The Foreign Correspondents' Club Hong Kong

FCC Health Measures Remain in Place, Main Bar and Lounge Are Open

FCC Health Measures Remain in Place, Main Bar and Lounge Are Open

The FCC will continue the measures to protect the health and safety of the club’s staff, members and guests that were put in place starting Friday 27 March. These are in keeping with government measures to try to contain a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong.

The government is requiring some facilities to close for two weeks. The FCC’s management has been told by the Hong Kong government that the FCC’s bar and lounge will not be required to close as the club’s liquor license is a general license for a food business, which is not affected by the new rules.

Bert’s and the FCC gym will continue to be closed in accordance with the government guidelines.

The club will continue for the foreseeable future to abide by, and strictly enforce, the following measures:

* Reduce the club’s hours of operations — from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
* Allow only one guest per member at all times
* Increase distance between tables and visitors and promote social distancing
* Cancel all banqueting until further notice
* Continue the check-in, temperature taking and declaration measures upon entry to the club
* Require all members, guests and staff to wear masks except when eating or drinking
* Require hand sanitizer to be used by all members, guests and staff
* Continue enhanced and frequent cleaning protocols throughout the club

As noted when these measures were implemented on 27 March, this will allow us to continue to serve our members, which is important as we are a professional club that supports working journalists. These measures go beyond the government requirements for our club and allow us to better protect the health and safety of our staff, members and guests.

If the requirements or the situation in Hong Kong changes further, our plans can and will be revised accordingly.

Thank you

3 April 2020

2020 Human Rights Press Awards Ceremony Postponed, Winners to be Announced May 6

2020 Human Rights Press Awards Ceremony Postponed,

Winners to be Announced May 6

(Scroll down for Chinese version)

April 1, 2020

The Human Rights Press Awards is postponing its 2020 awards ceremony to the fall. The organizers are regrettably delaying the ceremony, believing it is the most responsible course of action as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the Hong Kong government’s advice to limit large gatherings.

The winners will be announced online on May 6 as scheduled. Voting for the people’s choice photography award will also go ahead online, starting today. Those images will be displayed, as in past years, on the Wall at the FCC. It is our hope to honor the winners in all categories later this year. A new date will be announced.

The Human Rights Press Awards, in their 24th year, are organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong, Amnesty International Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Journalists Association. The awards are the most prestigious recognition of human rights reporting in Asia.

This year we have received a record number of photography entries and an excellent variety of powerful writing – work that highlights crucial issues facing individuals and communities in what has been an extraordinary year for world news.

Showcasing these works has become more important than ever as governments around the region step up threats to basic freedoms of the press, speech and expression.

For further information of the awards, please visit:

http://humanrightspressawards.org

二零二零年人權新聞獎頒獎禮延期舉行得獎名單將於5月6日公佈

2020年4月1日

因應新型冠狀病毒疫情持續，香港政府進一步限制人群聚集的活動，人權新聞獎籌委會宣佈，2020年人權新聞獎頒獎禮將延至秋季舉行。

我們期望今年稍後日子，舉辦頒獎禮表揚人權新聞奬所有組別的得獎者，確實日期容後公佈。得獎名單將如期於5月6日在網上公佈；「一人一票最佳新聞圖片獎」則於今日開放予公眾投票，相關新聞圖片作品將於香港外國記者會展出。

人權新聞獎由香港外國記者會、國際特赦組織香港分會及香港記者協會合辦，以表彰亞洲區的卓越人權新聞報道，今年已是第二十四屆。

今屆我們收到破紀錄的參賽新聞圖片數目以及題材廣泛的優秀新聞作品，報道世界各地發生的重大新聞事件，紀錄這不平凡的一年。

近年亞洲區內多個政府對基本人權包括出版自由、新聞自由及表達自由之侵害變本加厲，令舉辦此獎項以表揚優秀的人權新聞，更形重要。

詳情請瀏覽新聞獎官方網站：

https://humanrightspressawards.org

Cancellation of nomination meeting on 1 April, though nominations still will be received for Board of Governors

CANCELLATION OF NOMINATION MEETING ON 1 APRIL, THOUGH NOMINATIONS STILL WILL BE RECEIVED FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Dear Members,

As you will be aware the government has issued strong guidelines for fighting the coronavirus that emphasise the avoidance of nonessential meetings. In the light of this and in the exceptional circumstances of these times, we are canceling the Nomination Meeting on April 1st but slightly extending the deadline for nominations to 6.30pm that day, which would be the last time for making them were the meeting to have been held.

