Arrests sought for drivers who fail to show in court

The Transport Advisory Committee has endorsed legislative proposals to improve the mechanism for the service of summonses under the driving-offense points system.

Drivers can no longer circumvent the system by avoiding receiving summonses, and thereby evading the disqualification order by not appearing in court.

The committee welcomed such a proposal.

If a driver fails to appear in court at the date and time required, the magistrate can issue an arrest warrant.

Organ registry sees surge in donators during past week

The Centralised Organ Donation Register has received 3,238 new registrations since its launch on Nov 24.

The Department of Health said yesterday that the encouraging public response showed lighting up the lives of those who need organ transplants is recognized and supported by the community.

Registration is free and does not require medical examinations. People wishing to donate their organs after death can register by filling out the organ-donation registration form online at www.organdonation.gov.hk.

Social Security cases see slight increase in Sept

The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance caseload in October rose by 109 cases over September, representing a 0.04 percent increase, according to the Social Welfare Department.

The total caseload at the end of October stood at 283,041, covering 475,318 recipients.

Unemployment cases dropped 0.1 percent to 31,000, while single-parent cases recorded a decrease of 0.3 percent to 36,047. Low-earning cases dropped 1 percent to 16,033.

Both old-age and ill-health cases rose by 0.2 percent, to 151,511 and 24,440.

EV-71 cases nearing 100; more than in last four yrs

The Centre for Health Protection confirmed yesterday an Enterovirus-71 case involving a 4-year-old boy, bringing the year's total to 98.

The toddler came down with fever and oral ulcers on Nov 18 and sought medical treatment from a private doctor. He was listed yesterday in stable condition.

Four other children in his nursery have had hand-foot-mouth disease symptoms since Nov 14 and sought medical treatment from private doctors.

China Daily

(HK Edition 11/27/2008 page1)