Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 30) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, and that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

     From July 22 to 28, one community-acquired LD case was reported. The male patient, aged 68 with underlying illnesses, lives in Hay Ping House, Long Ping Estate, Ping Yee Road, Yuen Long.

     “Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     As of July 28, 48 LD cases have been reported in 2018. In 2017 and 2016, there were 72 and 75 cases respectively.

     “Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems leading to stagnant water; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels,” the spokesman said.

     Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus which support breathing. People may get infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

     Immunocompromised persons should:
 

• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices. A shower may also generate small aerosols; and
• If using these devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not tap water. Also, clean and maintain them regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.
   

     The public should observe the health advice below:
 

• Observe personal hygiene;
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol;
• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
• If a fresh water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
• Drain or purge for at least one minute the infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
• Seek and follow medical advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile (not distilled or tap) water to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2-µm filters. Never leave stagnant water. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

     1. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
     2. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
     3. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
     4. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

     The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Film Development Council:

     The local premiere of a new film financed by the Film Development Fund (FDF), “Men on the Dragon”, will be held this evening (July 30). The production budget for the film was around $16.64 million, with government finance amounting to about $4.5 million.

     “Men on the Dragon” is the first feature film directed by Sunny Chan, and stars Francis Ng, Poon Chan-leung, Nancy Wu and Jennifer Yu. The film depicts how four middle-aged men, who always muddle through their work, are forced to join their company’s dragon boat racing team in order to stay immune from encroaching layoffs. Through the hardships during the training, their long-lost fighting spirit is rekindled.

     The film was selected by the 2018 New York Asian Film Festival as the Centerpiece Film and its world premiere was held on July 12 in New York. Director Chan and actress Yu were invited to attend the premiere and a meet-the-audience session.

     The Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Mr Ma Fung-kwok, said, “The film was well received at the world premiere, which proves the attractiveness of Hong Kong films in international markets. The new director and experienced actors co-operated well to produce an inspirational film. It is also the first film to have audio description services in commercial theatrical exhibition. The film should be appealing to audiences including the visually impaired.”

     He added, “The Government will continue to support the film industry through the FDF in order to nurture more film professionals and foster the long-term development of the local film industry.”

     In May 2015, the Government further injected $200 million into the FDF to boost the volume of local film production and nurture film talent. Since 2007, the FDF has financed 32 film projects, involving total funding of about $90.76 million. read more

     As the Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stroke when working in a hot or humid environment.
 
     Heat stroke could occur if an employee works in a hot or humid environment for prolonged periods of time, as the body may fail to regulate its temperature by effective heat dissipation through sweating.
 
     The early symptoms of heat stroke include feeling thirsty, fatigue, nausea and headache. Later, the victim may experience shortness of breath, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, confusion or even loss of consciousness and convulsion.
 
     For example, construction workers, cleaning workers, kitchen workers and porters are more prone to heat stroke when working for long hours in such an environment, especially if appropriate preventive measures have not been taken.
 
     The LD reminds employers to arrange for a suitable assessment of the risk of heat stress in the work environment and take appropriate preventive measures. The LD has produced two leaflets entitled “Checklist for Heat Stress Assessment at Construction Sites” and “Checklist for Heat Stress Assessment at Outdoor Cleansing Workplaces” respectively. Employers engaged in construction or outdoor cleaning work are advised to refer to these checklists in assessing the risk of heat stress at their workplaces. As for heat stress assessment at a workplace in general, employers can refer to a booklet entitled “Risk Assessment for the Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” produced by the LD.
 
     The LD also reminds employers and employees to take the following precautions to prevent heat stroke:
 
Employers
———
(1) Take heed of the weather report and adopt shift work arrangements for employees to reduce their exposure to the hot environment, or arrange appropriate rest breaks for them during very hot periods;
(2) Avoid working under direct sunlight and set up temporary sunshade wherever possible;
(3) Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work. If necessary, provide drinks containing minerals for employees to replenish loss of electrolytes during profuse sweating;
(4) Minimise physical demands by using tools or mechanical aids at work;
(5) Increase air flow by enhancing ventilation or air-conditioning as appropriate;
(6) Isolate heat-generating facilities at the workplace and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to the other work areas; and
(7) Provide relevant information and training for employees on heat stroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.
 
