Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index is expected to reach "Serious" level
According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)'s forecast, the health risk category of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations will reach the "Serious" level later today (April 13).
Under the influence of a dusty air stream associated with the northeast monsoon, the level of suspended particulates in background pollutants has been recorded higher than normal since 10pm last night (April 12). With the monsoon moderating gradually, winds in Hong Kong are expected to weaken and unfavorable to pollutant dispersion in the region, leading to increase in pollution levels. It is anticipated that the pollutant level will remain relatively high in the following one or two day(s). The EPD will keep in view the change in air quality, and release update on the latest situation in due course.
With a health risk category in the "Very High" range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.
The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students' health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.
When the AQHI is at the "Very High" level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the "Serious" level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.
Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings at the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Approval for third round of application under Labour Importation Scheme for Transport Sector - Aviation Industry completed
The approval process for the third round of application under the Labour Importation Scheme for the Transport Sector - Aviation Industry has been completed. The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) issued letters today (April 16) to all applicants on the application results.
The application period for the third round of application under the Scheme was from March 18 to 31. A total of 34 companies eligible for quota application (eligible companies) submitted applications within the period, involving 3 292 labour importation quotas covering all 10 job types under the Scheme. After assessment by the interdepartmental liaison group comprising representatives from the TLB, the Labour Department and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics approved the applications from 34 companies involving a total of 2 206 quotas, representing all the unused quotas after the first two rounds of applications. In vetting and allocating the quotas, the group has taken into consideration all relevant factors such as the business development needs of the applicants and the requirements of the Scheme (including the requirements of the manning ratio of local staff to imported labour and the conduct of local recruitment).
The results with a breakdown by job type of the third round of application are at the Annex.
Under the Scheme, approved eligible companies have to pay the AAHK $400 per month for each worker imported, while the AAHK will contribute a lump sum in an amount of the same magnitude as the total amount paid by applicants. As driven by the Government and co-ordinated by the AAHK, the relevant payments will continue to be used for subsidising the transportation costs of the local frontline staff responsible for airport operation.
The TLB and the AAHK will continue to engage in regular meetings with the stakeholder consultative group to listen to the views of stakeholders on the Scheme. They will continue to enhance information dissemination through the consultative group in order to facilitate the smooth implementation and execution of the Scheme.
Upon the conclusion of the third round of application, all 6 300 quotas under the Scheme have been approved. The TLB will announce the way forward of the Scheme, including the arrangements on the expiry of imported workers' employment contracts, in due course.
Premised on safeguarding the employment of local labour, the Scheme was introduced in July 2023 to allow the aviation industry to suitably import labour with a view to relieving the acute manpower shortage and supporting the continual development of Hong Kong's aviation industry. After the first two rounds of applications, 4 094 quotas have been used, covering all 10 job types under the Scheme.
