Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
Following the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3, the Home Affairs Department has activated a round-the-clock hotline, 2572 8427, for public enquiries on the tropical cyclone.
The Government today (July 31) launched the Cancer Online Resource Hub to provide the public with accurate and reliable health information relating to cancer.
Cancer is the top killer in Hong Kong. In 2018, cancer claimed over 14 000 lives, accounting for about one-third of the total deaths of the local population. In view of the overall rising trend in the incidence of cancers and having regard to the World Health Organization's recommendations, international practices and local situations, the Cancer Coordinating Committee (the Committee) chaired by the Secretary for Food and Health, consolidated and enhanced a comprehensive strategy on cancer prevention and control. In July 2019, the Government promulgated the first Hong Kong Cancer Strategy (Cancer Strategy) in Hong Kong. It aims at reducing the cancer burden of the local population and improving the quality of life and survivorship of cancer patients through setting work priorities and directions.
A Government spokesman said,"The setting up of a dedicated online resource hub has achieved one of the expected outcome of the Cancer Strategy. It aims to enhance health communications and to serve as a centralised directory to inform the public of cancer-related resources. Coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer could be a stressful experience. With a view to alleviating their worries and anxieties, patients and carers will be informed of, through an online resource hub, what to do when one is diagnosed with cancer, what resources/materials are available and what support groups can offer help, etc."
The directions laid down in the Cancer Strategy include reducing risk factors leading to cancer; providing evidence-based screening; seeking early detection and diagnosis; offering timely and effective treatment; strengthening support to cancer survivors; providing palliative and end-of-life care; investing in technology; enhancing the collaboration among relevant bureaux, government departments, the Hospital Authority, community organisations and civil society; as well as enhancing surveillance and research capabilities. The goal is to better prevent and control various cancers through these directions.
For access to the Cancer Strategy and other health information relating to cancer, please visit the Cancer Online Resource Hub at www.cancer.gov.hk/en/index.html.
The Committee was established in 2001 comprising cancer experts and doctors from the public and private sectors, academics and public health professionals, to advise the formulation of strategies on cancer prevention and control, and steer the direction of work covering cancer prevention, screening, treatment, surveillance and research.
In response to media enquiries on the construction of quarantine camps, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) today (July 31) said the following:
By adopting the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) method, the CEDD and the ArchSD have completed 100 and 700 quarantine units respectively at the Penny's Bay Phase 1 site. According to the approved design, the column base plate and the concrete footing of the quarantine camp units are connected by bolts and nuts with associated components. This connection method, with the advantages of easy installation and dismantling as well as effective quality control, is commonly adopted in MiC buildings in Hong Kong and overseas.
In addition, the quarantine camp units have been designed in accordance with the "Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong" published by the Buildings Department. The design wind speed adopted is higher than the gust wind speed under the Hong Kong Observatory Hurricane Signal No. 10.
Based on the approved design, the CEDD and the ArchSD have fully supervised the construction of the quarantine camps. They have also inspected and accepted the quarantine camp units according to the relevant requirements for quality and procedure.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to media enquiries regarding a Legionella infection case, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) has the following reply today (July 31):
One more 36-year-old patient who had stayed in a male ward for severe intellectual disability at SLH was confirmed with Legionnaires' Disease. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has collected water samples from the hospital and the source of infection for the patient is still undergoing investigation. The patient is in stable condition.
The hospital has already implemented a series of precautionary and infection control improvement measures, including:
1. Suspending the use of related basin faucets;
2. Installing bacterial filters on basin faucets and shower heads;
3. Arranging cleansing and disinfection at water tanks and pipes;
4. Providing patients with distilled water for drinking; and
5. After communicating with the CHP, the hospital will continue to implement clinical surveillance for all patients in the ward.
The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office according to established guidelines. In addition to the above precautionary and improvement measures, the hospital has reminded all healthcare staff to be vigilant and continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The hospital will co-operate with the CHP in the investigation of the source of infection.
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
As Strong Wind Signal No.3 has been issued, the Marine Department reminds vessel owners, masters and persons-in-charge of vessels that they should take precautionary measures immediately and properly secure their vessels at safe locations.
In case of an accident, a report should be made immediately to the Vessel Traffic Centre at 2233 7801.