U.S. and Hong Kong (1999)

Y2K Consular Update for Hong Kong

November 30, 1999

Hong Kong is heavily reliant on computerized systems and is working with the international community to minimize any impact as a result of the Y2K computer problem. As a result of these efforts, the independent Global 2000 coordinating group recently listed Hong Kong as one of the four best places in the world in terms of overall Y2K readiness. As of November 1, 1999, 100 percent of the government's mission critical computer systems were determined to be either Y2K compliant or tolerable. Computer rectification programs for Hong Kong's two power generation companies and water supplies department have been completed. The Hong Kong civil aviation department has declared Chek Lap Kok international airport control systems Y2K compliant.

The hospital authority has recently announced that all forty-four public hospitals and twelve private hospitals are Y2K compliant. During the millennium rollover, the hospital authority will reserve approximately 1,000 beds for emergency use purposes. Hospitals will not schedule any non-emergency operations during this timeframe in order to reduce the possibility of a Y2K incident. The Hong Kong blood transfusion service will provide additional blood supplies to the hospital authority and to private hospitals.

The government of Hong Kong maintains a web site at http://www.year2000.gov.hk that is updated regularly, showing the Y2K progress in key sectors of Hong Kong's economy. The government has announced that December 31 will be a banking holiday. In addition, the Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) will suspend its service for four minutes starting from 23:58 hrs on December 31 to 00:02 hrs on January 1 for safety reasons. Three of the four main shipping container terminals will reduce operations starting from 23:00 hrs on December 31 to 02:00 hrs on January 1 and again for one hour starting at 08:00 hrs on January 1. Hong Kong appears to be well prepared to deal with the Y2K problem, and it appears there is a low risk of potential Y2K disruptions in key sectors. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Hong Kong in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential difficulties, including possible short-notice cancellations of airline flights.