Lazy Lion gets HK moving

     To encourage the public to increase their physical activity and prevent non-communicable diseases, the Department of Health launched the "Healthy Hong Kong 2025 | Move for Health" Campaign and its mascot Lazy Lion in December 2018.
 
     News.gov.hk spoke to a Centre for Health Protection Senior Medical and Health Officer and some members of the public to find out how Lazy Lion is helping Hong Kong people take the first step to "move for health" and build an active lifestyle.
 
     The story appears on news.gov.hk today (April 21) in both text and video format.




Red flag hoisted at Lower Cheung Sha Beach

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 (April 21) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Lower Cheung Sha Beach in Islands District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.




Key statistics on service demand of A&E Departments and occupancy rates in public hospitals

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 rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.




The Observatory issued the first Red Rainstorm Warning Signal this year

     Between spring and summer, the development of rainstorm over southern China can be somewhat random and often changes rapidly and is a great challenge for weather forecasting. In the past few days, the local weather has been unsettled with occasional heavy showers, which necessitated the issuance of rainstorm warning signals by the Observatory for three consecutive days.
 
     At around 9am today (April 20), a band of thundery showers developed at around 200 kilometres to the northwest of Hong Kong (Figure 1). While moving southeastwards, it became more organised. At 11.45am, when the band of thundery showers moved to the vicinity of Guangzhou (Figure 2), the Observatory issued a Special Weather Tip reminding the public that the thundery showers might affect Hong Kong in the afternoon and advised them to pay attention to weather changes. Then at 12.45pm, the Observatory issued the Thunderstorm Warning to alert the public of the occurrence of squally thunderstorms. The Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued at 1.40pm.
 
     As showers became heavier, the Observatory issued the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal at 2.20pm, the first for this year. The band of thundery showers moved across Hong Kong rapidly. The Observatory issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal at 3.20pm to replace the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal, and cancelled all rainstorm warning signals at 4.45pm.
 
     During the rainstorm episode, more than 40 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory. Showers were heavier over the western and northern parts of the New Territories and Lantau Island where rainfall exceeded 60 millimetres (Figure 3). Heavy showers were also accompanied by squalls. Gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour were recorded at Green Island and North Point.




Update on measles cases

     The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 20) that no additional case of measles infection has been recorded as at 4pm today.

     Regarding measles control measures implemented at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), a total of four persons received measles vaccination at the airport vaccination station as at 6pm today, bringing the cumulative number of vaccinations given to 8 247.

     From tomorrow (April 21) to April 28, the vaccination quota for the measles vaccination station at the airport remains at 500 doses daily. Vaccination for eligible airport staff will be provided to the following target groups who:

(1) Were born in or after 1967, and have not received two doses of measles vaccination, and have not been infected with measles before, and with evidence of living with infants under 1 year old or living with pregnant women; or

(2) Have laboratory evidence of testing not positive against measles antibody (IgG)

     Details of evidence are as follows:

(a) Supporting documents for living with infants under 1 year old: for example, birth certificate, discharge summary or vaccination card of the infant

(b) Supporting documents for living with pregnant women: for example, positive pregnancy tests or antenatal follow-up cards of the pregnant women

(c) Supporting documents for laboratory evidence: for example, blood results from the DH's measles serology test or any laboratory within the past 12 months

     The venue and operation hours of the airport vaccination station are as follows:
 
 

Venue: Multi-function Room, HKIA Tower (Level 5, Terminal 2)
Hours: April 21 to 28
10am to 1pm
2pm to 6pm

     As for the blood test service, the DH will continue to arrange the provision of a measles serology test service for airport staff to identify those who need the measles vaccination. A DH contractor will continue to provide the blood test service for about 200 airport staff who were born in or after 1967 daily from next Tuesday to Thursday (April 23 to 25). The blood test service will be suspended from Friday to Monday.

     The venue and operation hours of the airport blood test station are as follows:
 
 

Venue: South side before the Immigration Hall at Level 3 of Terminal 2
(non-restricted area)
Hours: April 23 to 25
9am to 1pm

     A hotline (2125 1122) has been set up for public enquiries and operates during office hours from Mondays to Fridays. A total of 3 223 enquiries have been received so far. 
 
     "The incubation period (the period from infection to appearance of illness) of measles ranges from seven days to 21 days. Symptoms of measles include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If symptoms arise, members of the public should wear surgical masks, stop going to work or school and avoid going to crowded places. They should also avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially persons with weakened immunity, pregnant women and children aged below 1. Those suspected to have been infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals," the spokesman advised.