The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (November 11) that, as public transport services have been seriously affected due to various incidents across the territory, all nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres of the ImmD will be closed at 8pm. Members of the public who have appointments for today may proceed to the Replacement Centres at an earlier time today or on later days for identity card replacement and they need not make another appointment. Subject to the actual circumstances of various districts, individual Replacement Centres may close earlier at any time. Before proceeding to Replacement Centres, applicants are advised to check the latest government press releases or call the Replacement Centres.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     In light of traffic and road conditions in various districts today (November 11), the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service announced that services of the Central District Donor Centre and the Mongkok Donor Centre have been suspended from 4pm and 4.30pm respectively, while other donor centres will be closed at 6pm. The Hong Kong Red Cross apologises for any inconvenience caused.

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (November 11) visited the Government Laboratory and met with staff of various grades to learn more about the department's work and exchange views on matters of concern.
 
     Mr Law first met with the Government Chemist, Dr Della Sin, and the directorate staff to receive an update on the laboratory's work in the provision of analytical, investigatory and advisory services and support for government bureaux and departments.
 
     Mr Law then proceeded to the Trade Descriptions Section of the Analytical and Advisory Services Division to learn more about their authenticity tests on consumer products, conducted to support the Customs and Excise Department in their enforcement of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance to protect consumers' rights. He then visited the Trace Elements Section, where he was briefed on the determinations of trace elements in food, Chinese medicine and environmental samples for the protection of public health.
 
     Later, Mr Law visited the Controlled Drugs Sections of the Forensic Science Division which provides relevant law enforcement departments with roundâ€�theâ€�clock urgent drug laboratory examination services and expert advice on various drug-related issues. At the Physical Sciences Section, he was briefed on their services to government departments on analytical work in the areas of physical examinations including traffic accident reconstructions, tyre examinations, forgeries and counterfeit examinations. 
 
     Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades in the department at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters of concern. He praised colleagues for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to make dedicated efforts in providing professional and quality services to the community.

    

     With regard to the public comments about the Government and the current situation made by persons claiming to be officers of the Immigration Department (ImmD), the ImmD said yesterday (November 10) that there is no evidence showing that such comments were actually made by its officers.

     The ImmD would like to reiterate that it has always provided staunch support for the HKSAR Government to govern according to the law and has supported the Police in strictly enforcing the law, with a view to quelling violence and disorder, and restoring public order as soon as possible.

     The ImmD reminds that any person who impersonates a public officer may have violated the law and is liable to imprisonment upon conviction.

     For staff of the ImmD, there has all along been established communication channels for them to express their views properly.  However, they must strictly comply with the relevant civil servant codes, guidelines and procedures of the department.

     The ImmD has always attached great importance to staff discipline. If any officer is found to be in breach of the Civil Service Code or internal discipline, the ImmD will follow up on the matter and deal with it seriously.

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
 
     In view of the situation around the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) today (November 11), the CFA registry has been closed until further notice.