Tag Archives: China

image_pdfimage_print

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 26) 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.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. 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 place additional demands on the physique;
  • Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
  • For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
  • Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into 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 remains high (6 or above):
 
  • Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
  • Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
  • Wear a wide brim 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 or sweating; 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.

     The public may get more information from the DH’s Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather 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

East Asia

Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo meeting (with video)

      Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (June 26):

Reporter: Mr Cheung, why is the Government withdrawing the Yuen Long footbridge plan from the FC (Finance Committee) agenda, and what is the rationale behind? And also, a second question on the vacant property tax. How are you going to face if there are any legal challenge like challenging the Government’s decision on that?
 
Acting Chief Executive: First of all, the Yuen Long footbridge. In fact, we are not withdrawing the item from the Finance Committee. It’s purely that we are really talking about prioritising in order to provide more time to consult. We’re not talking about taking it out at all. The need for a footbridge in Yuen Long is not debatable. We all agree, everybody agrees, that there is a need for a footbridge there to facilitate the pedestrian flow and that also there is a need locally in Yuen Long. Of course, there is a difference in opinion between professional bodies and some local groups. The Government, of course, will put up the proposal to the Finance Committee. Now, we are going through a stage because of difference in opinion. I think we need to get together, put our heads together, and consult more thoroughly, explain our position more thoroughly, in order to reach common ground. That’s why the Highways Department colleagues will be going down to the Yuen Long District Council at lunchtime to explain fully the circumstances, the rationale, for the proposal and also to try to bridge the gap, as it were, between various parties. We hope to find a way forward that’s acceptable to all sides. It’s a win-win situation that we are talking about.
 
     On the second question, the vacancy tax, of course, the Chief Executive has promised to update the community on the latest position of vacancy tax by the end of this month. We still have a few days left, so let’s be patient.
 
Reporter: Are you concerning the legal challenges? I was asking about legal challenges.
 
Acting Chief Executive: We can’t comment on hypothetical questions at the moment. Wait until the Government has made the announcement on the issue first. OK?
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
  read more

East Asia