The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (August 27) that some outdoor leisure venues will be reopened on August 29 (Saturday) and 31 (Monday), while self-service library stations and the book drop service of the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) will resume operation on September 2.
Running tracks in sports grounds will be reopened for jogging on August 29, while running tracks in Kowloon Tsai Sports Ground will be reopened on September 7. Outdoor leisure venues to be reopened on August 31 include tennis courts, bowling greens, Ngau Chi Wan Park Archery Range, Shek O Obstacle Golf Course and the archery range, golf driving range and practice greens at Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre. The Internet Booking Service of Leisure Link will resume on August 30 (Sunday) for the public to book the above fee charging facilities to be reopened. Counter booking and self-service kiosks at the above outdoor leisure venues will resume operation on the same day of reopening. The Leisure Link Booking Office of the District Leisure Services Offices will resume booking services on August 31.
The LCSD will adopt special measures at leisure facilities to be reopened. Measures include limiting the number of players permitted to stay in the courts/greens, adopting an entry limit at sports grounds for jogging, closing spectator stands, cancelling organisation bookings for competitions and opening alternate rinks/bays. Furthermore, disinfectant carpets and alcohol-based hand rub will be in place and cleaning measures will be stepped up at the venues.
Please refer to www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/common/pdf/reopen_sports_facilities_aug_en.pdf for details of the land facilities to be reopened.
Various LCSD land-based and aquatic leisure facilities will continue to be temporarily closed, and recreational and sports programmes to be held will also be cancelled until further notice. The facilities include sports centres, soccer pitches, basketball courts, children's play equipment, outdoor fitness equipment, elderly fitness equipment, barbecue pits, water sports centres, public swimming pools and beaches.
Processing and acceptance of individual and block booking applications for non-fee charging land recreation and sports facilities as well as block booking applications for fee charging land recreation and sports facilities are maintained. Confirmation of booking applications for the department's land-based recreation and sports facilities (except reopened facilities) will be deferred, subject to the development of COVID-19. Processing and application for use of amphitheatres and non-fee charging leisure venues for non-designated use/sales activities are suspended until further notice.
Regarding cultural facilities, the self-service library stations at Island East Sports Centre Sitting-out Area, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Tsuen Nam Road, Tai Wai, and all book drop services of the HKPL including those at MTR Central, Kowloon Tong and Nam Cheong stations will resume on September 2. During the period when public libraries are temporarily closed, the book drop service is available round-the-clock or during the opening hours of the premises where it is located. Public libraries will continue to provide online services such as e-Books and e-Databases. Please visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/index.html for details.
Various LCSD cultural facilities will continue to be temporarily closed. The facilities include all performance venues, museums, public libraries and their students' study rooms, mobile libraries, and music centres of the Music Office. Performance venues will not be re-opened before the end of September for live performances. All LCSD performing arts programmes and film screenings originally scheduled in September will be suspended.
URBTIX outlets and ticket dispensing machines at LCSD performance venues will continue to be closed. URBTIX will maintain Internet and mobile app ticketing and hotline services.
Ticket holders of cancelled events are advised to contact the respective event organisers or check their latest announcements on refund arrangements. For events that organisers choose to arrange refunds at URBTIX outlets, details will be announced in due course.
The LCSD encourages members of the public to use its one-stop Online Resources Centre (ORC) (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/onlineresources.html) during the venue closure period. The public can now view or participate in multi-faceted leisure and cultural activities that suit all ages during this period regardless of whether venues are open or closed. The ORC offers a variety of e-resources and allows the public staying at home to enjoy various cultural performances, museums' exhibits, plants and "Blossoms Around Town", online libraries, as well as home exercises demonstrated by sports stars during the fight against COVID-19. The newly added WeWeWebWeb Carnival platform is especially suitable for children and parents to enjoy. The public is most welcome to visit the ORC.
The LCSD will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner.
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