Carrie Lam Press Conference:
I might have lost a few bits and pieces - consult the govt press releases later in the day for life and death type issues... don't trust my version of things!
Announcements
- 7 Day Moving Average (total) < 1 and Untraced (< 0.1)
- No local case today, 1 imported case
- 7 Linked cases related to the original mutant case (Indian engineer from Dubai)
- FDH testing mandated because of the %age of linked cases being helpers
- Unpleasant experiences acknowledged and a letter from the CE has been sent to them appreciating their sacrifices and apologies offered (the most sincere apology is usually cold hard cash..)
- As of 9th May - FDH testing almost completed. 340K tests have been administered. (40K have been fully vaccinated). All helpers should be tested or vaccinated.
Application of FDH Visa Issues
- Have considered that the principle is voluntary vaccination - globally.
- Sought views from consulates, FDHs and employers.
- Mandatory vaccination brings up legal issues. Govt will not make it mandatory for FDH to be vaccinated.
- Second round of testing for FDH. Will exempt fully vaccinated helpers.
- Given number of people involved the period for second round of testing will be 2 weeks. Sec F&F will issue a notice from 15th May to 30th May.
- More available slots on weekends. Daily capacity is 100K.
- Appeal - if your health allows, please get vaccinated. Will avoid testing queues "in hot weather". Use booking - the capacity has been expanded. Appeal to employers - allow your helpers to make use of weekdays to get vaccinated or tested.
Relaxation of Measures
- Existing measures will be extended for 2 weeks
- Later this month, after DSE (may be 24th of May) all schools in Hong Kong will be able to resume half day face to face classes shortly (currently 2/3rds of capacity)
Broadcasting Rights of Tokyo Olympics
- Olympics broadcasting rights have been secured. HKSAR govt has procurred rights for the first time.
- 5 licensed broadcasters will be granted the license to broadcast "for free". So the public can show their support for the national teams.
- Contract was signed last week.
- This is not "spontaneous". HK people have always been eager to watch the games. Previously broadcasters were not able to secure rights. Calls were made previously for Govt to secure rights.
- (Only vaccinated people will be able to watch the games!) <-- smiley
- Commercial advertising revenue dropped by 20% (I suspect more.. but lets not worry about that).
- Agreement was made with Dentsu (exclusive licensing "agent" of sorts for broadcasting rights).
- Rights may be sub-licensed to 5 organisations - condition is to keep commercial contracts confidential. Cheaper than past 2 games.
- Refundable if the games are cancelled.
- Funded by Arts and Sports fund (sports sub fund). Balance is the sports fund is still 2.x beelion HKD...
- HIGH DRAMA - The broadcasters did not know the govt was negotiating.
- ATV + TVB + "Fantastic TV" - HK Open TV + Cable TV + Now TV - All other production costs will be their responsibility. Will have to meet requirements - number of hours / channels, have to show games with HK participation - 17 qualified + 10 expected - 30-40 sports with HK participation. Will have to make games available on online platforms (for paid Cable TV networks).
- Updates will follow
Q&A
- Quarantine Arrangements: Poor quality of food and "people forgotten during release".
Have expressed apologies. Have ratified the situation and allowed residents to go home.
During the stay, the conditions are "not the best", "service may be substandard" - complaints are being reviewed.
- RTHK excluded. Will the govt claw back advertising revenue and ensure that sports will be covered evenly?
- RTHK does not have the capacity to broadcast and produce. They need equipment, production fees, additional crews & cast. The amount if non-trivial.
- Commercial broadcasters have the capacity to produce.
- RTHK will access to highlights and programs from the commercial broadcasters.
- Commercial broadcasters will have to pay for (and cover) their costs. Govt has asked for services, programs - pre-during-post. Advertising revenues are uncertain. Rights are shared by 5 broadcasters and people have the option to watch what they want and where they want.
- 20 District Councillors have resigned or barred - will people be appointed or will DC role be reviewed.
- DC resigned for different reasons - ask them. Have no power to appoint new DCs.- Price tag - lower than 120M and 160M previously?
- Figures will be made public later after the games - contractual issues + public funds being used.
- Under NSL can members of public commemorate June 4th publicly and peaceful manner?
- "We will act according to the law".
- Do you have a plan to implement bans on Apple Daily etc?
- No plan to execute suggestions by various parties.