If any member would like to stand for election to the Board of Governors please either complete the form sent to you or email a message to [email protected] indicating the post for which you wish to be nominated. All nominations require a nominator and seconder from the membership category of the candidate. If it is not practical to secure these nominations without coming to the Club, the office will assist in arranging this.

Members of the Election Committee will scrutinise the nominations on Wednesday and ensure they are in order.

It is our intention that in all other respects the election will proceed in the usual manner that allows members to vote either by post or by inserting a voting form into the ballot box at the FCC entrance.

By order of the Board of Governors

Jodi Schneider, President

On behalf of the Election Committee

Stephen Vines, Chair

Applications for FCC Board of Governors

Applications for FCC Board of Governors

To all members

The closing date for nominations to the FCC’s Board of Governors is Wednesday April 1 at 6pm. In spite of the disruption caused by the coronavirus, we intend to keep to that schedule.

You have all been mailed details of the positions, who may vote for each, and a nomination form.

However we understand that not all members who wish to stand want, or are able, to visit the club to hand in the form before then – or to meet people to get the signatures.

For those who wish to stand and who cannot make it to the club before the deadline, please email the following four pieces of information to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday 1 April and the club will ensure that two members sign your nomination form.

As the nominee, you do not need to actually sign the form yourself.

We do encourage members to run for the board and we are actively seeking nominations.

Name

Affiliation

Membership number

Position you are running for

FCC Announces Changes in Operation Starting Friday 27 March

FCC Announces Changes in Operation Starting Friday 27 March

The Board of Governors of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong has approved additional measures to protect the health and safety of the club’s staff, members and guests. These are in keeping with, and go beyond, the Chief Executive’s announcement earlier this week of measures to try to contain a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong.Starting Friday, March 27, upon opening, the club will for the foreseeable future implement the following measures:

* Reduce the club’s hours of operation – from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
* Allow only one guest per member at all times
* Close Bert’s
* Increase distance between tables and visitors and promote social distancing including at the Main Bar
* Cancel all banqueting until further notice
* Expand takeout and delivery options
* Continue to keep the gym closed per the government’s regulations regarding changing rooms
* Continue the check-in, temperature taking and declaration measures upon entry to the club
* Continue enhanced and frequent cleaning protocols throughout the club

These measures will allow us to continue to serve our members, which is important as we are a professional club that supports members in their working lives, as well as providing a social venue. Many members are working journalists, including freelancers, who depend on the facilities in a professional capacity and need to continue to conduct interviews.

We do not underestimate the gravity of the health situation facing Hong Kong and strongly believe that these enhanced measures will allow us to better protect the health and safety of staff, members and guests, while allowing us to keep open the club that forms a vital function for working journalists. These measures go beyond the government guidelines. If those guidelines or the situation in Hong Kong changes, our plans can and will be revised accordingly.

Thank you.

26 March 2020

FCC to Close Gym Effective March 24, Seeking Clarification on How Other Measures Will Affect the Club

FCC to Close Gym Effective March 24, Seeking Clarification on How Other Measures Will Affect the Club

The FCC will close its gym at 10 p.m. Tuesday March 24, adhering to a measure announced by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Monday requiring that all private clubs with changing room facilities should close such facilities to reduce social contact.

The FCC’s management and board is seeking clarification from the government – the club’s landlord – to determine how other provisions including a possible suspension of liquor licenses in Hong Kong’s bars, restaurants and clubs may affect the FCC’s operations. Members will be advised once that information is available.

Thank you.

