image_pdfimage_print

Author Archives: hksar gov

TD reminds public of special traffic and transport arrangements on Hong Kong Island this Sunday

     The Transport Department (TD) today (June 7) reminded the public that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island on Sunday (June 9) to facilitate a public procession from Victoria Park to the Legislative Council Complex.
      
     At about 3pm, a public procession will be held at Victoria Park and depart from Victoria Park, travelling via Causeway Road westbound, Irving Street westbound, Pennington Street northbound, Yee Wo Street westbound, Hennessy Road westbound, Queensway westbound, across Queensway, Rodney Street, Harcourt Road westbound, Harcourt Road eastbound and Tim Mei Avenue northbound to terminate at the Central Government Offices.
 
     The special traffic arrangements will mainly include:

1. From about 1.30pm, the roads in the vicinity of Victoria Park and the Causeway Bay shopping area (such as Sugar Street and Jardine’s Bazaar) will be closed in phases;

2. From about 2.45pm, westbound carriageways of Causeway Road, Yee Wo Street and Hennessy Road will be closed; and

3. From about 4pm, both directions of Queensway and Harcourt Road, Rodney Street, Drake Street, Tamar Street, the section of Des Voeux Road Central eastbound between Pedder Street and Queensway and the roads in the vicinity of the Central Government Offices will be closed.
 
     A total of 92 bus routes and 14 green minibus routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted, and one green minibus route will be temporarily suspended. In addition, the tram services between Tong Shui Road and Queensway will be suspended. The public transport operators will display notices to inform passengers of the temporary arrangements.

     Car parks within the affected areas will be suspended during the road closure period. Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precinct of the special traffic arrangements specified above will be towed away by the Police without prior notice.
      
     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty and Central will be significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas. They should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion, and follow the instructions given by the Police.
      
     Members of the public who plan to go to the affected areas are advised to plan their routes early, allow more travelling time to cater for unexpected delay and use public transport services as far as possible, in particular railway services. Public transport commuters are advised to pay attention to the arrangements of route diversions, suspension and relocation of stops.
      
     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. Members of the public are advised to be alert to the latest traffic news through the media.
      
     Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are available at the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call 1823. read more

East Asia

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 7) 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