Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:
 
     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade, providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees and providing for employees as far as practicable covered space with good ventilation for rest and meals. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should rest in a cool or shady place and drink water immediately. They should also inform their supervisors to take appropriate action.

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.

     A 29-year-old male officer who is stationed in the Police Headquarters has been diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). He was preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing a virus test on August 28, and was later confirmed positive for COVID-19 by the Centre for Health Protection. The police officer did not have close contact with members of the public during work and has no travel history over the past 14 days. He last attended work on August 28.
      
     Police are highly concerned about the case, and have the following messages for the public:
      
     1. While awaiting further assessment and recommendations from the Department of Health (DH), colleagues that might have come into close contact with the police officer will be arranged to work from home and undergo tests for the virus;
      
     2. Police have deployed staff to clean and disinfect the working places of the police officer; and
      
     3. Police have reminded all colleagues to maintain personal hygiene and reduce social contact to lower the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus, and that they should immediately report their cases and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
      
     Police will liaise closely with the DH and proactively provide information such as the recent duty record and roster of the police officer concerned. Arrangements will be made for any close contacts to be conveyed to designated centres for quarantine.
     
 

     On media reports today (August 29) that the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, after attending a radio programme, did not respond to the question why the Government launched the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) but deferred the Legislative Council Election, a spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau stressed that no arrangements had been made for Mr Nip to meet the media after the radio programme. Moreover, Mr Nip had recently responded to this question on various occasions, including the press conference on the UCTP yesterday, clearly stating that the UCTP and the election cannot be compared. 

     At the press conference yesterday, Mr Nip said the Chief Executive earlier had explained in details that the Special Administrative Region Government deferred the Legislative Council Election by one year to protect public safety and public health under the epidemic, and to ensure that the election is conducted openly and fairly. And in responding to media questions on the relation between the election and the UCTP, and the fight against the virus, the Government had already pointed out that the UCTP is one of the important measures in fighting the epidemic. The UCTP will be conducted between seven and 14 days, different from the election which is completed in one day. Moreover, the UCTP adopts an online booking arrangement which can effectively avoid the gathering of crowds or queues outside the community testing centres.

     The UCTP is to identity asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the community in order to cut the transmission chain. The spokesman appealed to members of the public to join the UCTP to protect oneself and others.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) today (August 29) announced that a 70-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case number: 4096) passed away today.
      
     The patient with chronic disease was admitted to PYNEH on July 17 due to congestive heart failure and was confirmed with COVID-19 infection on August 10. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on August 19. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 7.32pm today.
      
     The hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.
      
     Including this patient, 87 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.