â€‹As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.

     Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.

     The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.

     A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work" to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.

     Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.

     The LD issued the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work", detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers' and employees' reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at a media session on fare adjustment applications from non-rail public transport operators after attending a radio programme today (June 3):

Reporter: You mentioned that the number of fare adjustment applications may be higher as the local economy has not fully recovered. Do you think this is acceptable just because the data or the passenger numbers were not updated when the operators proposed this fare price?   

Secretary for Transport and Logistics: As we are moving forward along the path to normalcy, the operating environment of bus companies and other public transport operators has yet to be fully stabilised, for example, tourism has not yet fully recovered as revealed by the latest statistics. Therefore, we believe that there may be relatively more applications for fare increases from such operators. The Government will certainly play our role as gatekeeper.  

(Please also refer to the Chinese version of the transcript.)

     Regarding the murder case that happened at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill on June 2 evening, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, made the following statement:

     I am saddened by the murder that took place at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill yesterday evening, and I extend my deep condolences to the families of the two deceased.

     Noting that members of the public may feel uneased and worried, especially as videos of the incident were widely circulated online, I urge everyone in the community to stop sharing the videos, and to extend care to family members and friends. Members of the public are advised to seek professional support if they experience any emotional distress.

     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) operates a 24-hour hotline 2343 2255 to provide immediate telephone counselling, support and referral services. Members of the public in need may call the hotline for assistance. They may also call the hotline of the Hong Kong Red Cross at 5164 5040 for assistance.

     SWD staff have contacted the families of the deceased and the suspect, and will render assistance.

     The Police have arrested the suspect and will spare no efforts in investigating the case. This is an individual case. The Police and various law enforcement agencies will continue to strive for maintaining the law and order in Hong Kong.

     In light of the emotional distress which may have caused to members of the public due to the violent incident which happened in Wong Tai Sin yesterday (June 2), the Social Welfare Department (SWD) will set up a mobile service counter near the scene of the incident to provide support for those suffering from emotional distress today (June 3).

     The mobile service counter will be set up outside Exit C2 of MTR Diamond Hill Station (i.e. the open area at the Public Transport Interchange outside the entrance of Plaza Hollywood). The operation hours will be from 11.45am to 6pm. The service counter will distribute pamphlets on handling emotional distress. Clinical psychologists of the SWD will also provide on-site emotional counselling for those in need.

     The SWD is highly concerned about the incident, and has already approached the families of the man and the two female victims. Assistance will be rendered according to their welfare needs.
 
     Members of the public having emotional distress due to the incident may also continue to call the 24-hour hotline of the SWD 2343 2255 or the hotline of the Hong Kong Red Cross 5164 5040 for assistance.

     A man who went missing in Tseung Kwan O has been located.

     Lam Po-shing, aged 68, went missing after he left his residence on Po Hong Road on June 1 morning. His family reported to Police on the same day.

     The man turned up at police station to cancel the missing person report today (June 3). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.