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Feb exports value down 0.8%

The value of Hong Kong’s total exports decreased to $284.1 billion in February, down 0.8% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.   The value of imports of goods fell 1.8% to $325.7 billion for the same period.   A trade deficit of $41.7 billion, or 12.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in February.   Comparing the three-month period ending February with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 5.5%, while that of imports also increased 3.3%.   The Government noted that taking the first two months of the year together to remove the volatility caused by the difference in timing of the Lunar New Year, the value of exports posted a 16.6% growth against a very low base of comparison a year ago.   Exports to the Mainland and the US rose notably, while those to the European Union fell. Those to other major Asian markets recorded a mixed performance.   Looking ahead, the Gove

Frontline health staff get regular tests

The Hospital Authority today said it will arrange regular COVID-19 testing for around 65,000 frontline staff who have direct patient contact.   It said the move aims to reduce the risk of nosocomial COVID-19 transmission to safeguard patients and staff in light of the latest global epidemic situation and the emergence of local cases with mutant strains.    Starting next week, the authority will extend the staff testing arrangement by providing the frontline staff concerned with rapid antigen test kits for conducting weekly self-testing on a regular basis.   Staff members can report their test results through a mobile app designated for the authority’s staff or save a photo record themselves.   Staff who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for more than 14 days can indicate their preference for participation in the regular testing exercise.   Additionally, the authority will step up the patient isolation arrangement. Single isolation will be arranged for all patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection upon their admission, with gene sequencing tests arranged immediately.   Imported patient cases will be kept in single isolation until they are discharged upon recovery.   Local cases will also be kept in single isolation until discharge, unless they test negative for mutant strains through gene sequencing tests.   The authority reminded hospital clusters to prepare for deploying adequate single isolation facilities to dovetail with the stepped-up arrangement.   It also reminded frontline staff that they still need to comply with infection control measures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as stipulated in the guidelines when taking care of patients.   The authority reminded citizens and staff to get vaccinated early to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and prevent the resurgence of a large-scale community outbreak.
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