Regarding the rumour that the Government may impose a so-called "lockdown" in the coming few days in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, a Government spokesman today (July 21) clarified that the rumour is unfounded.
  
     “In view of the severity of the epidemic situation, we should fight the disease together. Members of the public should not be misled by fake news, nor should they spread any rumour that can lead to unnecessary fear,” the spokesman said.
  
     The spokesman urged members of the public to continue to comply with the guidelines on social distancing, go out less and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene. The public should also stay alert to the Government's announcements on the latest news regarding COVID-19.
 

     In view of the critical situation of COVID-19, all gazetted beaches of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) have been temporarily closed since July 15. The LCSD strongly appealed to members of the public today (July 21) to heed the Government's advice to stay at home as much as possible and not to go swimming or sunbathing at closed beaches in order to prevent crowds from gathering and reduce the chances of spreading the virus in the community.

     The LCSD will strengthen the cordoning off of beaches to prevent the public from entering. Apart from showering facilities and changing rooms, which have been closed earlier, toilets at beaches are closed with immediate effect. While some beach areas may not be completely blocked off due to terrain constraints, the LCSD urges the public to be considerate and self-disciplined, and not to enter the beaches.

     All gazetted beaches under the LCSD were temporarily closed and lifesaving services at the beaches were suspended earlier on due to the latest situation of COVID-19. The public should not visit the closed beaches to avoid accidents.

     Staff of the LCSD will step up patrols of the beaches concerned. Appropriate follow-up action will be taken against any violation of the relevant regulations.

              

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at noon today (July 21), 23 COVID-19 confirmed patients (case numbers: 1208, 1265, 1270, 1283, 1290, 1299, 1319, 1320, 1361, 1381, 1383, 1385, 1386, 1387, 1397, 1429, 1505, 1591, 1593, 1595, 1637, 1732 and 1734) were discharged from hospital in the past 24 hours. The list of discharged patients released yesterday (July 20) mistakenly included a patient (case number: 1530) who had been discharged earlier. Upon verification, a total of 1,324 patients with confirmed or probable infections have been discharged so far.

     At present, there are 650 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1,207 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 609 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 14 hospitals, among which 29 patients are in critical condition (case numbers: 595, 1315, 1338, 1346, 1401, 1424, 1428, 1470, 1483, 1485, 1491, 1497, 1573, 1630, 1640, 1644, 1679, 1680, 1710, 1718, 1730, 1779, 1795, 1806, 1835, 1940, 1944, 1955 and 1956), 11 are in serious condition (case numbers: 1306, 1439, 1449, 1456, 1468, 1557, 1558, 1767, 1798, 1843 and 1934) and the remaining 569 patients are in stable condition.

     The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     Police notice that someone has been calling on members of the public to take part in unauthorised assemblies in Yuen Long today (July 21). Police reiterate that anyone participating in such events may have committed the offence of “taking part in an unauthorised assembly” in accordance with the Public Order Ordinance and be liable to a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. Besides, engaging in public gatherings will also increase the risk of transmitting the virus in the community and may commit certain offences under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation regarding prohibited group gatherings.

     Police fully understand the public’s concern about a violent incident that took place in MTR Yuen Long Station on July 21 last year. Police reiterate that the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North has all along accorded high priority to the case. As of now, 37 people aged between 18 and 61 have been arrested.  Among them, seven have been prosecuted for offences including “rioting” and “conspiracy to wound with intent”. Since some of the cases have already been brought to court, and Police investigation and planning are also underway, it is inappropriate for Police to disclose too many details of the case at this stage. However, Police pledge to thoroughly investigate the case and make further arrests when the time is ripe.

     In view of the severe pandemic situation, members of the public should cut down on social gatherings and practice social distancing to reduce the chance of contracting or spreading the virus. For the sake of public health and public safety, Police call upon everyone to refrain from taking part in prohibited group gatherings and unauthorised assemblies. Police do not condone any illegal acts and will take resolute action to enforce the law, including issuing summonses and making arrests.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (July 21) said that an outsourced horticultural service contractor worker has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
 
     The outsourced horticultural worker concerned worked at Fire Dragon Path Amenity Plot, Lau Sin Street Temporary Sitting-out Area, Lin Fa Kung Garden, Tin Hau Temple Garden and Wun Sha Street Children's Playground in Wan Chai District. She last performed duties on July 18. She felt unwell earlier and sought medical treatment, and was notified last night (July 20) that she had tested positive for COVID-19. She was admitted to hospital and has been treated under isolation. She is now in stable condition.
 
     The horticultural worker concerned has no recent travel history. She wore surgical masks when performing duties, and her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.
 
     The LCSD will arrange thorough cleaning and sterilisation at areas of Fire Dragon Path Amenity Plot, Lau Sin Street Temporary Sitting-out Area, Lin Fa Kung Garden, Tin Hau Temple Garden and Wun Sha Street Children's Playground as well as its facilities according to guidelines provided by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP).
 
     The LCSD is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic and will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.