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Author Archives: hksar gov

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 (August 9) 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

East Asia

YCH announces a preliminary positive case of COVID-19

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Yan Chai Hospital today (August 8) made the following announcement concerning a preliminarily positive case of COVID-19 infection: 

     A 44-year-old male patient was admitted through Accident and Emergency Department to the surveillance ward on August 6 due to pneumonia and diarrhea. His test result for COVID-19 was negative and he was transferred to general medical ward for further management.

     As the patient’s symptoms persisted, he was transferred to a negative pressure room for another COVID-19 test on August 7 and the test result was positive. The patient was transferred to the isolation ward for treatment and is now in stable condition.

     The hospital’s infection control team conducted contact tracing according to prevailing guidelines. Eleven patients who had stayed in the same cubicle of the general medical ward with the confirmed case were classified as close contact. Seven patients have been isolated for quarantine, and the hospital had informed the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) for the follow up of the remaining four discharged patients.

     The patient had diarrhea when the first test result was negative in the general ward. Three supporting staff who handled the patient’s excrement, contaminated linen and environment only equipped with surgical masks and gloves. After risk assessment, they were classified as close contacts. Moreover, one patient and 10 healthcare workers were classified as other contacts and the hospital had arranged medical surveillance for the above-mentioned.

     The hospital has arranged thorough cleansing and disinfection of the concerned medical ward. The hospital would continue to closely monitor the health of staff and patients, and communicate with the CHP about the latest situation. read more

East Asia