Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
The fire danger situation today (November 6) is red and fire risk is extreme. The countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire. If you are planning to spend the day in the countryside, please take pre-cooked food for a picnic and take all measures to prevent hill fires. The penalty for lighting fires illegally in the countryside is $25,000 and a year's imprisonment.
​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) organised a reception with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in London on November 5 (London time) to update engineering practitioners, graduates and students in the United Kingdom (UK) on the latest developments in Hong Kong and promote professional exchanges between the two places.
Speaking at the reception, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, highlighted that the Northern Metropolis would gradually enter the maturity phase. He said, "As set out in 'The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address', the Government will seek funding for the first-stage of San Tin Technopole's infrastructure and begin construction work this year, with a target of delivering about 20 hectares of new sites for growing our burgeoning innovation and technology in phases, beginning in 2026-27. In parallel, the preliminary development proposal for Ngau Tam Mei will reserve land for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town as well as Hong Kong's third medical school and an integrated medical teaching and research hospital." Mr Law also talked about the Government's adoption of a large-scale land-disposal approach on a pilot basis for expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis as well as Hong Kong's commitment to support the low-altitude economy.
Mr Law encouraged engineering students to seize the opportunities presented by these new development projects and consider pursuing a career in Hong Kong. He also expressed full support for the continuous professional exchanges between the engineering communities of Hong Kong and the UK, which would strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two places.
Over 70 participants joined the reception.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 6) reported the latest investigation progress of an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) involving a study tour organised by a primary school announced on November 4, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
The CHP's medical surveillance of the study tour participants revealed that there were four more patients, comprising two boys and two girls aged 10. They developed vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever since November 4 and 5. Two of the affected pupils sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation.
The outbreak has involved a total of 30 pupils so far, comprising 17 boys and 13 girls aged 10 to 11, all of them are Primary Five students. Five of them have sought medical consultation and are stable with one admitted to hospital for treatment. The CHP's epidemiological investigations revealed that the outbreak is very likely caused by person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination.
Since new cases were recorded and a pupil vomited in the school on November 4, the CHP has advised the school again to enhance the preventive measures, including proper and thorough cleaning and disinfection measures, proper disposal of vomitus, ensuring pupils with symptoms to stay at home, and maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Medical surveillance of Primary Five students is still ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, e.g. norovirus. Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 6) investigating a case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.
A 44-year-old female developed bradycardia, hypotension and dizziness around 30 minutes after consuming honey on October 31. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital and was admitted for treatment. The patient was in stable condition and discharged on November 1. Her clinical diagnosis was mad honey poisoning.
Grayanotoxin was detected in the honey remnant and the patient's urine sample upon testing.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient brought the honey from Nepal to Hong Kong. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
"Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins which can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 6) that the Tung Chung Swimming Pool in Islands District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.
It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow.
The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.