At about 3pm today (October 1), a large group of protestors gathered in the vicinity of Great George Street, Causeway Bay. Some chanted the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times”, allegedly inciting or abetting others to commit secession which might have breached relevant offences under the National Security Law. Subsequently, some protestors occupied roads and breached public peace. Police have given warnings to the crowd, clearly stating that their acts might constitute relevant offences under the National Security Law and the Public Order Ordinance, and warned them to stop illegal acts and leave immediately.
      
     Police warn protestors to stop all illegal acts immediately and will take resolute enforcement actions.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 0.00am, October 1, the CHP was investigating 10 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 5 098 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 5 097 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Among the newly reported cases announced, nine had a travel history during the incubation period.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).

     In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.

     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."

     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.

     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, 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.

     At about 2pm today (October 1), protestors gathered and chanted slogans on Great George Street, Causeway Bay, which may constitute the offence of "participating in an unauthorised assembly" under the Public Order Ordinance and relevant offences under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation. Police at scene have repeatedly given warnings, raised the blue flag and requested protestors to stop gathering and leave.
      
     Police request the crowd to stop gathering and leave immediately. Members of the public should refrain from taking part in such activities. Police will take resolute enforcement actions including making arrests.

     Some netizens incited others to commit unlawful acts, participate in unauthorised assemblies and even launch violent attacks, including attacking police officers with knives and petrol bombs, damaging police stations and blocking roads, in various districts today (October 1).

     It must be reiterated that Police objected to a public procession proposed by an organisation earlier on, and the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions upheld the decision eventually. Anyone who continue to organise, participate or incite participation in the abovementioned procession risks committing the offence of “Participating in an unauthorised assembly” under the Public Order Ordinance or breaching the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation. According to the Public Order Ordinance, participating in an unauthorised assembly carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment while taking part in a riot carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. In addition, anyone who participates or organises a prohibited group gathering is liable to a fine at level 4 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

     To ensure that members of the public may enjoy the festival in a safe and orderly manner, Police have made sufficient deployment at various districts, and will closely monitor the situation and step up intelligence gathering. If anyone is suspected of being involved in any unlawful activities, police officers will intervene swiftly and enforce the law resolutely. In the interest of personal safety, members of the public are encouraged to stay tuned to the latest announcements on Police’s social media and avoid staying in areas where unlawful activities may break out.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Yellow fire danger warning

     The fire danger situation today (October 1) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hikers should also be vigilant.