The Labour Department today (July 27) called for enrolment for a seminar on the Employment Ordinance to be held at 2.30pm on August 28 (Tuesday) at the Theatre, 3/F, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, 11 Clear Water Bay Road, Kowloon.
 
     The main provisions of the Employment Ordinance including wages, leave and termination of contract will be introduced. In addition, the seminar will also cover the Minimum Wage Ordinance, employers' obligations under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, and points to note on the employment of foreign domestic helpers.
 
     The seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and admission is free. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and the enrolment deadline is August 21 (Tuesday). The enrolment form can be downloaded from the department's website (www.labour.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call 2399 2386.

     The "From Puppets to Humans" Series once again promises extraordinary performances for Hong Kong patrons. Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, performances will include "Circus Funestus" by Sofie Krog Teater from Denmark and "Poe's Curse" by Teatro Corsario from Spain.
 
     Denmark's Sofie Krog Teater produces filmic puppet theatre for teens and adults and is known for its unique comic productions with magical set designs. The theatre first broke onto the international stage with its award winning show "Diva". Then, in 2008, the theatre expanded by working in collaboration with David Faraco on new performances, touring both nationally and internationally.
 
     In Hong Kong the troupe will stage the apocalyptic love comedy "Circus Funestus". The story follows a circus whose microscopic hero, Mr Flea, declares his love for the adorable elephant. His declaration of love makes the villain, Mr Whip, mad with jealousy and he conspires with a bunch of evil props to take over the circus. What was once a circus show is now a power struggle between good and evil, a fight for life and death… and to save the lover and the circus from collapse. Puppets, movies, music and transformative effects create a comical and magical universe for the audience. The programme premiered at the April Festival 2016 in Denmark and went on tour to Italy, France, Russia and Spain. The show will be staged at 8pm on September 21 and 22 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on September 22 and 23 (Saturday and Sunday), at the Studio Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets are priced at $200 and $260.
 
     Spain's Teatro Corsario was founded by the Castilla y León Arts Award winner, Fernando Urdiales, in 1982. Its unusual interpretation of Spanish classics has placed it among the most important companies of verse theatre. It also stages modern puppet shows for adults, which have been seen by audiences all over the world. The company has received, among others, the Max Award and Adolfo Marsillach Award, given by Spain's Stage Directors Association.
 
    The group will perform "Poe's Curse", a spine-chilling story based on three works by the celebrated American writer of mysteries and the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. This puppet thriller performed by leading puppeteers from Spain touches emotions ranging from tenderness to fear. Poor Edgar, dogged by misfortune and guilty of loving the beautiful Annabel Lee, is thrown from one terror to another. Awarded the Critic's Prize, Best Production Award at Lleida Puppet Theatre Festival, Spain, and the Best Show Award at Pula International Festival in Croatia, the show has been performed across Europe. It will be staged at 8pm on October 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on October 13 and 14 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Theatre of Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Tickets are priced at $200 and $260. The programme contains violent scenes and is recommended for ages 16 and above.
 
     Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/groups_513.html.
 
    This series will feature two sessions of "Puppet Speaks" lecture demonstrations hosted by Dr Lo Wai-luk. Seven speakers and demonstrators will introduce the art of puppetry in Hong Kong and around the world.
 
September 15 (Saturday) 3pm
Topic: Injecting Life and Personality into Table Top Puppet and String Puppet
Speakers and Demonstrators: Wong Fai, Yip Wai-bun and Chen Ying-ching
 
October 7 (Sunday) 3pm
Topic 1: Exploring Puppet Musical in Hong Kong
Speakers and Demonstrators: Murphy Tsai, Cheng Pui-ka and King Wong
 
Topic 2: Art of Puppetry around the World and Child Education
Speaker: Simon Wong
 
    All sessions will be conducted in Cantonese in the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Admission is free but online registration is required. For enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_588.html.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 27) 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.