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Author Archives: hksar gov

Special traffic and transport arrangements in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay this Saturday

     The Transport Department (TD) today (May 24) reminded the public that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay this Saturday (May 26) to facilitate the holding of a football match at the Hong Kong Stadium.
 
     The special traffic and transport arrangements mainly include:
 
* From about 1.30pm, the section of Caroline Hill Road between Leighton Road and Cotton Path, and the section of Hysan Avenue westbound between Sunning Road and Hoi Ping Road, will be closed, subject to the actual situation;
 
* From about 4.30pm, Caroline Hill Road and the section of Eastern Hospital Road between Caroline Hill Road and Cotton Path will be closed to facilitate the dispersal of spectators until the crowd has dispersed and road closures are lifted, subject to the actual situation;

* During the road closure period, Citybus route 5B, New World First Bus route 8H, cross-harbour route 936, green minibus routes 14M, 26 and 30, and residents’ service route HR 51 will be temporarily diverted;
 
* Cross-harbour route 117R will operate from the Hong Kong Stadium to Mong Kok after the event; and
 
* On-street car parking spaces and car parks within the affected areas will be suspended.
 
     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of So Kon Po and Causeway Bay will be congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of the Police. Members of the public planning to go to the affected areas are advised to use public transport services as far as possible.
 
     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. Members of the public are advised to be alert to the latest traffic news broadcast via radio and television.
 
     Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are now available on the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk). read more

CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 24) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.

     The case involves a 30-year-old man with good past health, who has developed diarrhoea and abdominal pain since April 26. He attended the out-patient clinic of a private hospital for management on May 5 and no hospitalisation was required. The patient has been in a stable condition all along.

     His stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Nepal and Thailand from April 15 to 30. He did not consume unpasteurised milk or raw food, or have contact with animals or visit farms during the incubation period. His travel collaterals remained asymptomatic. Investigations are ongoing.

     “Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7,” a spokesman for the CHP explained.

     Preventive measures for STEC infections are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
 

  • Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
  • Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. Most food-borne viruses and bacteria (including STEC) can be killed when food is cooked or reheated long enough at sufficient high temperature. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;
  • Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and
  • Consult a doctor immediately if symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea, develop.

     The public may visit the CHP’s STEC page for more information. read more