The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding the announcement yesterday on a cluster of patients infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus in a male ward for intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Castle Peak Hospital made the following update today (June 23):

     One more 37-year-old patient and two staff members in the ward had presented with respiratory symptom. Appropriate viral test had been arranged for the patient and the test result was positive to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The two staff members have recovered and resumed duty.

     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 cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

     The winners of a Chinese slogan competition and a poster design competition for primary and secondary school students under the Water Safety Campaign 2018 received awards at a ceremony today (June 23). The competitions were organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Life Saving Society (HKLSS), which hold activities every year to enhance public awareness of water safety.
 
     More than 2 000 students participated in the two competitions. The entries were impressive and showed the students' creativity and artistic skills. The champion entries in the primary school sections of both competitions were chosen for this year's campaign poster.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Mrs Doris Fok, said swimming is one of the most popular leisure activities in Hong Kong. There were more than 27 million visits to the public beaches and swimming pools managed by the LCSD last year.
 
     Mrs Fok added that the department provides various swimming facilities suitable for people of all ages, no matter if they are non-skilled or strong swimmers. She reminded members of the public to pay attention to the water depth indicators placed at the poolside and to consider their swimming ability and body height before getting in the water.
 
     Noting that there have been reports of serious injury caused by reckless jumps into pools with shallow water and also reports of drowning caused by careless entry into deep water, Mrs Fok said the theme of the two competitions is to urge swimmers that they should be aware of the pool depth before swimming for safety's sake. In addition, the theme emphasises that incautious diving may cause accidents.
 
     Mrs Fok also appealed to beach-goers to only swim at beaches with lifeguard services and during the service hours. They should also stay out of the water when red flags are hoisted at beaches.
 
     Winning entries from the two competitions are now on display at Kowloon Park Arcade until 5pm on July 6. They can also be viewed on the LCSD webpages at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swimhandbook/poster/index.html (poster design competition) and www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swimhandbook/slogan/index.html (Chinese slogan competition).
 
     The Water Safety Campaign 2018 ceremony held at Kowloon Park Arcade was jointly organised by the LCSD and the HKLSS. Game stalls promoting water safety were set up at the entrance lobby of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool spectator stand for public participation.

    

     The President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, inspected the passing-out parade for 48 probationary inspectors and 275 recruit constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (June 23).
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Leung said that fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and protecting life and property are the mission and duties of Police officers. Police officers would come into contact with people from all walks of life and clashes would sometimes be inevitable when discharging duties. He believed that as long as the graduates could act in accordance with the law, uphold the values of the Force, and deal with people fairly, impartially and compassionately, they would win public trust and bolster public confidence in the Force.

     He reminded the graduates to remain dedicated to serving the community, and do their utmost to fulfill their duties while not forgetting the passion of joining the Force nor yielding to any difficulties.

     At last, Mr Leung said although there may be full of challenges ahead as they serve the community and uphold the rule of law, he believed that the graduates are determined to live up to the commitment of the Force to serve with pride and care.
 

        

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 (June 23) that due to inclement weather, red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (June 24).

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.