Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (August 8):
 
Reporter: What do you make of the US sanction announced last night? What will the Hong Kong Government do in response?
 
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think the latest sanction introduced by the US Government on Hong Kong is unreasonable and barbarous, and in the long run will inflict the wound towards US’ interest in Hong Kong too. As you have seen, I do not find any valid reason for this blatant interference of Hong Kong affairs by a foreign country. I do not think this is necessary or in a civilised manner to do so. Looking at the wider interest between Hong Kong and the US, such imposition of unreasonable measures would send a very wrong signal to the US investment in Hong Kong. Ultimately, I think the toll will be back to the US, and of course, it will definitely hurt the Hong Kong-US relations.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 8) said as the epidemic situation remains severe, to safeguard the health and safety of market stall tenants and the public, the FEHD will continue to progressively arrange deep cleaning and disinfection for public markets as a precautionary measure.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "With the full support of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), eight markets with high patronage rate (including Ngau Chi Wan Market, Ngau Tau Kok Market, Hung Hom Market, Pei Ho Street Market, Tai Shing Street Market, Tai Kok Tsui Market, Wan Chai Market and Tai Po Hui Market) have installed of the body temperature checking system. To further enhance the anti-epidemic measures, we will progressively install body temperature checking system in other markets with high patronage rate and has arranged for checking of body temperature of market patrons by FEHD staff using hand-held thermometers in some markets so as to enhance the effectiveness of epidemic prevention."

     The spokesman said, "In addition, the FEHD is liaising with the EMSD to improve the air ventilation in some markets, and purchase standalone air coolers for some markets as soon as possible in regard to circumstances on the ground."

     To further enhance the cleaning and disinfection work in its markets, following the previous arrangement for some 30 markets to close an hour earlier for additional deep cleaning and disinfection in the past three weeks, the FEHD will arrange for the following 12 public markets on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories to be closed an hour earlier at 7pm for deep cleaning and disinfection in the coming few days as a precautionary measure:

August 9 (Sunday)
Sheung Wan Market
Lockhart Road Market
Java Road Market
Wing Fong Street Market

August 10 (Monday)
Causeway Bay Market
Yue Kwong Road Market
Electric Road Market
Yan Oi Market

August 11 (Tuesday)
Tin Wan Market
Cheung Chau Market
Kwun Chung Market
Sham Tseng Temporary Market

     During the period, the FEHD staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect communal areas and facilities in the markets, and call for co-operation of market tenants to conduct cleaning and disinfection at their respective stalls, with a view to improving the overall hygiene condition of the markets. In addition, the FEHD will carry out deep cleaning work on the periphery of the markets and nearby streets. The cleaning and disinfection work is expected to last about four hours.

     The spokesman said that the FEHD has attached importance to the hygienic condition of public markets. In addition to regular cleaning work in the daytime, market service contractors also conduct thorough cleaning in all markets after the markets are closed every day. During the epidemic, the FEHD has already stepped up cleaning and disinfection of communal areas and facilities in the markets, including toilets, escalators, elevators and stair handrails, with diluted household bleach regularly every day. Disinfectant hand sanitisers are also placed at market areas for public use.

     In addition, the FEHD earlier issued advisory letters to its market tenants reminding them and their staff to wear face masks in markets and perform hand hygiene frequently, and has subsequently distributed face masks and disinfectant hand sanitisers to market tenants. Disinfectant hand sanitisers are also placed at communal parts such as vicinities of lift lobbies, escalators and public scales for use by market patrons so as to safeguard the health and safety of tenants and the public.

     The FEHD will closely monitor the situation of its markets and conduct enhanced cleaning and disinfection work as a precautionary measure when necessary so as to maintain environmental hygiene and safeguard the health and safety of tenants and the public.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 8) 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.