The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (July 25) announced an adjustment to the auto-LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations from August 1 to August 31, 2024, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contracts for dedicated LPG filling stations.
      
     A department spokesman said that the LPG international price in July 2024 stayed the same. The auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would remain unchanged, ranging from $3.49 to $4.38 per litre.
      
     The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index.
      
     The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in August 2024 are as follows:
 

 
     The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station had been uploaded to the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk) and posted at dedicated LPG filling stations to enable the trades to monitor the price adjustment.
      
     Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the "What's New" section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.html.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 25) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Digital Policy Office (DPO) under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) was officially established today (July 25). The DPO will take the lead in promoting data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital policies within the Government and across various sectors for enhancing the Government's efficiency and services, with a view to bringing greater benefits to citizens and business sectors through digital government and smart city development.

     The DPO, led by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, comprises a Digital Government Branch, a Data Governance Branch and a Digital Infrastructure Branch. The three branches are respectively tasked to formulate related policies and initiatives, spearhead the development of digital government and promote the application of advanced information technology by bureaux/departments (B/Ds) in rolling out innovative public services. Through the implementation of data governance policies, the DPO will promote the opening up and sharing of data, as well as data analytics and applications. The DPO will also make efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and security, promote industry development and deepen co-operation with the Mainland, including putting in place measures that facilitate cross-boundary data flows and the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, remarked that, "Digitalisation is conducive to social and economic development, as well as to the enhancement of the Government's operational efficiency and innovation of public services. Digital technology and data are also important elements in driving high-quality development and new quality productive forces. The DPO will promote the implementation of digital policies based on innovative technology and data, and make every effort to steer B/Ds in leveraging innovative technology to enhance public services as well as putting in place more digital government initiatives that will bring convenience to the public and benefit the business sector to meet the ever-changing needs and public expectations in the digital era."

     The establishment of the DPO is one of the new initiatives announced in "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address". The new office aims to accelerate the development of digital government by merging the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) with the Efficiency Office (EffO). The establishment of the DPO involves reorganisation and integration of resources between the OGCIO and the EffO under the ITIB. Relevant proposals were approved by the Legislative Council in mid-2024.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 25) 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.

     "Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. 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 can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

    
     â€‹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.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report 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 TV/radio announcers:

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     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.