Members of the public are invited to visit the new phase of the Arts Corner at Hong Kong Park under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which will be launched on January 1. Visitors can stroll around and look at a wide array of traditional and trendy handicrafts and arts services stalls while enjoying the birdsong and fragrant flowers in the park. The Arts Corner comprises 10 stalls displaying and selling various kinds of handicrafts and artistic works such as straw-weaving, floral artworks, handmade soaps and ornaments, as well as providing cultural and arts services including painting, silhouette cutting and portrait sketching.
 
     With the aim of enhancing public interest in arts and enriching the arts atmosphere in Hong Kong, the Arts Corner makes the park an even more appealing and enjoyable place for visitors.
 
     The 19th phase of Hong Kong Park's Arts Corner will be open between noon and 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from January 1 to December 31 next year. The corner is situated in the outdoor area next to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware inside the park. Admission is free.
 
     In addition to Hong Kong Park, the 20th phase of the Arts Corner at Victoria Park will run from April 5 next year to March 29, 2020, and will be open from 10am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays at the park's South Pavilion Plaza. Individuals or non-profit making organisations (any charitable organisation which is exempt from tax under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance) who are interested in operating the stalls in this new round of the Victoria Park Arts Corner are welcome to submit applications between January 2 and 23 next year. Prospectuses and application forms can be obtained at Victoria Park Management Office, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong or Wan Chai District Leisure Services Office, 9/F Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building, 225 Hennessey Road, or downloaded from the park's website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/vp/help.html.
 
     "The Arts Corner has been well received in past years. Apart from stopping at the Arts Corner, park-goers can also visit other facilities of the parks and spend some pleasant time there," a spokesman for the department said.
 
     For enquiries on the Arts Corners, please call 2521 5041 (Hong Kong Park) or 2890 5824 (Victoria Park).

    

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate of medical wards in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

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 (December 27) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.35 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $1.51 million at the Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 25).
 
     A 41-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday morning. During Customs clearance, one packet of suspected cocaine with a weight of about 1.35 kilograms was found being packed on her body.
 
     The woman was then arrested.
 
     The arrested woman was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 27).
 
     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
 
     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Tsuen Wan this afternoon (December 26) in which an 81-year-old man died.

     At about 1.05pm, a medium goods vehicle (MGV) driven by a 62-year-old man was travelling along Tsuen Wan Market Street North bound. When approaching near the junction with Tai Ho Road, it reportedly knocked down the 81-year-old man who was crossing the road.

     The 81-year-old man was trapped under the MGV. Sustaining serious head injuries, the 81-year-old man was certified dead at scene.

     The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for further enquiries.

     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1300 or 3661 1346.