Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 3) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Tong Fuk Beach in Islands District; and Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
     
     The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (April 3) said that 13 general out-patient clinics (see table below) will provide holiday clinic service in Ching Ming Festival this Friday (April 5). Members of the public are reminded to make advance booking through the telephone system as usual for an appointment.  
      
     The spokesperson remarked that the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Departments in public hospitals will also operate as usual during the holiday to serve the patients with urgent medical needs. The established triage system will ensure priority treatment for critical and emergency patients according to their clinical conditions. The queuing time is expected to be longer for semi-urgent and non-urgent patients as there may be more patients attending A&E Departments during the holiday. The HA appeals to the public for understanding and co-operation while waiting for consultations. Non-urgent patients are advised to consider seeking consultations at general out-patient clinics, private doctors or the 24-hour clinics of private hospitals.
      
     To help find the appropriate family doctor and related clinic service of their choice, members of the public are welcome to call the HA Infoline (2882 4866) for information on holiday general out-patient clinic service, or browse the Primary Care Directory of Department of Health at http://www.pcdirectory.gov.hk.
 

Consultation hours:
9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (April 3).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (April 2) announced a case of measles involving a 23-year-old male radiographer of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

     The HA received notification from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health this evening on the positive test result for the measles virus of a staff member.

     The staff member, with past good health, developed fever and rash on Monday (April 1) and was admitted to PMH.  He is currently in stable condition.

     During his communicable period, he has not worked in any of the high risk wards.  He has injection records showing two previous doses of measles injection.   He has no recent travel history nor visit to the Hong Kong International Airport.

     The HA will work closely with the CHP on the source investigation and contact tracing.  According to established guidelines, his close contact in the workplace will be monitored accordingly and blood tests will be conducted to ascertain their measles immunity if needed.

     The HA Central Committee on Infectious Disease and Emergency Responses meeting scheduled tomorrow (April 3) will deliberate on the risk assessment of the overall situation of measles in the community as well as this particular case of staff infection.