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.

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.

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.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) announced today (August 8) that a nurse was tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19:
 
     A female nurse of Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at TMH has minor throat discomfort since August 4. She presented with low grade fever during her shift this morning in the observation ward of A&E. COVID-19 test was arranged and the test result was preliminarily positive. The nurse is currently receiving isolation treatment in TMH with stable condition.  
 
     TMH reported the case to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) upon the preliminary test result of the nurse and launched epidemiological tracing. There are five nurses and one patient care assistant who had meals together with the nurse being preliminarily classified as close contacts and need to be quarantined for 14 days. Another three nurses had been listed as other contacts and subject to 28-day medical surveillance. No patient has been classified as close contact to the nurse concerned. TMH had already arranged thorough cleansing and disinfection for A&E, pantry and toilets used by the nurse. A&E services remain normal.
 
     The nurse concerned was required to work in various posts in the A&E and she wore appropriate personal protective equipment at work. As a precautionary measure, the TMH is carefully reviewing the work schedule of the nurse. Initial investigation indicates that she has not been in contact with COVID-19 patient over the past one week during work. TMH will continue to review her work schedule in detail and to follow up the case with the CHP.