CHP warns of dual flu and COVID peaks; Customs busts drug trafficking at airport
Today's Hong Kong news highlights include the Centre for Health Protection's (CHP) warning regarding a dual peak of summer respiratory diseases, as well as major drug trafficking and contraband cases uncovered by Customs at the airport. Additionally, the financial results of a local catering giant and market IPO rumors have drawn attention.
The CHP of the Department of Health stated today that it is actively following up on a case of human infection with low-pathogenic avian influenza A (H9). The Centre specifically reminded the public that, according to monitoring data, seasonal influenza and COVID-19 may reach peak prevalence simultaneously during the summer, urging the public to maintain personal hygiene to prevent infection.
Regarding law enforcement, Hong Kong Customs detected two cases of drug concealment in luggage at the International Airport yesterday, seizing approximately 4.5 kg of suspected cannabis buds and 5 kg of suspected liquid cocaine. Furthermore, five incoming travelers were sentenced to imprisonment by the court for possessing or importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing "alternative smoking products" such as electronic cigarettes without declaring them to Customs, violating the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
In finance and corporate news, Café de Coral Holdings announced that its annual net profit fell by approximately 29.5% to HK$160 million and announced the launch of a share buyback plan of up to HK$50 million. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating in the market that the social media platform "Xiaohongshu" will secretly apply for a listing in Hong Kong as early as the end of this month. Additionally, the central banks of Australia and Japan will announce interest rate decisions, and China will release important economic data such as industrial production.
In other local news, the flag-raising ceremony originally scheduled for this morning at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai was cancelled due to a thunderstorm warning. Yesterday, the Legislative Council Panel on Constitutional Affairs visited several patriotic education facilities to learn about related promotional work. Separately, a patient who had previously left North District Hospital on their own has been found.
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