Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Government today (August 14) announced the appointments of the following members to the Occupational Safety and Health Council for a term of two years starting from August 22, 2020: Dr Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau* Ms Ch… read more

     The Government intends to carry out improvement works at Lai Chi Chong Pier within an area of approximately 1.33 hectares of foreshore and seabed to the north of Lai Chi Chong. The extent of the area of foreshore and seabed affected is described in a notice published in the Government Gazette today (August 14).

     The proposed works will enhance the safety of pier users while boarding and alighting. During the construction stage, a temporary pier will be provided at the site for public use. The proposed works are scheduled to commence at the end of 2021 for completion by the end of 2023.

     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:

* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (23/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);

* Tai Po Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Tai Po District Office (G/F, Tai Po Government Offices Building, 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, New Territories); and

* Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

     Any person who considers that he or she has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the above-mentioned date, i.e. on or before October 14. The notice of such an objection shall describe the interest, right or easement of the objector and the manner in which he or she will be allegedly affected. read more

     The Executive Council will end its summer recess early and resume regular meetings starting next Tuesday (August 18) to handle anti-epidemic work and other matters.

     Given the severe situation of COVID-19, the arrangement for the Chief Executive to receive petitions outside the Chief Executive’s Office before she convenes the Executive Council’s meeting will continue to be suspended to avoid group gatherings.
Members of the public can email their petitions to ceo@ceo.gov.hk or send them to the Chief Executive’s Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tamar, Hong Kong.

     The Chief Executive will meet the media before the Executive Council’s meeting at the Auditorium, Ground Floor, Central Government Offices. read more

     In light of the announcement of the Government on August 13 that the special work arrangements for government employees will be extended for one week until August 23, a spokesman for the Marine Department (MD) announced today (August 14) that the licensing and port formalities services at the Yau Ma Tei Marine Office, the Tuen Mun Marine Office, the Sai Kung Marine Office, the Tai Po Marine Office, the Aberdeen Marine Office, the Cheung Chau Marine Office and the Shau Kei Wan Marine Office; the seafarers’ examination and certification services; mercantile marine services; and local vessel surveying and enquiry services will continue to be suspended until August 23. Those who have made an appointment for services or examinations will be separately informed of alternative arrangements.
 
     Services at the Central Marine Office and other services provided by the MD will remain unaffected. read more

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

     “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 can 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. 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.

     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 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off; 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 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 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