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Establishments reminded to return questionnaire for Annual Survey of Economic Activities

     The Census and Statistics Department today (May 21) reminded the management of the establishments selected in the 2017 round of the Annual Survey of Economic Activities to return the completed questionnaires to the department on or before May 31, 2018. The questionnaires were mailed earlier this year to about 20 000 selected establishments.

     The survey aims to collect up-to-date statistical data from the selected establishments, so as to compile statistics on business performance and operating characteristics of various economic sectors for evaluating their contribution to Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Product. The survey results are useful to both the Government and the private sector in formulating policies and making decisions.

     The Annual Survey of Economic Activities is a mandatory survey conducted under Part III of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Chapter 316). According to section 13(1) of the Ordinance, any person to whom a questionnaire relating to a statistical survey is delivered shall complete the questionnaire or cause it to be completed by other persons to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, and in the manner specified in the questionnaire, and then return the questionnaire on or before the specified date. The Ordinance also stipulates that all collected data which may enable identification of individual establishments should be kept in strict confidence and should not be released to any unauthorised parties including government departments. Such data will be used for compiling statistics which will not enable information relating to individual establishments to be revealed.

     The department would like to thank the establishments which have already returned the questionnaires, and appeal for the co-operation of other establishments which have been selected in the current survey by returning the completed questionnaires to the department on or before May 31. Any respondent who is unable to return the completed questionnaire of the above survey on or before May 31 is required to indicate the reason(s) for such delay and a reasonable date by which the completed questionnaire will be returned to the department.

     The questionnaire has been designed so that respondents can complete it themselves by following the relevant explanatory notes. If necessary, officers of the department will visit individual establishments and assist them in completing the questionnaire. These officers will each carry a Government/Enumerator Identity Card and a certificate for conducting the survey, which are available for inspection.

     The department also pointed out that audited accounts are not essential for the supply of income and expenditure data required for the survey. The department accepts figures based on preliminary accounts or estimates which are correct to the best of the respondents’ knowledge at the time of submitting the questionnaires. read more

East Asia

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 (May 21) 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