Author Archives: hksar gov

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, July 20, 2023 is 103.8 (down 0.2 against yesterday’s index). read more

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (July 20) announced the performance ratings of the registered lift and escalator contractors for the past 12 months (from July 2022 to June 2023) for public reference.
 
     According to the rating results, 30 registered lift contractors and 23 registered escalator contractors were awarded the Safety Star. Among these contractors, 13 registered lift contractors and 15 registered escalator contractors had not been found non-compliant with the safety and maintenance requirements as reported in the last two consecutive announcements of performance results, and were therefore given the highest rating of five Quality Stars. The EMSD conducted 31 206 inspections of lifts and escalators during the period.
 
     The rating results, conviction records, summaries of the warning letters and equipment failure records are available on the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/le_pub_mpr.shtml). read more

     â€‹The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, continued his visit to Shenzhen today (July 20). He took test rides on the autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the Futian and Nanshan Districts to gain a better understanding of the operation and development of AVs in Shenzhen.
      
     In the morning, he visited the headquarters of DeepRoute.ai in Shenzhen to learn more about the company’s developments and services in AV technology. DeepRoute.ai is a technology company that develops and applies advanced AV technologies. The Shenzhen Municipal Futian District People’s Government and the company have co-operated in the road testing and trial operation of autonomous taxis (Robotaxis) in 2021, with about 100 Robotaxis made available to the public for free reservations for trial rides. The company is also the first enterprise to start demonstration operations of autonomous driving in Shenzhen’s central business district.
      
     After that, Mr Lam went to Baidu’s headquarters in Shenzhen, where he was briefed by company representatives on the Baidu’s autonomous driving travel service platform, Apollo Go, and its intelligent operation monitoring system. Apollo Go is the world’s largest automated driving travel service provider, with a 188 square kilometre designated area in Shenzhen for its autonomous taxis. A commercial operation of unmanned autonomous taxis has even been launched in Pingshan District.
      
     “In terms of AVs, Mainland China is more advanced in areas such as infrastructure, technological development, pilot testing and application deployment of AV technology. Meanwhile, we have put in place a regulatory framework to accommodate the trial or use of AVs in Hong Kong. Today, I have seen for myself and tested the operation of commercialised autonomous taxi services. I have also gauged the views of the relevant service providers on the promotion of AV services in Hong Kong. It will be conducive to promoting the development of AV technology in Hong Kong and aligning Hong Kong’s autonomous driving development with that of other major cities on the Mainland and around the world,” Mr Lam said.
      
     Mr Lam returned to Hong Kong this afternoon after concluding his visit to Shenzhen at midday.

read more

     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will depart for Guangzhou tomorrow (July 21) to attend an event organised by the Ministry of Education, meet education officials and visit a local activity base for students’ comprehensive practice.
 
     Dr Choi will return to Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon (July 22). During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 20) 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.

     “Children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, 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;
• 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 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 sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply 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.

     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. read more