The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 2) extended her congratulations to Hong Kong athletes on their outstanding achievements in the 18th Asian Games held in Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia, lauding their perseverance and distinguished performance.

     "This is the largest Hong Kong delegation ever to participate in the Asian Games and I wished the athletes great success at the flag presentation ceremony. They lived up to our expectations and won a total of 46 medals, comprising eight gold medals, 18 silver medals and 20 bronze medals, outnumbering the gold medals won in the last Asian Games in Incheon and the total number of medals in any previous Asian Games by Hong Kong. Apart from continuing to perform well in traditional sports which Hong Kong excels, the Hong Kong athletes won gold medals for the first time in equestrian and rugby in the Asian Games. They scored Hong Kong's best results in the Asian Games and broke the Hong Kong records in many events. The achievement in bridge, a new event for this year, is remarkable and a gold medal was won in the eSports demonstration. All of these have been most encouraging.

     "The Hong Kong athletes had endured arduous training over the years and fought hard in the competitions, displaying indomitable sportsmanship. With or without medal, the grace shown by all our athletes in the Games made me and, I believe, all Hong Kong people extremely proud. I look forward to attending the welcome home reception to be held by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China on September 17 to extend my congratulations personally to the athletes.

     "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to support Hong Kong athletes and the development of sports in Hong Kong. I announced in my Policy Address last year that we would take forward the Kai Tak Sports Park Project and encourage public sector schools to open up their school facilities to increase sports facilities and promote a sporting culture, and provide funding support for the development of sports for athletes with disabilities and ball games played by teams. Also, we announced recently the allocation of HK$6 billion to the Elite Athletes Development Fund to provide stronger support for elite athletes. The HKSAR Government will continue to listen to views of athletes, coaches and people in the sports sector and respond proactively, with a view to providing the strongest backing to athletes in their endeavours to bring honour home," Mrs Lam said.

     Regarding an earlier announcement on the cluster of in-patients infected with Rhinovirus, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (September 2):

     A cluster of patients had been confirmed with Rhinovirus in a male ward for severe intellectual disability. One more 21-year-old patient in the ward presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient. The concerned patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition.

     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:

     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (September 4) to consider nine applications for new issue, renewal or amendment of liquor licences.

     The applications are (not in order of discussion):
      
Hong Kong:
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Salt & Barrel in Shek Tong Tsui
RIVER SICHUAN RESTAURANT in Sai Ying Pun
OLDISH in Sheung Wan
Cali-Mex in Central
L’PIZZERIA in Wan Chai
 
Kowloon:
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DARTS 2 PRO MY S and HUNG HUM HOT in Hung Hom
M Club in Tai Kok Tsui
 
New Territories:
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Bar Pacific in Tseung Kwan O
 
     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend, except during the private session on confidential items.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 2) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (September 2).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.