Employees
———
(1) Wear clothing made of suitable materials (for example, cotton) that is loose-fitting and light-coloured to help heat dissipation, minimise heat absorption and allow sweat evaporation;
(2) Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors;
(3) Drink plenty of water or other appropriate beverages to replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating; and
(4) Whenever there are any symptoms of heat stroke, inform supervisors and take appropriate actions immediately.
 
     Some employees may have difficulty in adapting to a hot working environment owing to their own health conditions. Employers should take this into account and consider the recommendations of their doctors when assigning work to these employees.
 
     In addition to the publications on risk assessment, the LD has produced a leaflet entitled “Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work in a Hot Environment” for the public. The publications can be obtained free of charge from the offices of the Occupational Health Service of the LD, or downloaded from the department’s webpage at www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_9.htm.
 
     The LD organises occupational health talks in public places and at its own training venues regularly to raise employers’ and employees’ awareness of occupational health. Details of health talks on the prevention of heat stroke at work in a hot environment in July to September are as follows:
 
(A)
Dates: August 2, 13 and 30, and September 13 and 24 (am)
July 30; August 8 and 22, and September 5, 20 and 27 (pm)
Time: Half-day
Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre of the Labour Department,
13/F, Kolour·Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
 
(B)
Dates: August 10 and 20
Time: Half-day, morning
Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Centre of the Labour Department,
G/F, Kwun Tong Community Health Centre Building, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong
(MTR Kwun Tong Station Exit A1)
 
(C)
Date: August 13
Time: 3pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit E)
 
(D)
Date: September 14
Time: 3pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Activity Room I, Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road,
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
(Opposite Victoria Park, MTR Tin Hau Station Exit B)
 
     For enrolment or enquiries about these occupational health talks, please call 2852 4040 or 2361 8240 (for talks organised at the Occupational Safety and Health Centre). Moreover, the LD also provides an outreach health education service and occupational health nurses will, on invitation, disseminate occupational health information at workplaces at a convenient time. Please contact the nursing officer at 2852 4062 for details. All these health talks are free of charge. read more

     The Environment Bureau today (July 30) announced the appointments to the new term of the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund. Mr Jimmy Kwok has been re-appointed as the Chairman of the Advisory Committee and 14 members will continue to serve on the Advisory Committee. In addition, four new members have been appointed to the Advisory Committee, namely Mr Roger Ho, Ms Kelly Wong, Dr Evelyn Lam and Mr Yip Man-pan.
 
     The appointments are for a term of three years starting August 1, 2018. The Hong Kong Productivity Council will continue to serve as the implementation partner and the secretariat of the Advisory Committee.
 
     The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, thanked the Advisory Committee for the valuable advice and feedback on the operation of the Recycling Fund since its establishment in 2015, which help facilitate the upgrading of operational capabilities and efficiency of the recycling industry. He said he hopes that the Advisory Committee in its new term will continue to maintain close communication with the recycling industry and stakeholders to promote the effective operation and sustainable development of the recycling industry, so as to enhance waste recycling and reduce disposal at landfills.
 
     The Advisory Committee comprises experts, academics and people with experience in business management and community service, as well as representatives from various business and industry associations. Representatives of relevant government bureaux and departments including the Environmental Protection Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Labour Department, the Home Affairs Department and the Trade and Industry Department will also be invited to attend meetings for discussion as and when required.
 
     The membership of the new term of the Advisory Committee is as follows:
 
Chairperson
Mr Jimmy Kwok
 
Members
Ms Carmen Chan
Mr Choi Kam-wah
Mr Roger Ho
Ms Jessica Jook
Dr Evelyn Lam
Professor Irene Lo
Professor Poon Chi-sun
Ms Kelly Wong
Mr Yeung Man-yui
Mr Yip Hing-kwok
Mr Yip Man-pan
Mr Edward Chan
(Representative of the Business Environment Council)
Mr Andrew Chan
(Representative of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ & Exporters’ Association)
Mr Chan Wing-hong
(Representative of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce)
Professor Daniel Cheng
(Representative of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries)
Mr Teddy Cheung
(Representative of the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies)
Mr Marvin Hsu
(Representative of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong)
Dr Raymond Leung
(Representative of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce)
 
     To facilitate the operation of the $1 billion Recycling Fund, the Environment Bureau established the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund in August 2015 to advise and make recommendations to the Government on matters relating to the overall administration and operation of the Recycling Fund. The Advisory Committee has so far approved funding for 192 projects of which 151 projects are either started or about to start, involving a total funding of about $110 million. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (July 30) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank… read more