The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will launch various special activities and offers from August 15 to 31 for the public to support and participate in the second National Ecology Day (NED).
 
     The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and activities on August 15. Members of the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5 per cent off for gift redemptions or e-coupons on the GREEN$ Mobile App, at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations, Recycling Stores (excluding Recycling Spots) and gift redemption units provided by the Environmental Protection Department at various locations on August 15. Moreover, free workshops will be held at T·Park on August 25.
 
     During August 16 and 21, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will hold a thematic exhibition for the NED at G/F, Central Atrium, Olympian City 2. The exhibition will showcase the culture and nature ecology of Hong Kong's countryside through a variety of displays, virtual reality games and interactive zones. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will also organise four BioBlitz Experiential Tours in Pok Fu Lam Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre for the public to explore the local wildlife and learn about the beautiful and unique nature ecology of Hong Kong.

     Furthermore, over 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will provide a series of free activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safaris, workshops and seminars.

     A spokesman for the EEB said, "The country designated August 15 as NED last year to promote society's awareness towards ecological civilisation and environmental protection. Through the above-mentioned activities and offers, the HKSAR Government and NGOs aim to enhance the public's awareness of ecological civilisation and their consciousness of the need for thought and action to protect our environment, with a view to echoing our country's continuous efforts in advancing ecological civilisation construction and promoting the modernisation of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. We are very grateful for the relevant organisations' participation and appeal to the public for active participation in the activities concerned."
 
     Details of the NED exhibition and relevant special activities and offers have been uploaded to the social media platform of the Countryside Conservation Office (www.facebook.com/countrysideconservationhk), the social media platform of T·PARK (www.facebook.com/tparkhk), the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html) as well as the websites or social media platforms of participating organisations.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 8) appealed to members of the public not to use a whitening cream product as it may contain excessive mercury, which is harmful to one's health.
      
     The CHP received a notification of a mercury poisoning case from the Hospital Authority involving a female patient, aged 43. The patient was found to have proteinuria (presence of excess proteins in urine) after admission to the hospital. She reported using two whitening cream products. Her urine and blood samples revealed mercury levels higher than the respective reference levels, which were clinically suspected to be related to the use of the above products. The patient is still hospitalised and is in stable condition.
      
     Testing by the Government Laboratory of one of the products labelled "Goree Beauty Cream" (see photo) revealed that the product contains excessive mercury. According to information provided by the patient, she has been using this product for several weeks. The case has been referred to the relevant law enforcement agency for follow-up. An investigation is still ongoing.
      
     "Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, concentration difficulty, impaired hearing and vision, and a change in the taste function. In severe cases, renal failure may occur," a spokesman for the CHP said.
      
     The spokesman strongly urged people who are using this product to stop using it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt.

  

     The Government Property Agency (GPA) awarded three property management services contracts upon completion of an open tender exercise. The new contracts will commence on October 1, 2024, and be valid for four years.

     The three contracts will cover government office buildings and quarters developments managed by the GPA in respect of three areas on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories. The total contract sum of the three contracts is around $1,502 million.

     The list of contractors awarded the contracts is available on the GPA's website: www.gpaproperty.gov.hk/en/tender-quotation-notices/award-of-contracts/management-of-government-properties.html.

     A woman who went missing in Kwai Chung has been located.

     Dam Le-mai, aged 71, went missing after she left her residence in Shek Lei (I) Estate on August 6 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on the same day.

     The woman was located at a hospital on Gascoigne Road in Yau Ma Tei yesterday (August 7). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (August 8) that, following an overwhelming public response, the 750 places for the 5km run of "Celebrating the National Day – Harbour Run For Fun" have been filled.
      
     A spokesman for the LCSD said that the registration quota was reached rapidly after enrolment opened this morning. The spokesman thanked the public for their support, and reminded enrolled participants to collect their number bibs at the Harbour Road Sports Centre, Wan Chai, between 8.30am and 8pm from September 18 to 20; or the Enquiry Counter at Culture Plaza, Tamar Park, between 6.45am and 7.30am on September 22.
      
     The spokesman also welcomes members of the public to cheer on the participants along the route or at the designated cheering zone (near the finishing point). In addition, they can also participate in the carnival held in the vicinity of the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section) and Tamar Park.
      
     For enquiries about "Celebrating the National Day – Harbour Run For Fun" and the carnival, please contact the Wan Chai District Leisure Services Office at 2879 5622 and the Central and Western District Leisure Services Office at 2853 2566, respectively, during office hours.