The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 7) 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.

     "Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. 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 can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

    
     â€‹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.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report 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 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.

     Three charities have been issued Public Subscription Permits to hold flag sales from 7am to 12.30pm today (August 7). They are, on Hong Kong Island, Principal Chan Free Tutorial World Limited; in Kowloon, the Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong Synod; and in the New Territories, Tsuen Wan Kwai Ching District Women's Association, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said.
      
     Arrangements have been made with the charities to help people to distinguish among the three flag-selling activities.
      
     Information on the three flag-selling organisations on August 7 is as follows:
 

 
     Details of the charitable fund-raising activities, including any updated information, covered by the issued Public Subscription Permits have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search). Permits for flag days containing information on contact methods of the flag-selling organisations and the approved flag-selling activities have also been uploaded to the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/ngo/controlofc/flagdays) for reference. For enquiries, please call the SWD's hotline at 2343 2255, or the designated hotline of the 1823 Call Centre at 3142 2678.
      
     In the case of suspected fraudulent flag day activities, people should not make any donation and should immediately report the matter to the Police, the spokesman added.

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:

     The National Security Exhibition Gallery, organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS), was inaugurated at the Hong Kong Museum of History today (August 6). Officiating guests attending the opening ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the National Security Committee, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Cui Jianchun.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said that last year's Policy Address mentioned setting up a National Security Exhibition Gallery to raise public awareness of the importance of safeguarding national security and to promote national security education in the community. He expressed gratitude to the various ministries and commissions of the Central Authorities and offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong for their unwavering support. He hoped that through arranging visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, various sectors of the SAR would better promote national security education, and strengthen the public's sense of and commitment to safeguarding national security proactively.

     Mr Lee said, "Safeguarding national security is a continuous endeavour with no end point. Faced with ever-changing international situations, frequent regional conflicts, and external forces' containment and suppression, we must stay alert to potential risks and adopt extreme-scenario thinking. We must co-ordinate development and security. With the new security architecture, we will be able to better safeguard China's new pattern of development. By fully and accurately implementing the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', and deeply integrating into China's overall development, we can contribute to the comprehensive construction of a strong, modernised China and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

     In his speech, Director Zheng pointed out, "Having gone through the transition from chaos to stability, the HKSAR is now marching valiantly on the bright road from stability to prosperity. It is precisely at times like these that we cannot overlook national security.

     "We pursue a peaceful and comfortable life, but we must constantly remind everyone to stay vigilant and uphold the rule of law at all times. I firmly believe that the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery will further unite the consensus around 'Security Brings Prosperity', further nurture the foundation for safeguarding national security, and further consolidate people's strength to create a better life together."

     In his speech, Director Dong said, "Establishing the National Security Exhibition Gallery as a regular publicity and education base is an iconic and significant milestone. It is an important platform for elaborating a holistic approach to national security.

     "I hope the entire society will take this opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery as an opportunity to care about, support, and participate in national security, and think, shoulder responsibility and safeguard together, as well as contribute to Hong Kong's long-term security and prosperity!"

     Commissioner Cui said in his speech, "The establishment of the National Security Exhibition Gallery is a pragmatic measure by the HKSAR Government to proactively implement 'a holistic approach to national security', fulfill the requirements under the Hong Kong National Security Law, and carry out in-depth national security education. It is so meaningful to provide an important avenue for Hong Kong residents, especially youth, to understand national security."

     The National Security Exhibition Gallery is the first thematic gallery in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dedicated to systematic promotion of national security education. Located on the second floor of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Tsim Sha Tsui, with an area of more than 1 100 square metres, the Gallery will be open to the public free of charge starting from August 7. It is divided into six zones, including a theatre showing a short video that allows viewers to review the modern history of China and understand the importance of national security. It also introduces the founding of the People's Republic of China, the design of the national symbols and signs, the 20 security fields of "a holistic approach to national security", "One Country, Two Systems", and the laws on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, etc. The Gallery also features a three-dimensional theatre, various interactive games, and animations to increase interest and deepen visitors' understanding of national security.

     The Gallery displays many unique, authoritative and officially approved exhibits. Highlights include precious lunar soil on loan from the China National Space Administration; the national flag flying in Tiananmen Square on June 30, 2020, the day the Hong Kong National Security Law was promulgated and took effect, presented by the People's Government of Beijing Municipality; a 1:1 scale replica of the oil painting, "the Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China", gifted by the National Museum of China and exhibited for the first time outside the Mainland; samples of the first RMB banknotes issued by the People's Bank of China; as well as a 6-metre-tall, 1:9 model of the Long March-5B carrier rocket on display in Hong Kong for the first time.

     After the opening ceremony, the organiser specially invited over 40 primary two and three students to be the first to experience the exhibition. The students followed the docents' lead, exploring various exhibition zones and immersing themselves in the rich displays. They were eager to learn more and tried out various interactive installations. From their attentive and excited reactions, it was clear that the Gallery provided the students with a meaningful and engaging learning experience about national security.

                    

     The Department of Health (DH) today (August 6) appealed to the public not to buy or consume a slimming product (labelled as "Z FIT 純中藥減脂丸" with no English name), as it was found to contain undeclared controlled and banned drug ingredients.   
               
     Acting upon intelligence, the DH obtained samples of the above product via a social media platform for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples contained sibutramine and frusemide, which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The DH's investigation is continuing. 
           
     Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, pharmaceutical products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of an increased cardiovascular risk. Frusemide is a diuretic used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure and oedema. Common adverse effects include feeling thirsty, dizziness, headaches and fast or irregular heartbeat.
      
     According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
      
     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
      
     The spokesman added that weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for "Health message on overweight problem and slimming products" and "Slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients" for information.