As the fifth wave is more severe than previous ones, the anti-epidemic measures involve a wide range of sectors and require enormous human resources. Regardless of their departments and grades, civil servants, whether civilian or disciplined services staff, are all mobilised to take up various roles in the anti-epidemic work.

Since the outbreak of the fifth wave, over 140,000 government employees have participated in the anti-epidemic work at different times and in different roles, accounting for 70% of the total number of government employees.

Despite facing unprecedented pressure, various Bureaux and Departments displayed solidarity, responsiveness and flexibility, which coupled with the proactive participation of civil servants at all ranks, are indispensable to the quick and smooth implementation of the anti-epidemic measures. Nevertheless, various departments also strive to maintain public services and provide frontline and backend support in the fight against the virus.

In face of the ever-evolving situation, the civil service will continue to uphold the spirit of serving the public, stay committed to their duties and firmly stand by the public in the fight against the epidemic. 

Please click  below for more details.
Promoting Vaccination
Mobilising the Affected Trades to Join Anti-epidemic Work
Distributing Anti-epidemic Service Bags
Coordination and Distribution of Anti-epidemic Supplies from the Mainland
Support for Persons under Home Isolation or Quarantine
Support for Various Sectors
Risk-based Testing Strategy
Contact Tracing, Notification of Confirmed Cases and Follow-up Work
Community Isolation and Treatment Arrangements
Other Anti-epidemic Support
Civil Servants Fighting the Virus with You

Risk-based Testing Strategy

On 22 and 23 March 2022, the Audit Commission joined hands with FSTB (Treasury Branch), the Government Logistics Department (GLD), the Government Property Agency, and the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) in deploying about 100 colleagues of different grades to conduct "RTD" operation at Tsui Mei House, Tsui Ping (North) Estate, Kwun Tong.
On 22 and 23 March 2022, the Audit Commission joined hands with FSTB (Treasury Branch), the Government Logistics Department (GLD), the Government Property Agency, and the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) in deploying about 100 colleagues of different grades to conduct "RTD" operation at Tsui Mei House, Tsui Ping (North) Estate, Kwun Tong.
On 22 and 23 March 2022, the Audit Commission joined hands with FSTB (Treasury Branch), the Government Logistics Department (GLD), the Government Property Agency, and the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) in deploying about 100 colleagues of different grades to conduct "RTD" operation at Tsui Mei House, Tsui Ping (North) Estate, Kwun Tong.
About 120 staff members from various grades under the Financial Services Branch of FSTB and the Official Receiver’s Office (ORO) took part in “RTD” operation at Block 1, Tsui Ning Garden in Tuen Mun on 12 and 13 March 2022.
About 120 staff members from various grades under the Financial Services Branch of FSTB and the Official Receiver’s Office (ORO) took part in “RTD” operation at Block 1, Tsui Ning Garden in Tuen Mun on 12 and 13 March 2022.
50 staff members of MD participated in "RTD" operation in Tung Chung with various government departments under the coordination of HAD in late January 2022.
50 staff members of MD participated in "RTD" operation in Tung Chung with various government departments under the coordination of HAD in late January 2022.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) enforced "RTD" and compulsory testing notice in respect of specified "restricted area" in Tak Yam House, On Yam Estate, Kwai Chung on 13 May 2022. Staff members distributed food packs and anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines donated by the Central Government to persons subject to compulsory testing.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) enforced "RTD" and compulsory testing notice in respect of specified "restricted area" in Tak Yam House, On Yam Estate, Kwai Chung on 13 May 2022. Staff members distributed food packs and anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines donated by the Central Government to persons subject to compulsory testing.
RVD co-ordinated and conducted "RTD" operation in Lei Tim House, Ap Lei Chau Estate, Aberdeen on 27 March 2022. Staff members distributed anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines supplied by the Central Government and food packs to persons subject to compulsory testing.
RVD co-ordinated and conducted "RTD" operation in Lei Tim House, Ap Lei Chau Estate, Aberdeen on 27 March 2022. Staff members distributed anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines supplied by the Central Government and food packs to persons subject to compulsory testing.
The Treasury enforced "RTD" and compulsory testing notice in respect of the specified "restricted area" in Kwai Ming House, Kwai Hong Court, Kwai Chung on 16 April 2022. Staff members answered enquiries from residents in the "restricted area".
The Treasury enforced "RTD" and compulsory testing notice in respect of the specified "restricted area" in Kwai Ming House, Kwai Hong Court, Kwai Chung on 16 April 2022. Staff members answered enquiries from residents in the "restricted area".
CR led over 80 colleagues of different ranks to conduct "RTD" operation at Po Tin Estate, Tuen Mun on 19 and 20 March 2022.
CR led over 80 colleagues of different ranks to conduct "RTD" operation at Po Tin Estate, Tuen Mun on 19 and 20 March 2022.
