Booster shots given to Sinovac recipients to raise antibody levels

By The SUN

Top officials who were the first to get Sinovac jabs in HK may need booster shots (File) 

Local researchers have begun giving booster shots to fully inoculated Sinovac vaccine recipients with low antibody levels to find out whether there is a need to give Hong Kong residents a third jab.

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This comes as two new confirmed Covid-19 cases, both imported and fully vaccinated, were reported by Hong Kong health officials today, Aug 20.

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Health Department staff said the two patients, a 53-year-old man who returned from Germany on Aug 16, a 30-year-old female air crew who arrived from Russia on Aug 18, both carried the L452R variant. They are both asymptomatic.

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The man received two doses of the BioNTech vaccine in Hong Kong on Apr 14 and May 5, while the woman received two jabs of Sputnik V in Russia on Jul 1 and 22.

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The man was found infected on his third day of hotel quarantine while the woman tested positive on arrival test.

Meanwhile, Chinese University experts said a study they conducted among 160 people who were fully vaccinated by Sinovac showed they had low antibody levels a month after completing the two doses.

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Lead researcher David Hui, who is also a government adviser on the pandemic, said in a radio interview that a low antibody level could mean reduced protection against a symptomatic infection of the coronavirus.

Hui says the low antibody level could mean lower protection against symptomatic infection

Hui said this may be because Sinovac is an inactivated vaccine.

But he said their research, which also included a number of people who received the BioNTech vaccine, showed both vaccines are able to generate T cells, which lower the risk of severe symptoms and deaths.

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The researchers plan to give a booster shot of either vaccine to a randomly chosen group of 80 people to find out how the additional jab would affect their antibody level. The first group of 31 had their third dose on Wednesday.

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Hui said the research team should be able to publish the first results of their test in October. But he said the project will run for three years, with participants regularly monitored for antibody levels.

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Travel ban lifted for Filipinos who live, work, study in Hong Kong

By Daisy CL Mandap

Chaos at Manila airport on first day of the travel ban

The Philippine government today lifted its travel ban to Hong Kong for residents, students and migrant workers, subject to a requirement that overseas Filipino workers must sign a “health waiver.”

The Bureau of Immigration says it has begun implementing the partial lifting of the travel ban, however, no guidelines, especially with regards to the document the OFWs are required to sign, have been issued. 

Consul General Raly Tejada says he has yet to receive details of the lifting of the ban for outward travel of exempted Filipinos.

The ban banning all Filipinos from traveling to Hong Kong, Macau and China was imposed on Feb 2 as part of moves to control the spread of the coronavirus, or Novid-19. 

It remains in force for all Filipino tourists flying to and from the three destinations. Likewise for inbound travel by foreigners from the three places, including layovers, to the Philippines. Filipinos are allowed to enter, but must undergo a 14-day self-quarantine.

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The ban’s partial lifting was first announced through twitter by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., and confirmed afterwards by Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.

According to Panelo, there will be no restrictions on residents and their family members, but overseas Filipino workers will have to sign a declaration that they understand the risks they face in going to Hong Kong.

The decision to lift the travel restrictions was made during a meeting of the government Inter-agency Task Force that was mandated to review the ban two weeks after the Cabinet held its first meeting on the issue on Feb. 4.

 

Stranded OFWs will be asked to sign a declaration saying they are aware of the risks in going to HK

Secretary Panelo made his statement after a telephone conversation with Health Secretary Francisco Duque.

“Secretary of Health Duque confirmed that the inter-agency task for emerging infectious disease has decided to lift the travel ban of overseas workers going to Macau and Hong Kong. And according to him, those OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) going back would have to make a written declaration that they know the risk of going back to their places of work,” Panelo said in an interview with reporters at the Palace.

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“Those coming back from Macau and Hong Kong, the families of Filipinos who are there, can come back, and those having permanent resident [visa] holders, as well as the diplomatic corps and families,” he added.

