Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:
 
     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should rest in a cool or shady place and drink water immediately. They should also inform their supervisors to take appropriate actions.
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

     The URBTIX outlets at Tom Lee Tsim Sha Tsui Branch (1-9 Cameron Lane, Tsim Sha Tsui) and Tom Lee Wan Chai Branch (1/F, City Centre Building, 144-149 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai) will cease operation from July 1 (Wednesday), while the ticket dispensing machines installed at these branches will remain in service for patrons to collect tickets purchased through URBTIX online, mobile app and telephone bookings, a Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokesman announced today (June 11).
 
     Patrons can purchase tickets at other URBTIX outlets. For details of the locations and opening hours, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ticket/counter.html.
 
     Tickets can also be purchased via the website www.urbtix.hk and the mobile ticketing app My URBTIX (Android and iPhone versions) throughout the day, and through the credit card telephone booking hotline 2111 5999 from 10am to 8pm daily.
 

     Police yesterday (June 10) reclassified a wounding case in Wong Tai Sin on June 9 as murder.

     At around 1.45pm on June 9, Police received a report that a man was attacked by another man with a fruit knife in Wah Yuen House of Chuk Yuen South Estate, Wong Tai Sin.

     Police officers sped to the scene and found the 53-year-old man sustaining multiple injuries. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in unconscious state for treatment. After initial investigation, Police arrested a 56-year-old man for wounding at the scene.

     The 53-year-old man was certified dead at 11.47pm on June 9.

     Upon further investigation, Police reclassified the case as murder. Police seized a fruit knife, in suspected connection with the case, at scene. Police laid a holding charge against the 56-year-old man with one count of murder. The case will be mentioned at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today (June 11).

     Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.

     Active investigation by the District Crime Squad of Wong Tai Sin is underway. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 6165 or 3661 1632.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) held its first-ever webinar on June 9 (Berlin time) to discuss Hong Kong's success story in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with members of the business communities, academic and government in Central and Eastern Europe.

     The panel consisted of speakers from Hong Kong and Central and Eastern European countries, including the Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Bill Li; the Head of Investment Promotion of HKETO Berlin, Dr Chung Wing-hin; and Senior Director of the Austria-based Innovation in Politics Institute and former Austrian Ambassador to Slovakia Mr Helfried Carl.

     Despite Hong Kong being an international hub for passenger transport with a high level of connectivity with the Asia-Pacific region as well as the rest of the world, the figures of about 1 100 registered COVID-19 cases and four deaths out of these cases are remarkably low. Moreover, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has rolled out targeted measures to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on various fronts.

     In his presentation to the audience, Mr Li highlighted that the HKSAR Government has adopted a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the community, with actions that are guided by three key principles: responding promptly, staying alert to the situation, and working in an open and transparent manner. "With the lessons learnt during the times of SARS, avian flu and swine flu in the past, I dare to say that Hong Kong is one of the places in the world which is most prepared for epidemics," he continued.

     "The Government has pledged HK$287.5 billion – about 10 per cent of GDP – to help offset the economic fallout from COVID-19," Mr Li said. The Government's focus is on upholding the vitality of the economy, retaining jobs and easing the financial burdens of citizens. More than 70 measures to support various business sectors including aviation, tourism and transport have been implemented and one-off grants or subsidies for eligible businesses ranging from HK$6,000 to HK$3 million have already been handed out since April.

     The support is not only limited to businesses, as every Hong Kong permanent resident aged 18 or above will receive a HK$10,000 cash payout to encourage local consumption and relieve financial burdens. A 100 per cent profits tax reduction for 2019-20, waiving of business registration fees for 2020-21, a 75 per cent electricity charges subsidy for non-residential accounts for eight months and a waiver of 75 per cent of water and sewage charges for non-domestic accounts for 12 months are further steps to give relief.

     With these measures in place, Hong Kong is well prepared to remain an attractive location for Central and Eastern European companies to expand to the Mainland of China and Asia at large. They will benefit from the city's entrepreneurial spirit, rich international business experience, versatile and multilingual talents, and dynamic business environment.

About HKETO Berlin

     HKETO Berlin is the official HKSAR Government representative in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Poland as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.