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.

     Correctional officers stopped two remand persons in custody from assaulting another remand person in custody at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (July 26).

     At 12.31pm, a 46-year-old male person in custody and 35-year-old person in custody attacked a 51-year-old male person in custody inside the dayroom. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailants.

     The victim sustained injuries to his hand. After examination and treatment by the medical officer in the institution hospital, he was transferred to a public hospital for further treatment.

     The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

     The two assailants were remanded for the offence of theft and trafficking in dangerous drug respectively.

      The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (July 26) started her visit to Beijing, where she met with leaders of different organisations and attended the closing ceremony of a youth internship programme.

     Accompanied by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Mrs Lam met with the Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), Professor Wan Gang, in the morning. She expressed her gratitude to Professor Wan for his staunch support and encouragement over the years on co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in innovation and technology (I&T). In particular, with the personal concern and instruction by President Xi Jinping earlier, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance announced a new policy allowing universities and research institutions in Hong Kong to apply for funding to undertake central fiscal science and technology projects and the use of the funding in Hong Kong. Mrs Lam thanked Professor Wan for the extensive work he did during his tenure as the Minister of Science and Technology of the Central People's Government, realising the cross-boundary remittance of science and technology project funding. Noting that CAST has gathered top science and technology talents across the country, Mrs Lam expressed the hope that Professor Wan and CAST would continue to support Hong Kong for the city's sustainable development in I&T. Established in 1958 as an organisation for science and technology practitioners in the country, CAST acts as a bridge between the government and practitioners and plays an important role in advancing the country's development in science and technology.

     Later, accompanied by Mr Nip and Mr Chan, Mrs Lam met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Mr Jin Liqun, and attended a lunch hosted by him. Mrs Lam congratulated the AIIB for its achievements since its establishment in 2016, including receiving the highest credit ratings accorded by various rating agencies and the successful hosting of the third Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the AIIB in Mumbai, India, this June. Noting that Hong Kong as a member looks forward to contributing to the AIIB, she said that funding approval by the Legislative Council has been sought to contribute US$10 million to the AIIB Project Preparation Special Fund for supporting low-income countries. She added that Hong Kong will share its experience in areas including risk management and city management for capacity building in those countries. Mrs Lam also invited Mr Jin to visit Hong Kong, including attending next year's Asian Financial Forum with the theme of inclusive and sustainable development to share his insights with the other participants.

     After the lunch, Mrs Lam, together with the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, as well as Mr Yang, Mr Nip and Mr Chan, attended the closing ceremony of the Youth Internship Programme at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). She also exchanged views with the participating youths and visited the Institute of Automation of the CAS after the ceremony. The programme was organised by the Home Affairs Bureau. During the six-week internship, the 22 participating tertiary students from Hong Kong conducted different kinds of science and technology research with top science researchers of the country in the Institute of Automation, the Institute of Computing Technology and the Institute of Software in the CAS. Addressing the ceremony, Mrs Lam thanked the CAS for its support, making the programme a great success. She also expressed the hope that the internship programme would continue to be held for Hong Kong youths next year, enabling young people in Hong Kong who are keen to develop in scientific research to benefit from the precious experience.

     Mrs Lam will continue her visit to Beijing tomorrow (July 27).