Immigration Commissioner Salvador Morente said the order lifting the ban covers all Filipino nationals who are holders of working visas, student visas, and permanent resident visas both in Hong Kong and Macau.

“They may be now allowed to depart to Hong Kong and Macau,” said Morente. “However, the ban on Filipinos going to both countries as tourists is still in effect,”

ConGen Tejada thanked Filcom members for joining hands in urging for the ban's lifting

Consul General Raly Tejada welcomed the news, and said it was “indeed a reason to celebrate.”

He added, “Adversity brought out the best in the community. Nakita natin ang pagkakaisa ng Filipino community.”

He said he was awaiting the guidelines on the lifting of the travel ban before making an official declaration.

He gave credit to Secretary Locsin who was the most visible proponent of the ban's lifting among Cabinet officials.

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“Special thanks goes to our advocate DFA Secretary Locsin for speaking on behalf of the 240,000 strong Filipino community in Hong Kong,” he said.

Yesterday, Congen Tejada met with Filipino community representatives who presented him a petition addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, calling for the urgent lifting of the ban. Congen Tejada immediately forwarded the petition to the DFA so it could be presented at today’s meeting.

Also yesterday, a group of stranded residents called on Administrator Hans Cacdac of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Manila to relay to him their concerns about the prolonged travel ban, in particular the prospect of losing their jobs.

Cacdac also promised to support their petition during today’s IATF meeting.

At the same time, Migrante International held a well-attended press conference in Quezon City where several stranded Filipinos related their plight. Many were worried about losing their jobs, but others also spoke of being separated from family members.

Filcom leaders presented a petition calling for the ban's lifting on the eve of the IATF's meeting on the issue

Dolores Balladares, chair of United Filipinos in Hong Kong, which spearheaded the Filcom effort in Hong Kong to lobby for the lifting of the ban, also credited all the sectors that joined the campaign.

 “Kung hindi tayo kumilos at nag-antay lang tayo, di natin makakamit ang magandang resulta na ito. Salamat sa lahat,” she said. “Kaya sa anumang laban, ang lesson ay huwag sumuko.”

A joint petition by Filipino community groups in Hong Kong urging for the ban’s lifting was signed by more than 130 organizations, including those made up of OFWs, alumni groups, churches, musicians and residents.

The petitioners said they were confident that their health and well-being would be well looked after in Hong Kong, where they are assured of free medical care in public hospitals and clinics. Having a private medical insurance is just an added bonus.

Both the Hong Kong and Chinese governments have also urged Philippine officials to reconsider the ban, citing the SAR’s well-funded, well-coordinated and transparent mechanism for containing the Covid-19 contagion.

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HK Labour hit after urging migrant workers to stay home on their rest day

By The SUN

HK Labour tells migrant workers to stay home to prevent spread of coronavirus

In an unprecedented move, Hong Kong’s Labour Department has appealed to foreign domestic helpers to stay home on their rest day as a precaution to the spread of the Wuhan novel coronavirus in the community.

“The government appeals to FDHs to stay home for rest on their rest day as far as possible, and to stay away from crowds on public transport or at public places. At the same time, employers must not require FDHs to work on their rest day,” said the statement.

The advisory was immediately criticized by Cynthia Tellez, manager of the Mission for Migrant Workers, who called it illegal and discriminatory.

Another community leader, Eman Villanueva of Bayan Hong Kong and Macau, was more scathing, describing the Labour Department call as “irresponsible, unfair, unjust and discriminatory.”

Tejada says it should be worker's  choice

Consul General Raly Tejada on the other hand, said the Consulate understood the objective of the request, but maintained that the final decision rests with the domestic worker.

“In the event that they choose to stay at home then the employer must respect their day off and not give them tasks,” said Congen Tejada in a message to The SUN.

In two separate advisories, the Consulate advised Filipinos to avoid large gatherings and organizations to postpone public events to help reduce the risk of infection, but did not tell them to remain indoors at all times.

