The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 3) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 3) that due to a fire broke out at the building, Wong Nai Chung Sports Centre in Wan Chai District has been temporarily closed until further notice.
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Tai Po yesterday (December 2) in which a 34-year-old man died.
At about 8.40pm last night, an electric scooter driven by the 34-year-old man was travelling along the cycling track beside Tolo Highway towards Tai Po. It reportedly lost control and the man subsequently fell on the ground.
Sustaining serious head injuries, the man was sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 9.27pm.
Investigation by the Accident Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers at 3660 3800.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 2) investigating a case of suspected food poisoning, and hence reminded the public to beware of vegetables containing calcium oxalate raphide.
The case involved two female patients, aged 67 and 38, who developed a burning sensation of mouth, abdominal pain and diarrhoea shortly after consuming Chinese flat cabbage at home on November 27 evening. The patients did not seek medical attention and are now in a stable condition.
Initial investigations revealed that the Chinese flat cabbage the patients had consumed was purchased at a shop in Tuen Mun on the same day. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Plants containing calcium oxalate raphide (a needle-shaped crystal of the chemical) can injure the skin and mucous membranes and cause irritation, such as numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth and lips, and swelling of the tongue and lips. Consumption of vegetables accidentally mixed with calcium oxalate raphide-containing plants may also cause food poisoning.
Members of the public should:
The public may visit the pages on Food Poisoning Related to the Giant Alocasia and Calcium Oxalate Food Poisoning of the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for more information and health advice.