FCC Announces Expanded Travel Disclosure Requirements Starting Thursday 19 March

FCC Announces Expanded Travel Disclosure Requirements Starting Thursday 19 March

Starting Thursday 19 March, we will ask that people do not come to the club within 14 days of arriving in Hong Kong from overseas. This is in keeping with new Hong Kong government guidelines requiring that people arriving in the city from any foreign country must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the FCC has been updating measures to ensure the health and safety of members and staff including screening temperatures and requiring all members and guests to note their recent travel histories at the reception desk.

We also ask that guests and members use their best judgment and not visit the club if they are feeling unwell or if they have been in contact with someone who has been confirmed to have the virus, in order to ensure the health and safety of others.

Thank you.

21 March 2020

FCC to Reopen March 13, Announces Enhanced Travel Disclosure Plans

FCC to Reopen March 13, Announces Enhanced Travel Disclosure Plans

The FCC will reopen as scheduled on Friday 13th March. The deep cleaning of the club has been completed and we would like to thank members for their support and understanding during this period. The Club looks forward to welcoming back members and all programmed events will take place as scheduled.

Amid the coronavirus, the FCC will continue with measures to ensure the health and safety of our members and staff including screening temperatures and requiring all members and guests to check in and note their recent travel histories.

Based on World Health Organization and Hong Kong government guidance, in addition to mainland China, we will now ask that members who have been to the following locations in the past 14 days do not enter the club. This includes Italy; Hokkaido, Japan; Seattle, Washington; South Korea; Iran; France; Germany and Spain. This list may change as the path of the virus shifts.

Additionally, any guests or members who have recently visited other hot spots for coronavirus around the world should not visit the club within 14 days of their trip to ensure the health and safety of others.

Thank you.
12 March 2020

FCC to Close Until March 13 For Deep Cleaning Amid Coronavirus

FCC to Close Until March 13 For Deep Cleaning Amid Coronavirus

The club has been informed today that an FCC member has been confirmed as having the coronavirus and was hospitalized on Friday 6 March.

He last visited the club 19 days ago, using the main lounge at lunchtime on February 20. Out of an abundance of caution, we are closing the club for a deep cleaning from tonight and reopening on Friday.

The club will be closed from 6pm Tuesday 10, reopening as normal on Friday 13 March.

The health and safety of our members and staff, as well as their comfort and confidence, is our priority and we believe these measures are an appropriate response.

We are communicating with FEHD and other relevant government agencies.

Our affected member was reported to be in a stable condition. He was quarantined Thursday 5 March after a close family member tested positive for the virus. We wish him and his family a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with them.

The club has already introduced several measures to ensure the health of our members and staff, including screening visitors’ temperatures, checking recent travel histories and asking people who’ve visited specific places to self-quarantine for 14 days. We will continue to review those procedures as the situation evolves.

For members with further questions, the club will operate a hotline – 2521 1511 – between 9am and 9pm from Wednesday through Friday.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the club on Friday.

FCC Update on Restrictions

FCC Update on Restrictions

Dear Members:

As the Hong Kong government is tightening restrictions given a recent uptick in coronavirus cases in the city, the FCC will make some changes starting Saturday, July 11. Events, banqueting and live music will continue, though table configurations and capacity at events will shift given the new rules.

Changes include:

No more than eight people will be allowed per table.

The occupancy of the club will be reduced to 60%, which the staff will manage. Event capacity will be reduced slightly and events are filling up quickly, and tables fill up at lunch and dinner time, so book in advance.

No more than four people will be allowed in groups around the bar. We will bring back the small tables near the bar.

The gym will remain open, though the sauna and steam room remain closed per government rules.

The FCC will continue to restrict guests to three per member at all times in the Main Bar and Lounge and in Bert’s.

In keeping with government requirements and best practices, all members, guests and staff must wear face masks except when eating or drinking, and hand sanitizer must be used by all. The FCC also will continue the check-in, temperature taking and declaration measures upon entry to the club, as well as the frequent cleaning protocols throughout the building.

10 July 2020