Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     All day schools are closed to students today (August 19).

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau this morning (August 19) and was briefed on the measures and work undertaken by various departments in response to Tropical Cyclone Higos.

     The EMSC makes use of the Common Operational Picture (COP) developed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department to monitor the city's situation. The COP is a map-based cloud platform for real-time sharing of emergency information among relevant departments under adverse weather conditions for formulating contingency plans and measures.

     Mr Cheung directed all officers on duty to remain vigilant in discharging their duties and closely monitor the city's situation. They should take all possible and immediate actions to handle emergencies, so as to protect the lives and property of Hong Kong people.

     He also expressed appreciation to civil servants and staff members in other organisations for their dedication and hard work during inclement weather to ensure that Hong Kong continues to be safe and orderly.

     The EMSC is activated when the no. 8 gale or storm signal is hoisted to co-ordinate the resources and emergency response operations across various departments.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
 
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     The Judiciary has announced that because the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 was still in force at 11am, all hearings of the courts/tribunals will remain adjourned today (August 19). 
 
     Court/tribunal registries and offices will remain closed until further notice.

Attention duty announcers of radio and television stations:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 19) that Methadone Clinics have commenced operation and will stay open until the closing time.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the No.8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal has been issued, the Marine Department reminds vessel owners, masters and persons-in-chargeof vessels that they should take precautionary measures immediately and properly secure their vessels at safe locations.

     In case of an accident, a report should be made immediately to the Vessel Traffic Centre at 2233 7801.