A red tide has been sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (August 31).
      
     Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department spotted a red tide at Shek O Beach, Hong Kong Island, on August 28. The red tide has dissipated and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
      
     A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was formed by Levanderina fissa, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic."
      
     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi and Tung Lung Chau fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
      
     Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Hong Kong Observatory will issue Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 between 2am and 5am tomorrow (September 1), classes of all schools will be suspended tomorrow.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 31) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From August 25 to yesterday (August 30), the CHP recorded five imported DF cases. The patients had been to Bangladesh, India (two cases), Indonesia and Thailand respectively during the incubation periods.

     As of yesterday, 35 imported cases of DF had been recorded in 2023. In 2022, 26 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand) compared to the same period last year, and the trend is rising. Members of the public, while travelling abroad, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     â€‹The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Cheshire Home, Chung Hom Kok (CCH), made the following appeal today (August 31) regarding a patient leaving the hospital without prior notification:

     At around 12.35pm today, an infirmary ward staff found a 62-year-old male patient had left the ward without prior notification.

     CCH deployed security guards to search for the patient immediately, and has reported the case to the Police to seek assistance. The hospital is very concerned about the incident and will fully co-operate with the Police to locate the patient.

     The patient is about 1.7 metres tall, with a medium build and was last seen wearing a patient cloth.

     The hospital appeals to the public to contact the Stanley Police Station at 3660 9600 if they know the whereabouts of the patient.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 31) that Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District are temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance of the shark prevention net. Red flags have been hoisted at the beaches. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beaches.

     The red flag was hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach earlier due to big waves.