The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 2) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF), and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
A. Dengue fever
 
     From July 26 to August 1, the CHP recorded four imported DF cases. The patients had been to Cambodia (two cases), Indonesia (one case) and Thailand (one case) during the incubation period.
 
     As of yesterday (August 1), 99 cases had been recorded this year, as compared with 53 cases recorded in the same period last year. All the cases recorded in 2019 were imported, mainly from Thailand (18), Indonesia (17) and Malaysia (17).
     
     The CHP has been closely monitoring the latest DF situation in neighbouring and overseas areas. DF is endemic in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. According to the World Health Organization, some Asian countries are experiencing unusually high numbers of DF cases for this time of year. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas this year has been uploaded to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).
     
     ​"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
B. Chikungunya fever
 
​     From July 26 to August 1, the CHP recorded one CF case. The patient had lived in Thailand during the incubation period. As of yesterday (August 1), six confirmed CF cases had been recorded this year, all of which were imported cases from Thailand.
 
     CF is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the chikungunya virus. It is clinically characterised by fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and a rash. Joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged for weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years.
 
     Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Although the vector Aedes aegypti is not found in Hong Kong, another vector, Aedes albopictus, is widely distributed locally. These mosquitoes can be found biting throughout daylight hours, though there may be peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

    
     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

 
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.
 
     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the CF page of the CHP, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest provisional figures on restaurant receipts and purchases today (August 2).

     The value of total receipts of the restaurants sector in the second quarter of 2019, provisionally estimated at $28.7 billion, decreased by 0.4% over a year earlier. Over the same period, the provisional estimate of the value of total purchases by restaurants increased by 0.8% to $9.3 billion.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased by 2.6% in the second quarter of 2019 compared with a year earlier.

     Analysed by type of restaurant and comparing the second quarter of 2019 with the second quarter of 2018, total receipts of Chinese restaurants decreased by 2.1% in value and 4.4% in volume. Total receipts of non-Chinese restaurants decreased by 1.6% in value and 3.7% in volume. Total receipts of fast food shops increased by 3.2% in value and 1.8% in volume. Total receipts of bars decreased by 4.4% in value and 5.4% in volume. As for miscellaneous eating and drinking places, total receipts increased by 5.3% in value and 1.5% in volume.

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of total restaurant receipts decreased by 4.6% in value and 4.4% in volume in the second quarter of 2019 compared with the preceding quarter.

     Comparing the first half of 2019 with the same period in 2018, total restaurant receipts increased by 1.4% in value but decreased by 0.9% in volume.

     To facilitate further understanding of the short-term business performance of the restaurants sector, statistics in respect of the restaurant receipts and purchases in individual months of the reference quarter are also compiled.

     Analysed by month, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total receipts of the restaurants sector decreased by 0.2%, 0.5% and 0.6% respectively in April, May and June 2019, compared with the corresponding months a year earlier.

     After discounting the effect of price changes, it was provisionally estimated that the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased by 2.4%, 2.7% and 2.8% respectively in April, May and June 2019, compared with the corresponding months a year earlier.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant and total purchases by the restaurants sector for the first quarter of 2019 as well as the provisional figures for the second quarter of 2019.

     Table 2 and Table 3 present the revised value and volume indices respectively of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant for the first quarter of 2019 and the provisional indices for the second quarter of 2019.

     Table 4 presents the year-on-year rate of change in total restaurant receipts in value and volume terms based on the original quarterly series, as well as the quarter-to-quarter rate of change based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The revised figures on restaurant receipts and purchases for the second quarter of 2019 (with breakdown by month) will be released through the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/bbs.jsp) and relevant publications of the Department from September 20, 2019.

     The classification of restaurants follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     More detailed statistics are given in the "Report on Quarterly Survey of Restaurant Receipts and Purchases". Users can download this publication free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp320.jsp?productCode=B1080002).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7401; email: qsr@censtatd.gov.hk).

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 (August 2) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Silver Mine Bay Beach in Islands District as Grade 4, which means the beach is not suitable for swimming. The red flag has been hoisted. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (August 2) that to promote the good services and image of the taxi industry, the TD and the Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) have extended the scope of the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme to taxi service management teams in order to commend taxi drivers and service management teams for their service excellence. The scheme is now open for public nominations until September 30.
      
     To nominate outstanding taxi drivers and service management teams, members of the public can access the designated website (www.ctsq.org.hk/nomination/index.php) for nomination of taxi drivers and service management teams with quality service. They can also send the completed nomination form to the TD by post, facsimile or email or they can submit the form online through GovHK. The form can be downloaded from the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/index.html).
      
     After the nomination period, members of the public can learn about the good conduct and performance of the nominated taxi drivers and vote for their favourite taxi driver on the designated website. On the other hand, the taxi service management teams with quality service will be evaluated and selected by an assessment panel comprising mainly members of the CTSQ. The Prize Presentation Ceremony of Taxi Service Commendation Scheme will be held in the first quarter of 2020.
      
     For enquiries, please call 2829 5326.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, August 2, 2019 is 105.9 (up 0.3 against yesterday's index).