To align with the further stepping up of the social distancing measures announced by the Government, the Transport Department (TD) announced today (July 29) that the TD's Licensing Offices have implemented special work arrangements and corresponding adjustments to its licensing services after considering the need to maintain social distancing as much as possible in order to minimise the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Service for the direct issue of a full Hong Kong driving licence will be suspended from July 30 until further notice. The Licensing Offices at Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin will continue to suspend walk-in counter services, but will provide counter services for processing applications submitted by applicants with online appointments and process applications submitted by drop-in boxes, by post, or online.
 
     The TD appeals to members of the public in need to use the online appointment services as far as possible. Members of the public who cannot make a prior booking may submit applications by post or online, or via the drop-in boxes placed at the Licensing Offices from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
 
     It is anticipated that the queuing time for counter services with an appointment will be longer under the special work arrangement. The Licensing Offices will need more time to process applications submitted by drop-in boxes, by post or online. The TD appeals to members of the public who have submitted an application for their patience and understanding. To avoid unnecessary delays, the public should submit licence renewal applications three to four weeks before the expiry dates.
 
     The TD will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic and adjust its services to align with the Government's anti-epidemic measures and arrangements, and will notify the public of any further service arrangements in due course. For enquiries, members of the public can contact the relevant offices at the following numbers:
 
Hong Kong Licensing Office    2804 2636
Kowloon Licensing Office        2150 7728
Kwun Tong Licensing Office    2775 6835
Sha Tin Licensing Office         2606 1468

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 29) 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 and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. 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 actions.
 

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 Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been informed by Children Chiropractic Foundation Limited that the territory-wide flag-selling activity in public places scheduled to be held today (July 29) has been cancelled, a spokesman for the SWD said.
 
     Details of the charitable fund-raising activities, including any updated information, covered by the issued Public Subscription Permit have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search/).
 
     For enquiries, please contact Miss Tam of the organisation concerned at 2388 7291.