Colleagues from the Census and Statistics Department provided caring assistance to residents, helping them to complete the testing smoothly.
Colleagues from the Census and Statistics Department provided caring assistance to residents, helping them to complete the testing smoothly.
Operation staff of CR helped to input and compile information of "RTD" operation instantaneously to facilitate the follow-up after the test.
Operation staff of CR helped to input and compile information of "RTD" operation instantaneously to facilitate the follow-up after the test.
Since January 2022, CSB co-ordinated and conducted several “RTD” operations. The picture showed the "RTD" operation conducted by CSB at Hong Wing House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi on 2 April 2022.
Since January 2022, CSB co-ordinated and conducted several “RTD” operations. The picture showed the "RTD" operation conducted by CSB at Hong Wing House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi on 2 April 2022.
Since late February 2022, LCSD has arranged over 2,000 staff to conduct territory-wide "RTD" operations about three times a week. During "RTD" operations, staff of LCSD were deployed to arrange persons within the specified “restricted area” to undergo compulsory testing, to provide daily necessities and food for them and to guide/accompany those who have contracted the virus to board the pre-arranged transport heading for the community isolation facilities (CIF).(Chinese version only)
(Chinese version only) 
Since late February 2022, LCSD has arranged over 2,000 staff to conduct territory-wide "RTD" operations about three times a week. During "RTD" operations, staff of LCSD were deployed to arrange persons within the specified “restricted area” to undergo compulsory testing, to provide daily necessities and food for them and to guide/accompany those who have contracted the virus to board the pre-arranged transport heading for the community isolation facilities (CIF).
Since the outbreak of the fifth wave of the epidemic, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has deployed colleagues to participate in several "RTD" operations. Among them, ImmD deployed more than 40 members to participate in "RTD" operations in Kwai Chung Estate in January 2022.
Since the outbreak of the fifth wave of the epidemic, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has deployed colleagues to participate in several "RTD" operations. Among them, ImmD deployed more than 40 members to participate in "RTD" operations in Kwai Chung Estate in January 2022.
Since the outbreak of the fifth wave of epidemic in the community in early 2022, EDB and its entirety has spared no efforts in actively participating in anti-epidemic work. Just within two months from March to May 2022, EDB had co-ordinated, led and conducted a total of 13 "RTD"operations, involving 1,200 staff.
Since the outbreak of the fifth wave of epidemic in the community in early 2022, EDB and its entirety has spared no efforts in actively participating in anti-epidemic work. Just within two months from March to May 2022, EDB had co-ordinated, led and conducted a total of 13 "RTD"operations, involving 1,200 staff.
EDB has formed five teams of staff (including one team from Student Finance Office cum University Grants Committee Secretariat), each with some 120 colleagues to participate in 13 bureau-led "RTD" operation. Following this successful experience, EDB will set up a volunteer team to carry on the good work and continue to serve the community under the “One EDB” concept.
EDB has formed five teams of staff (including one team from Student Finance Office cum University Grants Committee Secretariat), each with some 120 colleagues to participate in 13 bureau-led "RTD" operation. Following this successful experience, EDB will set up a volunteer team to carry on the good work and continue to serve the community under the “One EDB” concept.
EDB has formed five teams of staff (including one team from Student Finance Office cum University Grants Committee Secretariat), each with some 120 colleagues to participate in 13 bureau-led "RTD" operation. Following this successful experience, EDB will set up a volunteer team to carry on the good work and continue to serve the community under the “One EDB” concept.
Staff members of LWB conducted "RTD" operation in the specified "restricted area" in Kwai Tung House, Tung Tau (II) Estate, Wong Tai Sin on 23 and 24 March 2022, going to the frontline to fight the epidemic. They prepared anti-epidemic supplies, including RAT kits, for residents subject to compulsory testing under heavy rain.
Staff members of LWB conducted "RTD" operation in the specified "restricted area" in Kwai Tung House, Tung Tau (II) Estate, Wong Tai Sin on 23 and 24 March 2022, going to the frontline to fight the epidemic. They prepared anti-epidemic supplies, including RAT kits, for residents subject to compulsory testing under heavy rain.
SWD conducted "RTD" operation in the specified "restricted area" in Heng Kin House, Tin Heng Estate, Tin Shui Wai on 1 and 2 March 2022. To join hands with the public to fight the epidemic, officers have made concerted and utmost efforts when they planned for the operation, made testing arrangements for the residents and distributed anti-epidemic supplies.
SWD conducted "RTD" operation in the specified "restricted area" in Heng Kin House, Tin Heng Estate, Tin Shui Wai on 1 and 2 March 2022. To join hands with the public to fight the epidemic, officers have made concerted and utmost efforts when they planned for the operation, made testing arrangements for the residents and distributed anti-epidemic supplies.
