Eight people were treated in Hong Kong public hospitals for hypothermia yesterday amid a cold snap in the city’s weather.
A spokesperson for the city’s Hospital Authority said the group include three male and five female patients aged between 20 and 95. Each was treated immediately by emergency departments, reported by Ming Pao.
Statistics from Hong Kong Observatory show that the temperature in the city sank to 9.8 degrees on Monday, the lowest temperature so far this winter.
According to Ming Pao’s article, five of the patients remain in a severe condition, while the other three have been stabilized, with one discharged from the hospital.
The spokesperson also explained the danger of hypothermia, caused by excessive loss of heat from the body, stressing it can be life threatening.
Home Affairs Department said in an announcement on Monday that 17 temporary cold shelters were now available for those seeking temporary refuge, which will remain open while the Hong Kong’s cold weather warning remains in force.
These shelters aim to provide “a quiet and undisturbed environment” to those in need, according to the announcement.
The announcement also mentioned that donations would be arranged for the shelters, with citizens encouraged to register and pitch in.
The first cold weather warning this winter was issued Saturday afternoon by the Hong Kong Observatory. The lowest temperature in the upcoming nine days is expected to be 11 degrees, and the highest to be 20 degrees.
Reader Interactions