Hong Kong's cold, dirty weather to continue
Health Department warns sick and elderly to take more care during cold weather
Hong Kong will shiver its way out of 2013, with the cold, smoggy spell set to continue in the last few days of the year as polluted air flows in from the mainland.
The government opened cold-weather shelters for a third day yesterday and four elderly people were sent to hospital with hypothermia as the city recorded some of its lowest temperatures in three years. Two of the four people in hospital were in a serious condition last night.
Ta Kwu Ling, in the northern New Territories, saw temperatures drop to 2.7 degrees Celsius - the lowest in three years - while city averages ranged from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
"The elderly have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanism may be weaker. Their bodies may not be able to appropriately respond to the cold weather," a Department of Health statement said. It urged the public, particularly the sick and elderly, to take precautions against the cold.
"Cold weather can easily trigger diseases, especially among the elderly and people suffering from heart disease, respiratory illness or chronic illnesses," the statement said.
The department urged Hongkongers to wrap up in adequate clothing, eat enough food, do exercise to keep warm and avoid being outdoors for long periods.