The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, will lead a delegation to Guiyang tomorrow (July 22) to attend the 2018 Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum. The theme of the forum is "Integrating into the Development of the Country, Facilitating High-quality Development of the Construction Industry".
      
     Co-organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Guizhou Provincial People's Government and the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the forum aims to promote exchanges between the construction industry and related engineering industries of the Mainland and Hong Kong on professional services and project management. It also seeks to foster ties and co-operation between the two places.
      
     Mr Wong will deliver a speech at the forum's opening ceremony on July 23. During the forum, speakers from the Mainland and Hong Kong will share their experiences on building design and project management, innovation and the passing on of building technology, as well as assembly construction and green buildings. The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Hon Chi-keung, will deliver a concluding speech at the closing ceremony of the forum on the following day.
      
     The Hong Kong delegation will comprise about 150 members including government officials, members of the Construction Industry Council and representatives from construction trade associations and professional institutions, as well as construction industry personnel, legal professionals and a Legislative Council member.
      
     Accompanying Mr Wong to the forum will be Mr Hon; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Lam Sai-hung; the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Wong Chung-leung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Sylvia Lam; the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Edwin Tong; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Alfred Sit; and the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Francis Chau.
      
     Mr Wong will return to Hong Kong in the evening on July 23. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Liu Chun-san, will be the Acting Secretary for Development.

     A man who went missing in Tai Po has been located.

     Wong Hong-chin, aged 29, went missing after he was last seen in MTR Tai Wo Station on July 13 afternoon. His family made a report to Police on July 16.

     The man was located in Yat Tung Estate, Lantau North yesterday afternoon (July 20).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 21) 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.