Since midnight today (May 27), lawbreakers have wreaked havoc across the city. Rioters set fire to rubbish and threw large objects onto MTR railway. Showing a blatant disregard for road safety, some rioters placed nails on roads to puncture car tyres while some drivers staged slow-drive protests outside the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. Some placed hard objects at MTR doors to obstruct train services. Whilst on anti-crime patrol, Police officers made arrests related to possession of weapons, including petrol bombs and hammers, in public places.

     Up to 11.30am, Police had arrested at least 16 people, aged between 14 and 40, for offences including “Possession of Offensive Weapons”, “Possession of Instruments Fit for Unlawful Purposes”, and “Dangerous Driving”, etc. Three vehicles had been towed away. Officers had taken proactive law enforcement action to maintain law and order.

     Police warn all rioters to refrain from breaking the law and will closely monitor the latest situation of various districts. Resolute action will be taken to intercept suspicious persons and vehicles to prevent and detect crime.
     

     At around 2.45pm today (May 27), some protestors started to occupy Nathan Road, Mong Kok, and placed rubbish on carriageways, where many passing vehicles were forced to halt abruptly. The protestors neglected the rights of other road users and the road blockage posed a grave threat to public safety. Police officers attended the scene swiftly and gave multiple warnings to the disorderly crowd, asking them to leave immediately. However, some ignored Police’s warnings and as a result, the officers arrested over 60 people.

     Police warn the crowd to stop endangering public safety and disturbing public peace. Officers will remain on heightened alert and enforce the law resolutely.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     At around 2.45pm today (May 27), some protestors started to occupy roads in Mong Kok, where many passing vehicles were forced to halt abruptly. Some of them shuttled in between passing vehicles, placing them in great danger. Some protestors placed rubbish bins on the roads. The obstruction has paralysed traffic in Mong Kok. Police officers attended the scene to enforce the law and warn the crowd to return to footpath.

     Police officers are now directing traffic to ensure smooth traffic flow. Police warn the crowd to stop gathering illegally and will conduct resolute action to enforce the law.
 

     At about 1.30 pm today (May 27), Police received a report that protestors had been gathering in Wan Chai and occupying Hennessy Road.  Officers finally intercepted the crowd on Queen's Road East near Justice Drive.  After investigation, more than 50 people were arrested for participating in an unauthorised assembly.

     Police will continue to take resolute enforcement action in order to bring all offenders to justice.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) is content with the overall situation of class resumption of secondary 3 to secondary 5 today (May 27).
      
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "Regarding today's class resumption, the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, has met with school sponsoring bodies, school councils and secondary school head associations earlier on, and the EDB's staff from the Regional Education Offices have also contacted the secondary schools in the districts to understand their preparation for class resumption.  Schools, in general, have properly put in place the anti-epidemic preventive measures."
      
     Taking into account that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) had shown signs of easing, the EDB announced on May 5 that schools in Hong Kong could resume classes by phases in a gradual and orderly manner. The EDB has earlier issued the "Guidelines to Schools on Class Resumption", setting out the preventive measures and important items that schools should put in place after class resumption and pay attention to, with a view to facilitating the necessary preparation work and arrangements.
      
     The spokesman said, "Staff of the EDB have also contacted some schools this morning. We noted that the operation and arrangements of schools are generally smooth. Schools have implemented various anti-epidemic preventive measures, including checking body temperature of students and visitors upon their entry into school premises, maximising the use of space in classrooms and school premises to ensure that appropriate social distance can be maintained among students, etc."
      
     He added, "Parents should arrange masks for their children, remember to measure their children's body temperature every day before leaving home, as well as fill in the temperature record form for submission to school. If children are feeling unwell, they should refrain from school."
      
     The spokesman stressed that the concerted efforts and co-operation among schools, students and parents are essential to keep school campuses safe and clean for the happy school learning of students. All involved have to undertake the necessary precautionary measures. According to our plan, subsequent to secondary 3 to secondary 5 who resumed classes today, primary 4 to secondary 2 will resume classes on June 8 while upper kindergarten to primary 3 will resume classes on June 15. 
      
     The EDB is thankful to all principals, teachers and other school personnel for the large amount of preparation work done for class resumption. Also, during the class suspension period, they have been supporting students and parents to facilitate students to learn at home to achieve the goal of "suspending classes without suspending learning." The EDB will continue its liaison with schools. It will provide necessary assistance and support to ensure smooth class resumption.

     The EDB noted that there have been illegal assemblies in a number of districts today, disturbing public order. Some young people wearing school uniform have been arrested. Such events are heartbreaking and worrying. We urge students to treasure the opportunity of being able to return to school, and stress that they should never take part in any activities that are illegal or pose threats to their personal safety. Always bear in mind that one should be law-abiding and remain safe, and it is advisable to go home immediately after school, avoid staying outside and do not visit areas that may be dangerous.