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 (April 14) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Turtle Cove Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 13) that no additional case of measles infection has been recorded as at 4pm today.
Regarding measles control measures implemented at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), a total of five persons received measles vaccination at the airport vaccination station as at 6pm today, bringing the cumulative number of vaccinations given to 8 135.
From tomorrow (April 14) to April 28, the vaccination quota for the measles vaccination station at the airport remains at 500 doses daily. Vaccination to eligible airport staff will be provided to the following target groups who:
(1) Were born in or after 1967, and have not received two doses of measles vaccination, and have not been infected with measles before, and with evidence of living with infants under one year old or living with pregnant women; or
(2) Have laboratory evidence of testing not positive against measles antibody (IgG)
Details of evidence are as follows:
(a) Supporting documents for living with infants under one-year-old: for example, birth certificate, discharge summary or vaccination card of the infant
(b) Supporting documents for living with pregnant women: for example, positive pregnancy tests or antenatal follow-up cards of the pregnant women
(c) Supporting documents for laboratory evidence: for example, blood results from the DH's measles serology test or any laboratory within the past 12 months
The venue and operation hours of the airport vaccination station are as follows:
| Venue: | Multi-function Room, HKIA Tower (Level 5, Terminal 2) |
| Hours: | April 14 to 28 10am to 1pm 2pm to 6pm |
As for the blood test service, the DH will continue to arrange the provision of a measles serology test service for airport staff to identify those who need the measles vaccination. Starting next week, a DH contractor will provide the blood test service to about 200 airport staff who were born in or after 1967 daily from Tuesdays to Thursdays (April 16 to 18, 23 to 25). The blood test service will be suspended from Fridays to Mondays.
The venue and operation hours of the airport blood test station are as follows:
| Venue: | South side before the Immigration Hall at Level 3 of Terminal 2 (non-restricted area) |
| Hours: | April 16 to 18, 23 to 25 9am to 1pm |
A hotline (2125 1122) has been set up for public enquiries and operates during office hours from Mondays to Fridays. A total of 3 136 enquiries have been received so far.
"The incubation period (the period from infection to appearance of illness) of measles ranges from seven days to 21 days. Symptoms of measles include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If symptoms arise, members of the public should wear surgical masks, stop going to work or school and avoid going to crowded places. They should also avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially persons with weakened immunity, pregnant women and children aged below one. Those suspected to have been infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals," the spokesman advised.
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
The Marine Department today (April 13) reminded masters, coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels navigating in Hong Kong waters to proceed at a safe speed and exercise extreme caution because restricted visibility of less than 2 nautical miles has been reported.
Appropriate sound signals shall be made when underway or at anchor. All vessels must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea.
Also, when radar is used without the benefit of adequate plotting facilities, the information obtained from the equipment is rather limited and should be construed accordingly.
Visibility reports are broadcast by the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) on VHF channels 02, 12, 14, 63 and 67.
In the event of an accident, a report shall be made immediately to the VTC at Tel: 2233 7801.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The brand new Lions Blood Donation Vehicle of Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) commenced service today (April 13). The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Chui Tak-yi; the Hospital Authority Chief Executive, Dr Leung Pak-yin, and representatives of Lions Clubs International District 303 – Hong Kong & Macao, China (Lions Clubs), officiated the launch ceremony this morning. It is hoped that the new vehicle can serve as an extended service arm for BTS in enhancing the mobility of blood collection across a wider community network.
Dr Leung shared in his opening speech at the ceremony that BTS first introduced the blood donation vehicle to Hong Kong in 1973, it was also the first of its type in Southeast Asia. Carrying the mission "Give Blood Save Life", it was well received by the public.
Dr Leung believed, "With the support and coordination from the communities, BTS' donor centres, mobile blood drive and blood donation vehicle can complement each other to enhance blood collection." He also expressed his gratitude to the Lions Clubs for its generous donation.
BTS will update the new vehicle's service schedule via its website, social media and HK Blood APP. The new vehicle is 11-metre long, 3.8-metre high, 2.6-metre wide and weighs 16 tonnes. With a built-in generator, the vehicle is able to operate independently and hence with greater flexibility for blood collection service.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) is showcasing for the first time the smart lamppost and the free electronic identity (eID) at the Smart Government Pavilion at the International ICT Expo which started today (April 13). The public may also have a glimpse of various technology applications that government departments have adopted and will employ to enhance public service and develop Hong Kong into a smarter city.
The smart lampposts to collect real-time city data will commence service in phases from mid-2019. A prototype of the smart lamppost has been set up at the Pavilion to exhibit the camera and various sensors and smart devices installed. There is also a demonstration on how data collected will facilitate city management with the aid of artificial intelligence technology and provide real-time city information to the public.
Another highlight is the demonstration of eID, which is planned for rollout next year. Visitors can try out the quick and simple online registration and learn about the usage of this single digital identity authentication for performing online transactions with government and commercial entities.
The OGCIO is also using the occasion to introduce the upcoming Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) and the city dashboard. The Smart Lab will invite the industry to put forward proposals of innovative information technology applications and product suggestions for addressing challenges in public services while the city dashboard will present some livelihood-related open data such as those on traffic, weather and air quality on interactive charts and maps via data.gov.hk.
"The Government endeavours to adopt innovation and technology in various areas and services. We hope that through the interactive exhibits at the Pavilion, the public will have a better understanding of the convenience these applications can bring to them," the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam, said after touring the Pavilion today.
Other exhibits include the virtual reality technology adopted in maintenance training for seaport passenger boarding bridges; the e-Channel pre-fetch kiosk, which allows reading of smart identity card information by means of a contactless chip interface; the Post-dispatch Advice System to provide callers with more comprehensive and appropriate advice; the Single E-Lock Scheme for streamlining customs clearance processes; the Health Signs Monitoring System to help protect the safety of persons in custody; a voice recognition chatbot; and in-vehicle units to facilitate traffic management.