The Labour Department (LD) distributed COVID-19 RAT kits to foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in late February 2022 on Hong Kong Island for voluntary testing, with a view to identifying infected persons early so as to better protect FDHs’ health and that of their employers’ families and others. LD also conducted mobile broadcasts in multiple languages at popular FDH gathering places across the territory to call upon them to comply with the anti-epidemic requirements and receive COVID-19 vaccination during the epidemic.
The Labour Department (LD) distributed COVID-19 RAT kits to foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in late February 2022 on Hong Kong Island for voluntary testing, with a view to identifying infected persons early so as to better protect FDHs’ health and that of their employers’ families and others. LD also conducted mobile broadcasts in multiple languages at popular FDH gathering places across the territory to call upon them to comply with the anti-epidemic requirements and receive COVID-19 vaccination during the epidemic.
About 190 staff members of LD conducted “RTD” operation at Block 1 - 3, Hoi Tak Gardens in Tuen Mun on 9 and 10 March 2022 which identified 43 cases tested preliminarily positive and 11 indeterminate cases.
About 190 staff members of LD conducted “RTD” operation at Block 1 - 3, Hoi Tak Gardens in Tuen Mun on 9 and 10 March 2022 which identified 43 cases tested preliminarily positive and 11 indeterminate cases.
The sewage testing team of the then ENB conducts sewage monitoring round the clock every day and the main functions of sewage monitoring include: provide early warning signals for outbreaks; monitor buildings in areas near confirmed cases; and track the development of outbreaks in the community. Since the start of the fourth wave of the epidemic in 2020, over 30,000 sewage samples have been taken (by 1 July 2022), and over 26,500 hidden cases found.
The sewage testing team of the then ENB conducts sewage monitoring round the clock every day and the main functions of sewage monitoring include: provide early warning signals for outbreaks; monitor buildings in areas near confirmed cases; and track the development of outbreaks in the community. Since the start of the fourth wave of the epidemic in 2020, over 30,000 sewage samples have been taken (by 1 July 2022), and over 26,500 hidden cases found.
The sewage testing team of the then ENB set up 154 stationary sewage monitoring points in Hong Kong where samples are taken every other day. There are also over 2,000 upstream ad-hoc sampling points, covering a total of 6 million people, about 90% of Hong Kong's public sewerage network and about 100 samples are taken every day. Demographic, sewerage and epidemiological information from sewage sampling points are shared in real time on a Geographic Information System online platform for the sewage monitoring teams to make relevant decisions and take appropriate action.
The sewage testing team of the then ENB set up 154 stationary sewage monitoring points in Hong Kong where samples are taken every other day. There are also over 2,000 upstream ad-hoc sampling points, covering a total of 6 million people, about 90% of Hong Kong's public sewerage network and about 100 samples are taken every day. Demographic, sewerage and epidemiological information from sewage sampling points are shared in real time on a Geographic Information System online platform for the sewage monitoring teams to make relevant decisions and take appropriate action.
The sewage testing team of the then ENB set up 154 stationary sewage monitoring points in Hong Kong where samples are taken every other day. There are also over 2,000 upstream ad-hoc sampling points, covering a total of 6 million people, which is about 90% of Hong Kong's public sewerage network and about 100 samples are taken every day. Demographic, sewerage and epidemiological information from sewage sampling points are shared in real time on a Geographic Information System online platform for the sewage monitoring teams to make relevant decisions and take appropriate action.
EPD’s sewage virus tracking 
(Chinese version only) 
The sewage testing team of the then ENB set up 154 stationary sewage monitoring points in Hong Kong where samples are taken every other day. There are also over 2,000 upstream ad-hoc sampling points, covering a total of 6 million people, which is about 90% of Hong Kong's public sewerage network and about 100 samples are taken every day. Demographic, sewerage and epidemiological information from sewage sampling points are shared in real time on a Geographic Information System online platform for the sewage monitoring teams to make relevant decisions and take appropriate action.
Sewage samples from monitoring points were taken to designated laboratories for processing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the presence, if any, of COVID-19 virus, the viral loading in the sewage and the mutant strain of the virus.
EPD’s sewage virus testing (Chinese version only)
EPD’s sewage virus testing
(Chinese version only) 
The then ENB established 40 action teams with over 800 members, and since the fifth wave of the epidemic, coordinated more than 60 "RTD" operations arising from positive sewage test results. Other anti-epidemic work were also carried out including coordinating the implementation of sewage related Compulsory Testing Notices, distributing RAT kits, and purchasing and distributing materials, including Chinese medicines from the Central Government.
The then ENB established 40 action teams with over 800 members, and since the fifth wave of the epidemic, coordinated more than 60 "RTD" operations arising from positive sewage test results. Other anti-epidemic work were also carried out including coordinating the implementation of sewage related Compulsory Testing Notices, distributing RAT kits, and purchasing and distributing materials, including Chinese medicines from the Central Government.
