Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 14) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, Ho Man Tin Swimming Pool in Kowloon City District has been temporarily closed  to ensure the safety of swimmers until further notice.

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 prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 14) 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.

     "Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight 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, if possible;
• 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 feasible. 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 minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and 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.

    
     â€‹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.

     The Jakarta International Dragon Boat Festival (JIDBF) 2024 sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, today (July 13) to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

     Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races held in Hong Kong last month attracted over 4 000 athletes from around the world, serving as a signature mega event for both Hong Kong and the international dragon boat community. She expressed delight in recognising the JIDBF's devotion to advancing dragon boat activities overseas with the continued support of the HKETO Jakarta.

     "The HKETO Jakarta is committed to fostering Hong Kong's people-to-peoples ties with Indonesia and other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  In connection with the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, we hope to promote the rich and diverse Chinese culture to the Indonesian community by supporting the JIDBF once again," she added.

     Miss Cheng also said that Hong Kong is forging ahead with its mega-event economy. Over 200 mega events are scheduled to be staged in the city this year, covering not only traditional fields like finance and economic development, but also such areas as arts and culture, creative industries and sports. 

     The JIDBF 2024 was attended by over 1 200 athletes. The HKETO Jakarta also invited two Hong Kong dragon boat teams to take part in the races in Indonesia for the first time, with a view to deepening exchanges among athletes from different places and adding further impetus to the internationalisation of the JIDBF. Both Hong Kong dragon boat teams delivered outstanding performance in the competition.

     Following the collaboration at the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival in the Philippines in April this year, the HKETO Jakarta joined forces with the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association again to set up an exhibition at the event venue to showcase Hong Kong's history as the birthplace of modern dragon boat races. The HKETO Jakarta also displayed at its booth Hong Kong's mega-event calendar, encouraging the Indonesian community to visit Hong Kong to see the city's vibrancy as a mega-event capital.

     The JIDBF was launched in 2017 with the support of the HKETO Jakarta and has since grown rapidly into a local signature event supported by the Jakarta Provincial Government.

        

     â€‹The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, attended the opening ceremony of the first batch of the training programme for the seventh-term District Council (DC) members at the Shanghai Administration Institute today (July 13). She encouraged members of the Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long DCs participating in the training to study diligently with a view to providing better services to the people.
      
     â€‹The opening ceremony was administered by the Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Administration Institute, Mr Zeng Jun.  Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui, and Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government Mr Hua Yuan attended. Mr Hua welcomed DC members in joining the training programme and introduced the latest developments in Shanghai's economy, co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong as well as grassroots governance in Shanghai. Mr Wang said that the Central Government is satisfied with the work of the seventh-term DCs since their taking of office, and urged DC members to continue to keep up the good work in the districts, assisting the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in implementing its policies. Mr Wang hoped DC members could further deepen their understanding of Shanghai, and put forward four expectations of DC members, including reminding them to continuously harness a patriotic mindset, foster a mindset to serve the people, deepen mutual co-operation and learning between Shanghai and Hong Kong, and dedicate to embrace innovation, so to bring the people together in community building.
      
     â€‹Miss Mak said in her remarks that the seventh-term DCs were formed after the improvements to governance at the district level. DC members are charged with a responsibility of enhancing district governance, and should act with an unfailing sense of responsibility at all times and the assurance to deliver in everything they do. In order to enhance DC members' national awareness and understanding of district governance so as to enhance the capabilities in discharging their duties, the Government has arranged for the current-term DC members to undertake training and site visits in batches in Shanghai and Zhejiang Province. The training programme will allow DC members to better understand national developments and experiences in district governance, so that they can put newly acquired knowledge into practice in their future work and better serve the country and Hong Kong. Miss Mak thanked the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and the Shanghai Administration Institute for organising the training programme for DC members.
      
     â€‹Mr Wang, Mr Hua and Miss Mak had a meeting subsequently.  They exchanged views on the experiences in implementing measures related to district governance in Shanghai and Hong Kong and on how to strengthen collaborations between the two places.
      
     Miss Mak will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (July 14).  Members of the Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long DCs will continue their study and visit programme in Shanghai until July 16.