A Message from the President

Dear Members,

I wanted to give you an update about the topic I know is on everyone’s mind — the status of the lease of our Clubhouse.

Our current lease, which is administered by Hong Kong’s Government Property Agency, expires on 1 January 2023, which means we are less than 70 days from the end of the lease. We first engaged the Hong Kong government in December 2021, to express our interest in a renewal, giving one year’s notice of our desire to stay. Our request was formally acknowledged then.

Much has happened over the last year, including the awful Covid fifth wave, and the change of administration on July 1. But at every opportunity, in my position as President, and on behalf of the Board, I have reiterated our request for a lease renewal to various relevant departments of the Government. In all of my communications, I have mentioned the urgency of the matter, so as to end the uncertainty, provide some security to our members and our staff, and to allow us to conduct needed maintenance work on our Clubhouse, a Grade 1 historic building, of which we are the proud custodians.

I have received recent assurances from the Government that they are aware of our concerns, and that the Government is actively working on our request for a renewal. I remain in constant contact, but at this point, we just have to wait for the official response.

I know the lack of a firm response so far has left many of you anxious and with many questions, but I remain very optimistic. While it may be frustrating to not have clarity immediately, given the tight timeframe, this process actually does not seem unusual; the current lease was signed on 29 December 2015, after the process started in August. Previous leases were also signed in December.

Please rest assured that I and all members of the Board have made this our top priority. We will keep you updated the moment anything changes.

In the meantime, as you can see from our events listing, we are going full steam ahead with planning, including a return to live music after a long wait. And I want to thank you for your continued support of the Club.

Keith Richburg

President

24 October 2022

Further Relaxation of Social Distancing Measures

Dear Members,

I would like to update you that the Government has further relaxed some social distancing measures effective from October 6. The latest club policies will be updated as follows;

• All restaurants will be open until 11:59 p.m. every day. Last orders for food will be at 10:50 p.m., while last orders for drinks will be at 11:30 p.m. • Maximum number per table is extended to 12 people from 8, and each member can bring 3 guests. . • Negative RAT test/ PCR test result is required before entering the Club for participating in a banquet/ event. • Private functions and meetings can now accommodate up to 240 persons. Please contact our team at [email protected] to discuss. • Music performances at Bert’s are unfortunately still not allowed at this time. • The health club remains open, although the sauna and steam room remain closed. No more than 6 people are allowed in the health club at one time. Pre-registration is required with the gym attendant at 2844 2849. • All persons must wear a face mask at all times within Club premises, except when eating or drinking at the table. • Staff continue to complete a COVID-19 rapid test every 3 days.

Children aged 5 to 11 are required to comply with the specified vaccination requirements under the Vaccine Pass when entering any applicable premises of the Vaccine Pass. Children ages 5 to 11 must have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, or within three months after receiving the first dose of vaccine. As for persons aged 12 or above, the grace period for receiving the third dose after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine has been shortened from six months to five months under the Vaccine Pass. Since the Club is subject to active checking of the Vaccine Pass, those who do not follow these measures will not be admitted. Click here to see more details on dosage schedule of Vaccines Pass.

Thanks for your continued understanding and support. I look forward to seeing you all at the Club!

Keith Richburg

President

6 October 2022

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FCC Influenza Vaccination 2022

Dear Members, All FCC staff will participate in an influenza immunization programme in October 2022. The vaccination will be administered by a registered doctor from a reputable clinic in Central. There will be 50 doses available for FCC members on specific dates at a discount price HK$220. Anyone who is interested please complete the reply slip and reserve with the FCC concierge at (tel) 2521 1511, (fax) 2868 4092 or (email) [email protected] on or before Friday, October 7, 2022. Remarks: Before entering the clinic, you must produce negative RAT photo with name, date and time, conducted within the proceeding 24 hours per the request from the clinic. The influenza vaccine is only available for the child above 6 months. Any person who is hypersensitive to egg protein, suffer from acute severe febrile illness or previous severe allergic reaction to flu vaccine etc. is not suitable to take the influenza vaccine. Most people achieve protection from influenza vaccine approximately 2-3 weeks after receiving the immunization, so travelers should allow adequate time for vaccination before departure. It is recommended to consult your personal doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking the vaccine. Confirmation will be sent to you once your booking is accepted. If you do not receive a confirmation within two working days, please contact our Concierge. The amount shown below will charge to your FCC membership account in October 2022. Booking period: October 10–15, 2022 (Weekdays, 10am-12nn; 2:30pm-5pm / Saturday, 10am-12nn / Sunday & Public holiday will be closed)

Click here to download the form