HKO and SCHSA remind public on precautions against cold weather (with photo)
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Speaking at the joint press conference, the Assistant Director of the HKO, Dr Cheng Cho-ming, indicated that an intense northeast monsoon was affecting southern China. Under the influence of cold air associated with the monsoon, local temperature has dropped significantly this morning. On Wednesday (December 28), the minimum temperature would continue to drop to about 12 degrees in the urban areas and a couple of degrees lower in the New Territories. The morning weather would remain rather cool in the following few days. Senior citizens and persons with chronic medical conditions should take steps to protect themselves against the potential health impact caused by low temperatures. While Hong Kong is a small place, there could still be difference in the weather in different areas. Members of the public are welcome to make use of the HKO’s mobile app “MyObservatory” and website to check their location’s weather condition and 9-day weather forecasts.
Dr Cheng mentioned that the HKO’s online information services had been very popular. Recently, the total number of page views this year has even surpassed 100 billion, with almost 50 per cent increase over the figure last year. The HKO would continue to enhance its online services with a view to providing more timely weather information to the public.
The Chief Executive Officer of the SCHSA, Ms Irene Leung, said, “Sharp changes of weather and temperature could trigger respiratory diseases or complications of chronic diseases. The SCHSA wishes to remind our seniors to be aware of upcoming weather changes, to take good care of their personal well-being, and to seek help immediately when feeling unwell or in case of emergency.”
Citing past statistics of the SCHSA, Ms Leung also pointed out that, the number of emergency hospital referral cases handled by the SCHSA’s Call and Care Service usually increased significantly a few days after a cold surge. The Association therefore wishes to warmly remind elderly caretakers, family members and the general public of staying vigilant in winter season and to take active care of the elderly in need and provide appropriate assistance. SCHSA service users can contact the Association’s 24-hour Call and Care Hotline at any time, simply by pressing on the “Safety Button” of the user devices to seek emergency assistance or make non-emergency enquiries. As an attempt to arouse awareness, SCHSA had disseminated pre-recorded caring messages to service users aged 70 or above, especially those who live alone in remote areas to remind them of the upcoming weather changes to pay attention to personal health conditions.
For the latest weather forecast and the 9-day weather forecast, the public can use the HKO's Dial-a-weather service at 1878 200 or visit the HKO's website at the following links:
* Weather forecast: www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/flw.htm
* 9-day weather forecast: www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/fnd.htm
Ends/Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 13:47
Issued at HKT 13:47
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