The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) 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.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:

     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should inform their supervisors and seek medical help immediately.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

     A man who went missing in Cheung Chau was located.

     Andre Louis Marie Jouve, aged 50, went missing after he was last seen on Cheung Chau Beach Road on July 9 afternoon. His family made a report to Police on July 22.

     The man was located on Hanoi Road in Tsim Sha Tsui this afternoon (August 4). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     Hong Kong Police received three suspects and the stolen goods in connection with a robbery case from the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau at the Lok Ma Chau Boundary Control Point today (August 4).

     The Police Director of Crime and Security, Mr Li Chi-hang spoke at the surrender ceremony held at Huanggang, Shenzhen that Hong Kong Police were grateful for the invaluable assistance rendered by the Ministry of Public Security, the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department and the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau, which resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.

     “The surrender ceremony today demonstrates the joint efforts of the Police of the two places in combating crimes. It also sends an unequivocal message to the society that Police of the two places are determined to combat crimes and protect lives and property of the people,” Mr Li said.

     “Police of the two places will continue to step up policing cooperation so as to safeguard law and order and secure people’s lives and property.”

     The three local male suspects, aged between 36 and 41, are in suspected connection with a robbery case in Tsim Sha Tsui on July 1 this year in which a jewellery shop was robbed of watches and bracelets worth about $23.5 million.

     Investigation by Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon West revealed that some suspects might have left for the Mainland, Hong Kong Police sought the assistance of the Ministry of Public Security, the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department and the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau. The three suspects were subsequently arrested in Shenzhen.

    Hong Kong Police arrested four male and four female suspects in Hong Kong.

     Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon West is underway.