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Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session given by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, and representatives of relevant bureaux/departments at Central Government Offices today (March 22) on the "very high" level of the Air Pollution Index due to the Northern China sandstorm:
Reporter: Mr Yau, could you give some advice to the public?
Secretary for the Environment: Early this morning and also throughout today, we have been seeing an unprecedented record of high APIs largely caused by the sandstorm that originated from the northern part of Mainland. Of course, this will affect people who might have certain illnesses, particularly heart or respiratory illnesses. So we would advise people who are suffering from these illnesses to take extra precautions. Later on, I may pass on to the medical doctor who will give more detailed advice on this.
We are encouraging the community to stay on alert. Things that we can do, for instance, try to use more public transport instead of driving your own car, quit smoking, stop idling engines from running on the roadside. We will also advise power companies to see if they can switch to cleaner fuel. We will continue to monitor the situation and see if things will improve with the prevailing wind and also try to keep the public properly informed of all the developments.
Reporter: Mr Yau, would you consider suspending schools compulsorily if the bad days persist?
Secretary for the Environment: I think my colleague in the Education Bureau will have advice. I will ask her to brief you.
Ms Sophia Wong, Principal Education Officer (Hong Kong), Education Bureau: In considering whether classes should be suspended, we have to take into account an overall and comprehensive view of the situation. As mentioned by the departments concerned, they will keep monitoring the situation of the API, and we will take their advice in making any decision. For the time being, the students have the best advice from the schools and they will be taken care of by their teachers.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, March 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:48
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