The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 10) 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 following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:
 
     The Liquor Licensing Board (LLB) will meet on Tuesday (May 12) to consider five applications for new issue, renewal and transfer of liquor licences.
 
     The applications are (not in order of discussion):
 
Hong Kong:
————–
YARDBIRD in Sheung Wan
Sahara in Central
Malty in Tai Hang
 
New Territories:
——————
HKPF Tai Mei Tuk Activities Training Centre in Tai Po
Cou Cou Hotpot · Tea Break in Tsuen Wan
 
     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. In response to the latest developments of coronavirus disease 2019, to avoid the gathering of people in an enclosed environment and safeguard the health of all participants, public seats will not be available for all open hearings of the LLB in the interim.

     Hongkong Post's spokesperson today (May 10) said that the delivery of CuMask+™ would commence tomorrow (May 11), and advised the public to take note of the following salient points of the delivery arrangements.

     Hongkong Post will arrange for door delivery of the daily CuMask+™ masks delivery orders received from the Government. HongKong Post targets to complete the despatch of daily delivery orders each day.

     From today onwards, the Government will, based on daily despatch orders information, issue a Short Messaging Service (SMS) message with an item number to successful main registrants prior to door delivery. Within around two working days thereafter, door delivery by postmen in uniform will be arranged. If attempt of door delivery fails, Hongkong Post will issue a collection notification card to the addressee. From the second working day following the issue date of the notification card, the addressee or his/her agent may bring along the notification card, together with the required identity document stated thereon, and collect the item from designated post office.

     Hongkong Post will not ask the addressee to collect the item from any location other than post office. If an item is not collected within 14 working days, it will be returned to the Government

     The spokesperson reminded the public that Hongkong Post would neither notify them of the arrangements on delivery or collection through phone calls, emails, other instant messaging programmes or social platforms, nor ask for any personal information of them or their family members, and would not request them to make any replies either. Please stay vigilant against any counterfeit notification and refer to www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrxMSAUXbhE&feature=youtu.be to learn more about the details of delivery arrangements.

     "We urge the public to report any suspected fraudulent notification to the Police and refrain from disclosing any of their personal information to others at will. For any queries, please refer to the Hongkong Post website at www.hongkongpost.hk," the spokesperson added.