Hongkong Post today (December 13) reminded members of the public that the latest posting date for Christmas mail for local delivery before Christmas Day is December 20 (Friday). Items mailed after this date might run the risk of not being delivered in time because of anticipated seasonal work pressure. Members of the public are advised to post as early as possible to avoid a last-minute rush.

     Two award-winning local a cappella groups will join forces to present the "Take a Bow: A Cappella" concert to be staged in January.
 
     VSing, awardee of the Gold Medal Prize at the Taiwan International Vocal Festival in 2018, and Boonfaysau, Champion of the Asian Cup A Cappella Competition at the 2018 Vocal Asia Festival, will team up to showcase their talents through their distinctive voices.
 
     The two groups will perform Canto-pop classics, reinterpret popular Asian folk tunes, revisit and rework classic hits and perform K-pop. They will also offer mashups and medleys of cover songs and perform original songs.
 
     The concert "Take a Bow: A Cappella" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as one of the attractions of the Music Delights Series. It will be staged at 8pm on January 18 (Saturday) at the Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre. Tickets priced at $120, $180 and $240 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk).
 
     For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit
https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_881.html.

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 13) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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.

     In response to queries that the Secretary for Justice was forced to remain in her post, the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, today (December 12) made the following statement:

     Reacting to a news report alleging that the Secretary for Justice had wanted to resign, the Secretary had already denied the allegation and reiterated that she had no intention to resign. The Secretary stressed that she fully understood the challenges when she accepted her appointment, adding that it would be irresponsible to resign in this difficult time.

     Upon her return from Beijing on December 3, the Secretary for Justice spoke to the media at the airport about her injury. She explained that the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom had arranged for her return to Beijing where she had further check-ups and medical treatment at a hospital. The Secretary was discharged from the hospital on December 3 and returned to Hong Kong on the same day.

     Anyone who made unwarranted and groundless speculation is extremely irresponsible. In order to prevent further false statement, the Secretary for Justice reiterated that the so-called "forced to remain in her post" and other speculations were totally fallacious.