The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: 
 
     As the Chinese New Year draws near, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited) today (January 1) announced that new notes and good-as-new notes in various denominations will be available for exchange at branches of the three note-issuing banks starting from January 14, to meet demand for notes as lai-see. The HKMA encourages the public to continue supporting the use of good-as-new notes. Good-as-new notes are perfectly suitable for use as lai-see, given that Hong Kong's currency notes are maintained at a high standard of cleanliness, and there will be abundant supply of good-as-new notes. 
 
     Concurrently, the 2018 Series HK$20 and HK$50 banknotes will be issued into circulation and available for exchange at branches of the three note-issuing banks. With the issuance of these new HK$20 and HK$50 banknotes, all the five denominations of the 2018 Series will be in circulation.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Coronavirus OC43 in a male ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (January 1):

     One more 50-year-old patient in the ward had presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patient and the test result was positive to Coronavirus OC43. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation with stable condition. Coronavirus OC43 is a known human coronavirus, which usually causes mild respiratory infection such as common cold.

     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (January 1).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.
     
 

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 rates 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 (January 1) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.