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Author Archives: hksar gov

Blood inventories run low – donate blood now (with photo)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (April 28) urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the blood inventories have been depleted to a very low level. The blood inventories must be duly replenished to maintain a stable blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.
 
     With fewer people going out under the COVID-19 epidemic, the quantity of blood collection from donor centres, mobile blood drives and blood donation vehicles has significantly dropped. The stock level cannot meet the daily blood demand for local hospitals. Recent clinical transfusions for critical illnesses, organ transplants and emergency operations, as well as blood demand from thalassemia and blood cancer patients, only add pressure to the blood stock. The BTS urges all sectors of the community to take action and support blood donations immediately.
 
     As a token of thanks, all successful blood donors (till May 8) will receive an “I’m a blood donor” denim cooler bag, while stocks last. To avoid crowd gatherings and long waiting times at the donor centres, donors are advised to make an appointment by calling to the BTS donor centres or via HK Blood mobile apps. Most BTS donor centres are open during the Birthday of the Buddha and Labour Day holidays. For details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
 
     Donate Blood Now!
    
     Download HK Blood to locate the nearest donor centre across the city and make an appointment for donation:
IOS:https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/hk-blood/id1387423207?mt=8
Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hk.org.ha.btsmapps&rdid=hk.org.ha.btsmapps

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East Asia

TAC briefed on public transport operators’ efforts in combatting COVID-19

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (April 28) on public transport operators’ efforts in combatting COVID-19.

     With a view to safeguarding passengers’ and drivers’ health, the Transport Department (TD) has been working with public transport operators in implementing various infection preventive measures since the outbreak of COVID-19 in January 2020.

     The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, “Members welcome that public transport operators have been stepping up cleansing and disinfection efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Members are also pleased to learn that public transport operators are adopting new technologies in disinfecting the vehicle compartments.”

     In addition, Members were briefed on the business continuity plans of public transport operators in response to the pandemic, including the necessary service adjustments in view of the significant drop in patronage during the pandemic.

     Professor Cheung said, “The resilience of public transport operators is of utmost importance in keeping Hong Kong moving. While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant patronage drop and public transport operators are implementing service adjustments to maintain their financial viability, Members note that the TD pays due regard to occupancy rates, passenger waiting times and public acceptability when it processes service adjustment proposals. Members also note that the TD is closely monitoring the passenger demand and will work with the operators to enhance public transport services in a timely manner should the demand pick up.” read more

East Asia