Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index reached "Serious" level
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal air pollution levels since this afternoon (October 13), and the health risk category of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations has reached the "Serious" level.
The Environmental Protection Department, Photo source: reference image
Winds are weak over Hong Kong this afternoon, which are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, a fresh easterly airstreamis expected to reach the coast of Guangdong later tomorrow (October 14). It is expected that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.
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 air quality health risk category 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 on the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).
Source: AI-created image
Hong Kong Customs detects duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco smuggling case at Shenzhen Bay Control Point
Hong Kong Customs detected a duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco smuggling case at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday (October 12). A total of about 8 000 kilograms of duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco, with an estimated market value of about $53.4 million and a duty potential of about $32 million, was seized from an inbound medium goods vehicle (MGV). A male local driver involved in the case was arrested.
Based on intelligence analysis, Customs officers intercepted the MGV, declared as carrying wood-plastic flooring in the above-mentioned Control Point. Upon examination, Customs officers did not find any declared goods but about 300 boxes of unmanifested and duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco in the MGV, and immediately arrested the 51-year-old local male driver.
The case is still under investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source and flow of the manufactured tobacco. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis to vigorously combat cross-border smuggling activities.
Customs stresses that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Moreover, under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette and smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detected a duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco smuggling case at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday (October 12). A total of about 8 000 kilograms of duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco, with an estimated market value of about $53.4 million and a duty potential of about $32 million, was seized from an inbound medium goods vehicle. A male local driver involved in the case was arrested. Photo shows the duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detected a duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco smuggling case at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday (October 12). A total of about 8 000 kilograms of duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco, with an estimated market value of about $53.4 million and a duty potential of about $32 million, was seized from an inbound medium goods vehicle. A male local driver involved in the case was arrested. Photo shows the duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
