The Correctional Services Department has arranged for persons in custody to attend activities during the Christmas festive period.

     The Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, Cardinal John Tong, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing; the Correctional Services Chaplain, Deacon Edwin Ng; and the Chief Superintendent (Stanley Prison), Mr Leung Tsan-ming, visited Stanley Prison and presided at a Christmas Mass today (December 25) to share his faith and blessings with participating persons in custody.

     Through the Correctional Services Chaplain, voluntary chaplains and visitors from religious organisations, a wide range of spiritual and social services are offered to all persons in custody who wish to participate regardless of their religious affiliation. The services include visits, teaching, counselling, religious worship and recreational activities.

        

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Sham Shui Po this morning (December 25) in which a 92-year-old woman died.

     At about 8am, a light goods vehicle (LGV) driven by a 48-year-old man was travelling along Wai Chi Street northwest bound. When approaching near 39 Wai Chi Street, it reportedly knocked down the 92-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the road.

     Sustaining head and hand injuries, the woman was rushed to Caritas Medical Centre in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.25am.

     The male driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for further enquiries.

     Active investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon West is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers at 3661 9058 or 3661 9000.

     Special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Happy Valley tomorrow (December 26). The arrangements will come into effect one and a half hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.
     
A. Traffic arrangements before the commencement of the first race

1. Road closure

     Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen's Road East and the up-ramp outside Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be closed except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel.

2. Traffic diversions

– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the up-ramp outside HKJC will be re-routed one way northbound;
– Traffic along eastbound Queen's Road East heading for Wan Chai and Happy Valley will be diverted to turn left to Morrison Hill Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic along Queen's Road East cannot turn right to Wong Nai Chung Road except for vehicles heading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Queen's Road East will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Morrison Hill Road to turn right at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen's Road East; and
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.

B. Traffic arrangements before the conclusion of race meeting

1. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from about 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– The up-ramp on Wong Nai Chung Road outside HKJC leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen's Road East and the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the Public Stands of HKJC;
– Westbound Leighton Road between Wong Nai Chung Road and Canal Road East; and
– Southbound Morrison Hill Road between Leighton Road and Queen's Road East.

     In addition, southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel and the Public Stands of HKJC will be closed from about 10 minutes before the start of the last race.

2. Traffic diversions

     The following traffic diversions will be implemented from about 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– Eastbound Queen's Road East at its junction with Morrison Hill Road will be reduced to one-lane traffic heading for northbound Canal Road flyover;
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, U-turn slip road beneath Canal Road flyover, Canal Road West and Hennessy Road;
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted to turn left to eastbound Leighton Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road will be diverted to Wong Nai Chung Road.

C. Learner drivers prohibition

     Learner drivers will be prohibited to turn left from Caroline Hill Road to Leighton Road between one and a half hours before the start of the first race and one hour after the last race. In addition, learner drivers will be prohibited from accessing the following roads within the above period of time:

– Shan Kwong Road between Yik Yam Street and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Village Road between its upper and lower junctions with Shan Kwong Road;
– Percival Street between Hennessy Road and Leighton Road;
– Canal Road East; and
– The service road leading from Gloucester Road to Canal Road flyover.

D. Suspension of parking spaces
     
     Parking spaces on southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be suspended from 11am to 7pm during day racing, from 4.30pm to 11.59pm during evening racing, and from 5pm to 11.59pm during night racing.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts of the above affected areas will be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of road closure and traffic diversion will be made by the Police at the time depending on traffic conditions in the areas. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of Police on site.

     The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will launch the "Joyful Reading at Your Neighbourhood: Library-on-Wheels" Pilot Project in January 2020. A specially designed truck will visit different communities and dovetail with community events to promote reading for all in a convenient manner.
 
     Library-on-Wheels will visit locations with heavy pedestrian flows, yet are far from library facilities. About 300 books on a specific theme will be selected for readers to borrow and enjoy. Tablets, self-borrowing and returning equipment are also available, allowing readers to experience the fun of e-reading, borrow and read e-books and e-magazines anywhere and anytime, and to explore HKPL's e-databases.
 
     Library-on-Wheels will regularly organise a wide variety of activities which promote reading, including colouring, fun crafts and quizzes, as well as holding activities according to different themes, such as themed book displays and story-telling by story ambassadors to promote reading together on weekends. On designated public holidays, Library-on-Wheels will tour to places where the public gathers, bringing various reading activities suitable for children and parents and for the enjoyment of leisure reading outdoors.
 
     The trial run of Library-on-Wheels has been launched in various districts. For information on service schedules and locations, please visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/lwp or call 2751 1767.

      

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 rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.