Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 2) 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.

     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

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:      Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:    &nbsp… read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.      To prevent heat stroke, avoid pro… read more

     A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (September 1) that in view of the new anti-epidemic requirements, the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) under the HAD has since August 9 stepped up inspect… read more

     In response to media enquiries on the policy on designated quarantine hotels, a spokesman for the Chief Executive’s Office said that the Government’s overall anti-epidemic policy is maintained according to the following five points:
 
(1) Not to “lie flat” and to continue to contain the number of confirmed cases, better manage risks and enhance our capability to respond to contingencies in order to prevent the healthcare system from overloading;
(2) To reduce critical cases and deaths;
(3) To protect high-risk groups, including the elderly, the young and patients with chronic illnesses;
(4) To differentiate people into different risk levels precisely and scientifically for proper control, and to reduce the number of people and areas placed under control so as to allow maximum numbers of daily activities and participants involved; and
(5) To strike a balance between risks and economic impetus, safeguarding the livelihood of the public and Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the premise of proper risk management.
 
     The Government will continue its prevention and control measures taking into account the development of the epidemic and the above-mentioned policy.
 
     The spokesman pointed out that the current epidemic situation is serious as the number of confirmed cases reaches 8 000 to 10 000 a day and there is a rising trend. This not only threatens the lives of high-risk groups such as the elderly and children, but also seriously affects the operation of the public health system, where some 30 per cent of the non-emergency services has been cut as a result of the epidemic situation, leading to a severe impact. The Government will continue to take precise measures to control the epidemic.
 
     The spokesman appealed to the community to join hands and encourage the elderly to get vaccinated early. Parents should also arrange for their children’s early vaccination to ensure that they are protected.  read more