At the same time, it reminded employers not to bring their helpers to the mainland, in reaction to many appeals for help from Filipina domestic workers who are being forced to cross the border by their employers, despite the contagion,

Tellez calls move 'racist'

Tellez said she was surprised by the Labour Department’s statement, as it amounted to the government agency violating its own prohibition against not allowing a foreign domestic worker to take a day off.

“Kalokohan yan because it sends the wrong signal that puwede nang hindi palabasin ang isang migrant worker sa kanyang day-off,” Tellez said.

“At saka, paano naman nating malalaman kung hindi nga pinapatrabaho ang worker kung nasa loob siya ng bahay?”

She said Labour can’t even suggest that the worker be paid for staying put because that again will be in violation of its own laws.

But more importantly, Tellez said the advisory affirmed the racist notion that FDWs cause the spread of illnesses in Hong Kong, when they are the ones who are actually at risk as they do not get to choose who they should live with.

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She said this was shown by the case of the Filipina who was put under quarantine on Jan 24 after her employer’s parents who were visiting from Wuhan, tested positive for the coronavirus.

“Maling patakaran yan kasi ang Labour na dapat na nagpoprotekta sa mga migrant worker ay siya pang naglalapit sa kanila sa kapahamakan,” said Tellez.

Villanueva says  it's malicious and unfair to suggest
FDWs are likely to spread the virus

Villanueva agreed that employers could take the advisory to mean that they can deprive FDWs of their weekly rest day and statutory holidays.

He was also angered by the suggestion that the novel coronavirus (nCoV) contagion could be controlled if migrant workers stayed at home even on their rest day.

“It unfairly and maliciously insinuate that FDWs’ communities are particularly prone to spreading the virus. In fact, the only incident involving an FDW is a Filipino who had a direct contact with two nCoV carriers who happen to be her employer’s relatives. This incident happened INSIDE their household, not outside,” said Villanueva.

He added that singling out FDWs and asking them “to stay at home during their rest day while other members of the household can freely leave is meaningless and is blatantly discriminatory.”

He said that instead of taking steps that violate migrant workers rights, the Hong Kong government must ensure that FDWs are give the same level of protection as everybody else in the city.

“Remind employers to provide their domestic workers with free protective materials such as face masks, vitamin C, alcohol-based sanitizing gel or spray. Ensure that their FDWs get sufficient rest and nutritious food so they wont get sick. Ensure that advisories and public information regarding 2019-nCoV are made available in different languages for the benefit of everyone including ethnic minority communities,” he said.

This was the first time that the Labour Department had made this unusual call. Even at the height of Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) which killed 299 people in Hong Kong 17 years ago, officials did not see it fit to suggest that FDWs should stay at home on their day off.

In addition to the call to stay at home, a Labour spokesman said everyone in Hong Kong should refrain from gathering so as to minimize the risk of infection.

He noted the same call was made by the consulates of the Philippines and Indonesia.

“If it is necessary for FDHs to go out, they are advised to wear a surgical mask and to avoid staying in crowded places. If an FDH or his/her employer has visited the Mainland recently, he/she should wear a surgical mask and stay home for 14 days upon return to Hong Kong as far as possible,” the spokesman continued.

An emergency alert was issued throughout the city on Jan 25, after the first two cases of coronavirus infections in Hong Kong were reported.

There are now 11 confirmed cases, while further tests and monitoring are being carried out on 600 or so suspected carriers.

In its advisory, Labour reminded employers who compel their helpers to work on a rest day is in breach of the Employment Ordinance and is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000.

