The value of Hong Kong’s total goods exports increased to $389 billion in April, up 1.1% compared with the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The value of imports of goods rose 2.1% to $425.6 billion for the same period. A trade deficit of $36.6 billion, or 8.6% of the value of imports, was recorded for the month. Comparing the three-month period ending April with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports decreased 12% while that of imports fell 11.7%. The Government said epidemic-induced transportation disruptions, though easing somewhat in the latter part of the month, continued to constrain export performance. It pointed out that exports to the Mainland fell while those to the US and the European Union posted visible growth. Looking ahead, the global economic outlook has worsened amid rampant inflation in some major economies and monetary policy tightening by respective cen
The Government today announced the social distancing measures currently in place will be maintained until January 27.
The Food & Health Bureau said the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong remains volatile, noting the latest seven-day average number of local cases with unknown sources of infection was 17 and a number of confirmed cases were found in certain districts over a short period of time, which shows that silent transmission in the community is still active.
Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, the Government will maintain existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business premises and scheduled premises.
Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than two people in public places will continue during the seven-day period from January 21.
The requirement for wearing a mask at all times when on public transport and in all public places will also remain in effect.
The Government will soon gazette directions and specifications under three relevant regulations.
The Government also announced that it will restrict people who have stayed in Brazil or Ireland from boarding flights for Hong Kong as cases caused by the new virus variant with high transmissibility were found in the two countries recently.
Under the specifications that will take effect from midnight on January 23, all people who have stayed in Brazil or Ireland for more than two hours on the day of boarding or during the 21 days before that day will not be allowed to board for Hong Kong.
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