Police today (July 16) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Sheung Shui.

     Agnes Ng, aged 23, went missing after she left her residence in Ching Ho Estate on February 17. Her family made a report to Police on February 21.

     She is about 1.7 metres tall, 58 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, white trousers and pink shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3115 or 6273 5787 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
 
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) announced today (July 16) the funding results of the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2020/21 (Tenth Round). Seven research proposals were awarded a total funding of $263 million, of which $230 million will be provided by the RGC and $33 million will be matched by the universities concerned. The list of awarded projects is set out at the Annex.
 
     The Chairman of the RGC, Professor Joseph Lee, said, "These projects have been selected after a series of rigorous peer reviews and cover a wide range of research areas, including aptamer research, innovative treatment of leukaemia, combating antibiotic resistance, wireless power transfer, financial technology, machine learning and intelligent robotics. Not only are these projects relevant to our daily lives, but they will also bring a significant and positive societal and economic impact to the future development of Hong Kong.
 
     "With the Government's injection of $20 billion to the Research Endowment Fund, the RGC has increased the budget of the TRS 2020/21 from $200 million to $230 million. Moreover, the RGC has decided to allocate an additional $100 million to the TRS 2021/22 (Eleventh Round) to provide funding for the universities to conduct research projects related to COVID-19 and other novel infectious diseases. The call for proposals for the TRS 2021/22 will be issued later this month," said Professor Lee.
 
     Professor Lee expressed his gratitude to the panel members and international experts for their valuable time in providing peer reviews for the proposals amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the local research community for its continued support for the TRS.

     Details of the approved projects have been posted on the RGC website (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funded_research/layman/theme/trs10.html) for reference.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 16) 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.