Attention TV/radio announcers:

     Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 15) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, the lifesaving services at Cafeteria New Beach in Tuen Mun District are suspended until further notice.

     First aid service will be maintained at the beach. 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

     Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 15) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, the lifesaving services at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District are suspended until further notice.

     First aid service will be maintained at the beach.

     Three renovation works contractors illegally used powered mechanical equipment when carrying out renovation works in shopping malls, causing a noise nuisance at late night. They were convicted and fined $16,000 at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (August 15) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department has all along been concerned about the illegal renovation works carried out by works contractors at night. After receiving complaints in February this year, the EPD enforcement staff conducted investigations at Olympian City 2 and Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre. They confirmed that the works contractors involved, namely Ping Kai Engineering Co., Limited, Luxahome Engineering Company Limited and Studio. id Interior Design Limited, used powered mechanical equipment, including an electric saw and a hand-held percussive breaker, to carry out renovation works in the two shopping malls during the small hours without a valid construction noise permit (CNP) and caused a noise nuisance. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD prosecuted the works contractors involved in accordance with the NCO.

     The spokesman for the EPD explained that the NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest. Property management companies, shopping mall tenants and works contractors should arrange renovation works during the daytime and non-general holidays as far as possible to minimise noise disturbances to the public and nearby residents. If any works have to be conducted during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday), the works contractors should obtain a CNP from the EPD in advance, otherwise it constitutes an offence. Works contractors with this permit must also strictly comply with the requirements of the CNP. Only specified powered mechanical equipment can be used when carrying out the works and noise mitigation measures should be implemented including, for example, the erection of hoardings and barriers, and similar measures. Anyone that contravenes the NCO or the terms of CNP are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 for the first offence. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on subsequent convictions.

     The Rating and Valuation Department will issue today (August 15) about 370,000 requisition forms asking payers of rates and/or Government rent to provide details of rents and other terms of tenancies for different categories of properties.

     A spokesman for the department said the rental information collected would be used to prepare a new round of general revaluation.

     "The general revaluation will better reflect prevailing market rents of properties. The new rateable values will take effect from April 1, 2020," the spokesman said.

     Rates and/or Government rent payers should complete and return the forms within 21 days. They can also complete and return the forms by using the "Electronic Submission of Forms" service provided at the department's website (www.rvd.gov.hk).

     Rates and/or Government rent payers are reminded to affix sufficient postage if they return the forms by post to ensure timely and successful postal delivery.

     Anyone having difficulty in completing and returning the forms within the specified period must apply in writing for an extension of time before the end of the stipulated period and should state their reasons. 

     Anyone who knowingly makes a false statement or refuses to furnish any of the particulars specified in the form commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $10,000 respectively. They will also be fined an amount equivalent to three times the rates and/or Government rent undercharged.

     Enquiries on how to complete the form can be made by calling the number printed on the form, or visiting the department at 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. 

     The department's website also provides answers to commonly asked questions on completing the form.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 15) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index remains high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
• Wear a wide brim hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming or sweating; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may get more information from the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.