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Author Archives: hksar gov

Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (January 3) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming.     
   
     Four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:  
       

Clear Water Bay Second Beach  
Deep Water Bay Beach  
Golden Beach  
Silverstrand Beach  
 
     Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.
      
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
      
     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.
      
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. read more

Update on dengue fever

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 3) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From December 27 last year to January 2 this year, the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Thailand during the incubation period.

     In 2019, 198 cases were recorded (comprising 197 imported cases and one local case), as compared with 163 cases recorded in 2018. The imported cases in 2019 were mainly from Thailand (34), Malaysia (27) and the Philippines (25). In 2020 (as of January 2), no DF case has been recorded so far.

     The CHP has been closely monitoring the latest DF situation in neighbouring and overseas areas. DF is endemic in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. According to the World Health Organization, some Asian countries were experiencing unusually high numbers of DF cases in 2019. The numbers of cases in some countries were significantly higher than the numbers in 2018, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
   
     Separately, according to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, as of November 30 last year, a total of 5 986 cases had been recorded in Guangdong in 2019, which was significantly higher than that in the same period in 2018 (3 250 cases). In Taiwan, 637 cases (including 100 local cases) had been recorded in 2019.

     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). Members of the public should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.

     ​”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.

     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 Newstips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. read more

A mild December

     With the northeast monsoon over southern China weaker than normal for most of the time in the month, December 2019 was much warmer than usual in Hong Kong. The monthly mean maximum temperature was 21.9 degrees, 1.7 de… read more