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Mga petsang dapat tandaan

PCG closure on National Heroes Day
Monday, Aug 26 – National Heroes Day
The Philippine Consulate General will be closed to the public in observance of National Heroes Day. There will be no official business transactions at both the PCG and POLO on this date. In case of emergency, please call: 9155-4023 (consular assistance), 5529-1880 (POLO), 6345-9324 (OWWA). For further information, check consular website at:  www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph Facebook: Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong
Email: hongkong.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

Free Child Care Training
Aug 3 (Saturday), 12nn-5pm, POLO Training Room
To book your place, register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnV_b-RMjQTWEW hknnd2zL4YMroq9xoCuzwRUXrZJrCPY-cg/viewform

SCC Divas Cricket Team training 
Sunday, Aug 4. Time:  12 noon to 2pm.
Venue:  AP Sports Academy In-door Sport Centre,
Unit A, 5/F Gemstar Tower, 23 Man Lok St, Hung Hom.
Contact Josie Arimas, 57203880

Baking Cookies Skills Training
Aug 10 (Saturday)
Morning session: 9am to 12:30pm
Afternoon session: 2-5pm
Bayanihan Centre, 55 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town
Organized by: CARD HK Foundation
*** First come, first serve basis upon arrival at the venue (participants will be accommodated in 1 room only). No reservations accepted.
Kindly bring the ff: 1. Apron. 2 .Hairnet. 3. Minimal contribution for ingredients (Free training but cost of ingredients will be divided equally among participants. Finished products, copies of recipes and a certificate will be taken home).

HK Free Financial Literacy Seminar
Saturday: Aug 17
Organized by: CARD HK Foundation
To reserve your slot, call 56002526, 54238196 or 95296392
Guaranteed no networking involved.
Free handouts provided and certificates will be given
Please tell your friends so they can join, too

Health Day
(Information seminar by a registered physical therapist)
Aug 25, 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F., No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong.
Target  participants are FDWs who meet all the following requirements:
1. Speak English or Cantonese
2. Have been working in Hong Kong for more than 1 year
3. Suffering from work-related body pain problems
Content:
1. Introduction of work health & safety
2. Introduction of the use of equipment for elderly caring
Offered by Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project. To reserve a slot, call 2147-5988.

Domestic Workers Corner 2nd Anniversary
Sat, Sept 14 (Statutory Holiday)
Venue to be arranged, but should be in a seminar room
Planned activities include talks on financial literacy and migrants rights. Members are asked to pay $50 each for the food to be shared. For more information, send a message to DWC’s Facebook pages or to founder Lovely

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Project HealthWise Outreach Schedule:

(A FREE Basic Medical Check-up for Filipino migrant workers)

Jun 30 - St. Vincent Church, Hang Hau

Jul 7 -  Annunciation Church, Tsuen Wan

Jul 14 - St Thomas Church, Tsing Yi

Jul 21 -St. Francis’ Church Tai Wai

Outreach services include assistance with BMOnline registration for securing overseas employment certificate.

A joint project of: Philippine Overseas Labor Office and Domestic Workers Corner

Take note that free medical check-ups will continue at POLO even during the outreach missions on these days: Saturday, 10am – 1pm and Sunday to Thursday, 9am-4pm

POLO services are available on the 18th floor, Mass Mutual Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. For more information, send a message to the Facebook page of Domestic Workers Corner Hong Kong

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Free Seminar on Doing Business in the Phl

Jul 14, 1:30-5pm

PCG Conference Room

Speaker: Delia Ayano, Regional Director,

Department of Trade and Industry Region 11

Who should attend:

1) Those who have attended courses on financial literacy, social development and business enterprise

2) People with entrepreneurial mindset

3) Those who plan to set up a business in the Philippiens

Co-organized by: PCG, Wimler Foundation and BPI Foundation To register, call Ann Regulacion at 65009288 or Lorna Mojica at 2823 8505

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CARD HK Free Financial Literacy Seminar

Saturday: Aug 17, Sunday: July 21

Organized by: CARD HK Foundation

To reserve your slot, call 56002526, 54238196 or 95296392

Guaranteed no networking involved.

Free handouts provided and certificates will be given

Please tell your friends so they can join, too

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Domestic Workers Corner 2nd Anniversary

Sat, Sept 14 (Statutory Holiday)

Venue to be arranged, but should be in a seminar room

Planned activities include talks on financial literacy and migrants rights. Members are asked to pay $50 each for the food to be shared. For more information, send a message to DWC’s Facebook pages or to founder Lovely

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