​The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, today (October 24) visited the Kwun Tong Community Health Centre to view the implementation of the Government Vaccination Programme 2019/20. Following is the transcript of remarks made by Professor Chan during the media session after receiving her seasonal influenza vaccination:

Reporter: You said that there are guidelines for cleaning workers after tear gas was deployed by the Police. Academics said other people, like residents or ordinary people, may not know what to do after they are exposed to tear gas. Would the Department of Health do more on this aspect? Also, concerning animals, for example, police dogs, pets and stray animals, are there some guidelines to protect these animals? Also, can you tell us the latest statistics of flu cases?  

Secretary for Food and Health: I think you are talking about guide dogs or Police dogs. I am sure that the Police will take care of those dogs they bring along when they work. If they have any problems or questions, they can obviously contact the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further communication. Your question about the statistics on the latest flu cases, I think the Hospital Authority or private hospitals may have those numbers. I do not have those numbers right now. Your first question is about whether there are any guidelines on exposure to tear gas? 

Reporter: Guidelines for the general public.

Secretary for Food and Health: For the general public, the Department of Health has already responded to media enquiries a few times and also provided information to the District Councils about tear gas. Some of the symptoms that one may exhibit after being exposed to tear gas are: they may have some irritation to eyes, some may have vomiting and so on. It also depends on the period of exposure, how they are exposed and different chemicals in different types of tear gas. The most important thing is that if one feels any major discomfort after they are exposed to tear gas, they should seek medical advice. Normally, all these symptoms would subside after a short period of time. 

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, October 24, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:50

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