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 (January 30) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
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 (January 30) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Promotion of New Industrialization visited the InnoHK Research Clusters (InnoHK) at Hong Kong Science Park today (January 29) to learn about its role in developing Hong Kong into the hub for global research collaboration.
Members first received a briefing from the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, on the development of InnoHK. InnoHK is a major innovation and technology initiative of the Government to transform the city into a global innovation powerhouse through world-class and impactful collaborative researches. Members learnt that the platform has so far attracted over 30 leading universities and research institutions home and abroad to set up 29 research laboratories at Hong Kong Science Park.
Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, Members then visited four research and development centres that respectively focus on logistics robotics, medical robotics, biomedical instrumentation and diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer's disease. During the visit, Members exchanged views with researchers to gain an understanding on their work and the support they required, as well as how InnoHK helps translate their research outcomes into applications and solutions.
At the invitation of the Administration, Members who participated in the visit were the Deputy Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr Holden Chow; Subcommittee members Ms Elizabeth Quat, Dr Johnny Ng, Mr Shang Hailong and Professor William Wong; as well as non-Subcommittee member Mr Yim Kong.
Following a notification from Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) on a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (January 29) appealed to members of the public to take precautionary measures against carbon monoxide poisoning.
The case involved a 17-year-old woman, who was found unconscious when she had a shower inside the bathroom at home yesterday (January 28). She was sent to YCH and was later transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. She is now in stable condition.
The EMSD conducted a site investigation immediately upon receiving the report. According to the information provided by the residents, the subject gas water heater was not bought in Hong Kong. The concerned model has not been approved by the EMSD and did not bear a "GU" mark. Preliminary investigation finding revealed that exhaust flue was not installed for the gas water heater. With the exhaust flue gas discharged into the bathroom, coupled with poor ventilation, the accumulated carbon monoxide caused the carbon monoxide poisoning. Further investigation by the EMSD is ongoing. If the investigation results confirm that there was contravention of the Gas Safety Ordinance, the EMSD will consider initiating prosecution actions against the person concerned.
The CHP said that carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which is a by-product from incomplete combustion of any fuel which contains carbon, such as wood, natural gas and gasoline.
Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death.
The CHP reminded members of the public that a gas water heater should be used in a well-ventilated area. They should seek medical attention immediately if suspected of developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The EMSD also reminds members of the public of the following:
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 29) investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons.
The case involves a 35-year-old male with good past health, who presented with fever, chills, headache, rash and stiff neck since January 25. He attended the Accident and Emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on January 26 and was admitted for treatment. His clinical diagnosis was sepsis. He was transferred to Pok Oi Hospital for further management on January 27. The patient is now in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP's investigation is continuing.
"Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact through respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, from infected persons. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, and is commonly three or four days," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The clinical pictures among the infected may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis).
Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache and a stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or a rash. It can cause brain damage or even death. The brain damage may lead to intellectual impairment, mental retardation, hearing loss and electrolyte imbalance. Invasive meningococcal infection can be complicated by arthritis, inflammation of the heart muscle, inflammation of the posterior chamber of the eye or chest infection.
Meningococcal infection is a serious illness. Patients should be treated promptly with antibiotics.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take heed of the following measures:
The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on meningococcal infection.