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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has notified the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) that a patient who tested preliminary positive for the COVID-19 L452R mutant strain had visited the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and/or HKTDC World of Snacks on 18 July.

According to a newly gazetted compulsory testing notice under the Government’s Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation, any person who was present at the above-mentioned events held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC, at 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong) at any time from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on 18 July — including but not limited to full-time, part-time and relief staff and visitors — has to take a COVID-19 nucleic acid test by 9 August. The HKTDC has advised all exhibitors and staff concerned to strictly observe the testing notice.

The safety of the general public and exhibitors is a top priority for the HKTDC. At the aforesaid events, the HKTDC implemented a series of precautions to ensure a safe and hygienic venue, including sanitising the fairground, controlling crowds, and providing care and support to any participants who fell unwell. Full details of the on-site hygiene measures are available at https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Visitor/Health-Tips.html. Similar measures will be implemented at  upcoming HKTDC events.

Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Clayton Laubr
Tel: (852) 2584 4472
Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

Angel Tang
Tel: (852) 2584 4544
Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org

Sunny Ng
Tel: (852) 2584 4357
Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Book Fair Website: www.hkbookfair.com
Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on  Twitter @hktdc  LinkedIn

Originally scheduled for 15 to 21 July, the 31st Hong Kong Book Fair had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

According to a survey of this year’s Book Fair exhibitors conducted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), over half of the respondents hope that the event can be held before the end of the year if the epidemic situation allows. Following discussions with the Fair’s supporting organisations and relevant stakeholders, the HKTDC has decided to hold the 31st Hong Kong Book Fair including the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo from 16 to 22 December 2020 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and resume preparatory work for the Fair.

In view of the continuing uncertainties amidst the COVID-19 epidemic, public safety remains our top priority. We will promptly notify all stakeholders and exhibitors of any subsequent changes to allow them sufficient time to get prepared.

On 16 November, a month before the Fair’s opening, we will assess if the Book Fair should proceed having regard to the prevailing situation and risks. This will be followed by a final evaluation and decision on 9 December, a week before the Fair’s opening and shortly before the exhibitors moving in, with a view to minimising as far as possible any extra expenditure that might be incurred by exhibitors.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has earmarked funding through the Second Round Anti-epidemic Fund for the Book Fair, to fully subsidise local exhibitors’ participation fees, subject to a cap of HK$100,000 per exhibitor. Such subsidy will be applicable to the rescheduled Book Fair.

For enquiries, please visit our website, call our customer service hotline at (+852) 1830 668, or exhibitions@hktdc.org

In view of the significant resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the recent week of 6 – 12 July, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has discussed with the Government over the weekend, and was advised that, given the latest epidemic situation and the Government re-imposing certain social distancing restrictions on public health grounds, the Book Fair, despite the precautionary measures to be put in place, should be avoided, since it would likely be difficult to perform contact tracing and imposing subsequent disease control measures for the huge number of people involved. The health of Hong Kong people is a priority. As such, the Hong Kong Book Fair (original dates: 15 to 21 July) and three other public fairs during this period: Sports and Leisure Expo (original dates: 15 to 21 July), Education & Careers Expo (original dates: 16 to 19 July) and Entrepreneur Day (original dates: 16 to 17 July) will be rescheduled.

The Government and the HKTDC understand the disappointment of the industry sector and exhibitors as well as the public with the postponement of these events. The Government has indicated that it will continue to provide its pledged support under the Anti-epidemic Fund when the fairs are rescheduled to a later date.The HKTDC will be in contact with related parties to discuss rescheduling arrangements, and details will be available in due course.

With regard to the Book Fair, ticket holders of purchased tickets can request a refund upon presentation of valid tickets. Details for refund will be announced on the Book Fair Website (www.hkbookfair.com). (VIP tickets and complimentary tickets are not eligible for refund.)

A new Cultural Journey Online webpage on the Book Fair website has been created (www.hkbookfair.com/culturaljourneyonline) which users can browse different e-reading resources, museum exhibitions and cultural activities offered by partners.

The HKTDC expresses its sincere gratitude to the general public and to supporting organisations, exhibitors and partners for their support and understanding during this challenging time. With safety as a priority, the HKTDC will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with stakeholders.

For enquiries, please visit our website, call our hotline at (852) 1830 668 or email exhibitions@hktdc.org