image_pdfimage_print

Author Archives: hksar gov

Temporary traffic arrangements for tram track renewal works in Western district from next Wednesday

     The Transport Department (TD) today (September 6) reminded the public that to facilitate tram track renewal work at Cadogan Street, parts of the middle lane of Cadogan Street near Belcher’s Street will be temporarily closed from about 10am next Wednesday (September 12) to 11.59pm on September 28 (Friday).
 
     Appropriate traffic signs will be erected on-site to guide motorists.
 
     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of the above road section will be relatively busy. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion. Members of the public are advised to stay alert to the latest traffic news or the department’s website (www.td.gov.hk). read more

East Asia

Hungary’s famous Kodály Quartet to perform in November

     Hungary’s world-renowned Kodály Quartet will return to Hong Kong for a long-overdue appearance in November.
 
     Comprising Attila Falvay (first violin), Ferenc Bangó (second violin), János Fejérvári (viola) and György Éder (cello), the quartet will play Haydn’s “String Quartet in G, Op. 77”, Mozart’s “String Quartet No. 17 in B-flat, K. 458, ‘The Hunt'” and Beethoven’s “String Quartet in E minor, Op. 59, No. 2, ‘Razumovsky'”.
 
     The Kodály Quartet has been at the pinnacle of musical excellence for over five decades. The founding of the quartet was largely associated with the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest. In 1966, four students of the academy formed the Sebastyén Quartet, which was awarded the jury’s special diploma at the 1966 Geneva International Quartet Competition, and won the first prize at the 1968 Leó Weiner Quartet Competition in Budapest. Their achievements were soon recognised by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Education, who granted them approval to use the name of the late national composer Zoltán Kodály for the quartet’s name in 1972. The quartet is committed to presenting the rich Hungarian musical tradition and has long been regarded as the musical ambassador of Hungarian string quartet culture.
 
     “Encore Series: Kodály Quartet” is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be held at 8pm on November 26 (Monday) at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $160, $220, $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_473.html.
 
     A pre-concert talk entitled “Murmur of the Strings in Vienna” (to be conducted in Cantonese) will be held at 6.45pm at the North Committee Room, 7/F, High Block, Hong Kong City Hall. The speaker will be Chow Fan Fu. Admission is free with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. read more

East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 6) 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. read more

East Asia