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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 (June 1) 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

FS forges closer co-operation between Hong Kong and Ireland (with photos)

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (May 31, Dublin time) commenced his three-day visit in Dublin to foster closer economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Ireland.

     He began his visit by meeting a group of Irish Fintech companies already operating in Hong Kong or looking to establish offices in Hong Kong. He updated them on the city’s latest efforts to support Fintech development and encouraged them to make good use of Hong Kong’s platform in expanding their operations in Hong Kong, the Mainland of China and Asia.  

     He then attended a gathering with Hong Kong people living in Dublin to learn more about their daily lives and work.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan addressed the “Routes to Growth: Creating Opportunities Between Hong Kong and Ireland as Financial Services & Aviation Hubs” seminar organised by Invest Hong Kong and Enterprise Ireland, and introduced Hong Kong’s latest development in Fintech and aircraft leasing business. Also attending the seminar was the Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection of Ireland, Mr Pat Breen.
 
     Speaking at the seminar, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong has been serving as the unique gateway connecting international investors and the vast market in the Mainland of China for decades. Hong Kong’s ever-deepening economic integration with the Mainland would create more opportunities that are available to no one else, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development.  Hong Kong and Ireland can step up collaboration in the areas of Fintech and aircraft leasing, and work together in capitalising the massive opportunities ahead.
 
     It was followed by a meeting with the Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA), during which he was briefed on the latest development of funds industry in Ireland. With over 130 companies, 14 000 funds and 16 000 funds industry professionals, IFIA is the representative body for the international investment funds community in Ireland.

     He then met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Mr Philip Lane. They exchanged views on global economic outlook and shared experience in maintaining financial stability.

     In the evening, joined by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of Ireland, Mr Michael D’arcy, Mr Chan attended a cocktail reception and dinner to mark the launch in June of direct flights between Hong Kong and Dublin.  He said the direct flights would further strengthen the close ties between Hong Kong and Ireland on trade, tourism and cultural fronts.

     Tomorrow (June 1, Dublin time), Mr Chan will continue his visit and will meet officials of the Irish Government and representatives of the banking and business sectors.

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East Asia