The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In view of the situation on Hong Kong Island today (May 24), the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) announced that service of Causeway Bay Donor Centre was suspended at 3pm. The BTS apologises for any inconvenience caused.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 4pm today (May 24), no new local confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remained at 1 066 so far (comprising 1 065 confirmed cases and one probable case).
The CHP again urged members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible in their daily lives to minimise the risk of infection. In particular, they should go out less and avoid social activities such as meal gatherings or other gatherings to reduce the chance of contacting infected persons who may not present any symptoms, and minimise the risk of outbreak clusters emerging in the community.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
"The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
The CHP has set up hotlines (2125 1111 and 2125 1122), which operate from 8am to midnight daily, for public enquiries. As at 3pm today, a total of 121 289 calls had been received.
Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on the COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates.
To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (May 24) that due to special circumstances nearby, swimming pool, tennis courts and bowling greens of Victoria Park, Causeway Bay Sports Ground, Lockhart Road Sports Centre, Harbour Road Sports Centre, Morrison Hill Swimming Pool, Wan Chai Swimming Pool, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, the Hong Kong Central Library and Lockhart Road Public Library in Wan Chai District as well as Tamar Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Park Sports Centre and Hong Kong Squash Centre in Central and Western District have been closed.
Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to contact the venues concerned or 1823 in advance.
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
At around 2pm today (May 24), rioters dismantled scaffoldings on the roadside in Wan Chai and blocked Lockhart Road with the loosened bamboo sticks. Rioters also set barricades on carriageways with stones, potted plants and umbrellas. Police are now taking resolute action to enforce the law and have deployed minimum necessary force, including tear gas.
Police do not condone the unlawful and violent acts of rioters and warn against all disruptions that endanger public safety and breach the public peace. Members of the public are urged to avoid travelling to the area. Residents of the area are advised to pay attention to the latest situation, stay indoors and keep their windows closed if necessary.
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
At about 2pm today (May 24), rioters smashed and broke traffic lights with hard objects on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. They also blocked multiple roads with rubbish bins and miscellaneous objects in Wan Chai. Traffic cones, water-filled barriers, and railings were scattered on the ground.
Police are taking resolute action to make arrests and to stop the unlawful and violent acts. The Specialised Crowd Management Vehicle and minimum necessary force have been deployed.