Attention radio/TV announcers:
 
     Please broadcast the following at suitable intervals:
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department reminds people to keep places clean while celebrating Christmas Eve tonight (December 24). Rubbish should be put in rubbish bins. Anyone not disposing of rubbish properly is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500.
 
     Please remember that Hong Kong Cultural Centre piazza area, Salisbury Garden and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade will be crowded. People who intend to go there should mind their safety.

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 24) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Hongkong Post announced today (December 24) that there will be no mail delivery on the coming public holiday on January 1. All post offices will be closed on that day except for the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office. The business hours of the two offices will be from 12 noon to 5pm and 8am to 5pm respectively. General postal services will be provided.  Details of services available will be advertised at the respective post offices.  One mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office.       

     For more information, customers may visit Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.hk or call the Hongkong Post enquiry hotline at 2921 2222.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

     The Marine Department today (December 23) reminded masters, coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels navigating in Hong Kong waters to proceed at a safe speed and exercise extreme caution because restricted visibility of less than 2 nautical miles has been reported.

     Appropriate sound signals shall be made when underway or at anchor. All vessels must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea.

     Also, when radar is used without the benefit of adequate plotting facilities, the information obtained from the equipment is rather limited and should be construed accordingly.

     Visibility reports are broadcast by the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) on VHF channels 02, 12, 14, 63 and 67.

     In the event of an accident, a report shall be made immediately to the VTC at Tel: 2233 7801.