HK Science Museum Hosts Free Programs for Oceans of Knowledge French Science Festival

Hong Kong Science Museum to launch programmes aligned with theme of French Science Festival enabling public to understand importance of marine conservation

To align with the theme of this year's French Science Festival, "Oceans of Knowledge", the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) is collaborating with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau to roll out a series of free feature programmes from tomorrow (October 4) to October 14 at the museum. They include the "Oceans: A New Mining Treasure Trove?" exhibition, an inaugural conference, a virtual reality experience, and a film screening, enabling members of the public to understand the importance of marine ecosystem conservation.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition today (October 3), the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Culture), Miss Eve Tam, said that Hong Kong, embraced by the sea on three sides, has transformed from a modest fishing village into an international metropolis. Over the years, this transformation has been a testament to the vital role the ocean has played in Hong Kong's development. While the sea offers a wealth of resources and opportunities, it also poses many challenges that call for the protection of the marine environment. Other officiating guests included the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe, and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.

Amid growing concerns among the international community about deep-sea mining exploration projects, the "Oceans: A New Mining Treasure Trove?" exhibition will explore what people know about the deep sea, and the potential risks of seabed mining. The exhibition specially features a virtual reality experience titled "Dolphin Man", allowing audiences to be immersed in three 360° virtual reality spaces that follow divers and share their sensory perceptions of the underwater world.

To complement the exhibition, the HKScM will also hold the Inaugural Conference on the Preservation of Oceans and Marine Resources at the Lecture Hall on the first floor of the HKScM on October 4. Two ambassadors for the French Science Festival 2024, the Founder of the Bling Bling Ocean Foundation, Ms Hidy Yu, and the Executive Director of the Tara Ocean Foundation, Mr Romain Troublé, will join Professor Joost Schokkenbroek from the University of Hong Kong to discuss the importance of marine conservation and explore ways to raise public awareness. There will be a film screening of "The Odyssey" on October 13 at the same venue. The film follows the life and adventures of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French ocean-going adventurer, biologist, and filmmaker, and documents his aquatic adventures over 30 years.

Online registration for the programmes mentioned above has started. There will be limited quotas available on a first-come, first-served basis. For programme details and registration methods, please visit www.spu.hk/en/cards/french-science-festival-2024/, or call 2732 3232 for enquiries.

The exhibition and programmes are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, and are organised by the Science Promotion Unit of the HKScM and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau.

Hong Kong Science Museum to launch programmes aligned with theme of French Science Festival enabling public to understand importance of marine conservation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Science Museum to launch programmes aligned with theme of French Science Festival enabling public to understand importance of marine conservation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Science Museum to launch programmes aligned with theme of French Science Festival enabling public to understand importance of marine conservation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Science Museum to launch programmes aligned with theme of French Science Festival enabling public to understand importance of marine conservation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Science Museum to launch programmes aligned with theme of French Science Festival enabling public to understand importance of marine conservation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 3) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Saudi Arabia. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety and take due consideration of the health risks when visiting other places.

According to the WHO, the additional case involves a male aged between 50 and 55 with underlying illnesses. The patient was admitted to the hospital on August 31, and his nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on September 4. He is fully recovered now.

According to the latest information, 2 614 MERS cases (with 943 deaths) have been reported to the WHO since 2012, among which 2 205 cases were reported by Saudi Arabia (including the patient reported above).

"We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"As countries in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, continue to report MERS cases from time to time, travellers should refrain from going to farms, barns or markets with camels and avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry. Most of the cases reported in the Middle East had a history of exposure to camels, consumption of camel milk or contact with other MERS patients," the spokesman said.

"Scientific evidence shows that camels are reservoirs for MERS-CoV. Camels infected with MERS-CoV may not show any signs of infection. Infected animals may shed MERS-CoV through nasal and eye discharge and faeces, and potentially in their milk and urine. The virus may also be found in the raw organs and meat of infected animals. Therefore, the best protection is to practise good hygiene and avoid direct contact with all of these," the spokesman added.

From time to time, suspected MERS cases reported to the CHP for investigation involve patients with a history of contact with camels in the Middle East. The CHP strongly advises travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS-CoV. ​Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene.

​The public may visit the MERS page of theCHPand itsTravel Health Serviceto learn more aboutMERS statistics inaffected areas. The public should also refer tothe CHP'sFacebook pageandYouTube channeland the WHO'slatest newsfor more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP'shealth advice on MERS.