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| High visibility over HK island remains despite the cold weather (HK Observatory) |
The government has issued a reminder for everyone, especially the elderly and other people with mobility problems, to take note of the very cold weather in Hong Kong at the moment.
According to the Hong Kong
Observatory, the temperatures over many places in the city were about six
degrees lower than those of yesterday.
Tomorrow will be even colder, with
temperatures ranging between 7 and 10 degrees in the urban areas, far lower in
the New Territories. The Observatory warned it will feel even colder due to
wind chills.
Ta Kwu Ling will be coldest, with
the temperature dipping to just 2 degrees, while Tai Po, Lau Fau Shan, Sha Tin,
Tseung Kwan O and Cheung Chau will have a 5-degree weather.
It will remain cold throughout the
day on Wednesday, with temperatures in the range of 8 and 12 degrees in the
urban areas.
The weather will gradually become
milder starting on Thursday, when the temperature will rise by about three
degrees.
The Centre for Health Protection
advised the public, particularly the elderly and those with chronic diseases,
to layer on to protect their health, saying the cold weather can easily trigger
or exacerbate diseases such as heart ailments or respiratory illnesses.
"Elderly
people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm and their
body temperature control mechanism may be weaker. Their body may not be able to
appropriately respond to the cold weather," the spokesman said.
In addition, the impaired mobility among some seniors can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat. They should thus adopt the following preventive measures:
*Take
note of the weather forecast and wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves,
gloves and socks accordingly;
* Eat enough
to ensure adequate calorie intake;
*
Exercise regularly to increase blood circulation and heat production;
* Use
heaters as needed, but with care, and maintain adequate ventilation;
* Seek
medical attention if unwell.
Parents are also advised to ensure their babies are sufficiently warm, and are placed in well-ventilated rooms at a comfortable temperature.
For the
general public, the CHP is advising the wearing of surgical masks in public,
saying it can prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses from ill people.
Those who are respiratory symptoms must wear masks and refrain from going to crowded places or to work, or attending classes at school. They should also seek medical advice immediately.
For more health information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP's website and Facebook Fanpage.
The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the
Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and
forecast, or its page on Weather
Information for Senior Citizens.