EPD coordinates “RTD” operation (Chinese version only)
EPD coordinates “RTD” operation 
(Chinese version only) 
To avoid a spillover of the epidemic, TD has arranged contractors to conduct rapid nucleic acid tests for cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers at Hong Kong land boundary control points from 20 March 2022 onwards.
To avoid a spillover of the epidemic, TD has arranged contractors to conduct rapid nucleic acid tests for cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers at Hong Kong land boundary control points from 20 March 2022 onwards.
About 50 staff members of TD from various grades conducted "RTD" operation at Nga Kwai House, Kwai Chung Estate on 22 and 28 January 2022.
About 50 staff members of TD from various grades conducted "RTD" operation at Nga Kwai House, Kwai Chung Estate on 22 and 28 January 2022.
TD deployed 115 staff members from different grades to support the operation of Community Testing Centres (CTCs) across Hong Kong from 24 February to 2 March 2022.
TD deployed 115 staff members from different grades to support the operation of Community Testing Centres (CTCs) across Hong Kong from 24 February to 2 March 2022.
About 25 staff members of HyD from various grades conducted "RTD" operation at Nga Kwai House, Kwai Chung Estate in Kwai Chung on 22 January 2022.
About 25 staff members of HyD from various grades conducted "RTD" operation at Nga Kwai House, Kwai Chung Estate in Kwai Chung on 22 January 2022.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) and its departments, including TID, Invest Hong Kong, the Intellectual Property Department, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Radio Television Hong Kong and the Create Hong Kong, mobilised some 2,000 officers to co-ordinate and conduct a total of 10 "RTD" operations in March 2022.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) and its departments, including TID, Invest Hong Kong, the Intellectual Property Department, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Radio Television Hong Kong and the Create Hong Kong, mobilised some 2,000 officers to co-ordinate and conduct a total of 10 "RTD" operations in March 2022.
Staff members of the Trade and Industry Department (TID) conducted "RTD" operation in the "restricted area" at Yuet Ching House, Kai Ching Estate, Kowloon City on 7 March 2022.
Staff members of the Trade and Industry Department (TID) conducted "RTD" operation in the "restricted area" at Yuet Ching House, Kai Ching Estate, Kowloon City on 7 March 2022.
Staff members of the Trade and Industry Department (TID) conducted "RTD" operation in the "restricted area" at Yuet Ching House, Kai Ching Estate, Kowloon City on 7 March 2022.
An anti-epidemic team formed by colleagues from CMAB and its departments, conducted "RTD" operations in the specified "restricted area" in Tsui Chuk Garden, Wong Tai Sin and The Wings, Tseung Kwan O on 14 April 2022 and 21 June 2022 respectively. They arranged residents to undergo testing in an orderly manner, and distributed food packs, RAT kits, as well as anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines from the Central Government to them, so as to help them fight against the virus at home.
An anti-epidemic team formed by colleagues from CMAB and its departments, conducted "RTD" operations in the specified "restricted area" in Tsui Chuk Garden, Wong Tai Sin and The Wings, Tseung Kwan O on 14 April 2022 and 21 June 2022 respectively. They arranged residents to undergo testing in an orderly manner, and distributed food packs, RAT kits, as well as anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines from the Central Government to them, so as to help them fight against the virus at home.
Facing the high risks of infection, a CSD officer in full protection gear conducted RAT for persons in custody.
Facing the high risks of infection, a CSD officer in full protection gear conducted RAT for persons in custody.
About 100 civil servants and non-civil service contract staff of the Registration and Electoral Office conducted "RTD" operation at Block 34, Heng Fa Chuen in Chai Wan on 28 May 2022.
About 100 civil servants and non-civil service contract staff of the Registration and Electoral Office conducted "RTD" operation at Block 34, Heng Fa Chuen in Chai Wan on 28 May 2022.
HD staff distributed food bags to tenants subject to compulsory testing at Wo Che Estate, Sha Tin.
HD staff distributed food bags to tenants subject to compulsory testing at Wo Che Estate, Sha Tin.
『多走一步』 同你一齊抗疫 (Chinese version only)
『多走一步』
同你一齊抗疫
(Chinese version only) 
由迎難而上到經驗傳授 (Chinese version only)
由迎難而上到
經驗傳授
(Chinese version only) 
困難總會過 齊心就事成 (Chinese version only)
困難總會過
齊心就事成
(Chinese version only) 
The then FHB have installed ticketing machines in a number of CTCs and mobile specimen collection stations to enable members of the public who have obtained a ticket to check the real-time queueing status on the CTC website.
The then FHB have installed ticketing machines in a number of CTCs and mobile specimen collection stations to enable members of the public who have obtained a ticket to check the real-time queueing status on the CTC website.