HKO and SCHSA remind public to get ready for winter (with photo)
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The Acting Assistant Director of the HKO, Mr Cheng Yuen-chung, said at the press conference, "A cold front is expected to move across the coast of southern China tomorrow morning. As the winds strengthen from the north, temperatures will fall appreciably with a few rain patches. The weather will be cold on Saturday night and Sunday morning with temperatures down to around 12 degrees in the urban areas, and a few degrees lower in the New Territories. It will remain rather cool in the morning and at night in the following couple of days. Under the influence of a dry monsoon replenishment, the weather will turn cold again and become fine midweek next week with relatively large temperature difference between day and night. The public, especially the elderly, persons with chronic medical conditions, or those planning for outdoor activities, should pay attention to the changing weather and take appropriate precautions in advance."
The Chief Executive Officer of the SCHSA, Ms Maura Wong, said, "We noted that following the resumption of normalcy, there has been a significant surge of over 30 per cent in the number of elderly individuals being sent to hospitals due to influenza symptoms. As we are approaching the first winter after the resumption of normalcy, both the elderly and their family members are advised to be more health-conscious. The SCHSA urges the elderly to keep warm and stay safe against temperature drop, and to receive seasonal influenza vaccination as early as possible for better protection. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice or help through the "Care-On-Call" service promptly. We should also take the initiative to show our care for the elderly, particularly the elderly singletons and elderly doubletons, understand their current life and health situations, and provide timely assistance."
The HKO has been closely collaborating with the SCHSA over the years to promote the use of weather information for taking better care of the elderly. The HKO regularly provides weather information to the SCHSA. When Hong Kong is expected to be affected by cold, dry or very hot weather, the SCHSA will send special weather voice reminders to the elderly to take early precautions through the "Care-On-Call" service. Looking into the future, both parties will continue their collaboration to enhance weather and health care services for the elderly.
The public can obtain the latest weather forecast and the nine-day weather forecast via the HKO's Dial-a-Weather service at 1878 200 or mobile app "MyObservatory", or through the HKO's website at the following links:
Weather forecast: www.weather.gov.hk/en/wxinfo/currwx/flw.htm
Nine-day weather forecast: www.weather.gov.hk/en/wxinfo/currwx/fnd.htm
Ends/Friday, December 15, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:10
Issued at HKT 18:10
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