The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority closely monitors the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

     A woman who went missing in Tuen Mun has been located.

     Tsang Muk-leung, aged 82, went missing after she was last seen at Tak Ching Court on December 22 night. Her family made a report to Police on December 23.

     The woman was located on Tsing Chung Koon Road yesterday (December 25). No suspicious circumstances were detected. 

     A woman who went missing in Tsuen Wan has been located.

     Luk Wing-sze, aged 28, went missing after she left her working place on Castle Peak Road on December 23 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on the same day.

     The woman was located on Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei yesterday (December 25). No suspicious circumstances were detected.  

     According to the Hong Kong Observatory's weather forecast, Hong Kong will become cold appreciably today (December 26). Temperature will fall progressively from about 16 degrees Celsius initially to a minimum of around 12 degrees Celsius tonight, and further drop below 10 degrees Celsius tomorrow (December 27). The weather will remain cold on Tuesday (December 28). The Home Affairs Department (HAD) appealed to members of the public to prepare for the cold weather.

     In view of the cold weather and the persistence of the COVID-19 epidemic, the elderly and people with chronic illness may face higher risks. As such, the HAD appeals to members of the public, especially the elderly and people with chronic illness, to dress warmly and stay at home as far as possible.

     The HAD and District Offices have already touched base with local organisations, social welfare organisations, kai fong associations and more, and appealed to them to take the initiative to contact the elderly and people in need to remind them to expect cold weather, as well as to provide necessary assistance. 

     After issue of the cold weather warning, members of the public may call the HAD hotline (Tel: 2572 8427) for enquiries relating to temporary cold shelters.

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 26) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.