The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 18) that due to special circumstances which happened nearby, all facilities in Kowloon Park (including Yau Tsim Mong District Leisure Services Offices, Kowloon Park Sports Centre and Kowloon Park Swimming Pool), Kwun Chung Sports Centre, King's Park Hockey Ground, tennis courts of King's Park Playground, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library, Yau Ma Tei Public Library, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Yau Ma Tei Theatre in Yau Tsim Mong District are closed to ensure the safety of venue users and staff members. The department will closely monitor the situation and announce venue arrangements in a timely manner.
          
     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to contact the venues concerned or 1823 in advance.

     The Labour Department (LD) today (November 18) urged employers to make flexible work arrangements for staff to return to work having regard to traffic and road conditions occurring during the day. This will help maintain good labour-management relations and ensure the safety of employees and the smooth operations of establishments.

     "For staff who cannot report for duty on time on account of conditions in road traffic or public transport services, employers should give due consideration to the circumstances of individual employees and handle each case flexibly," an LD spokesman said.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (November 18) appealed to members of the public to pay attention to the traffic situation and the latest public transport service arrangement this morning before starting their journey.

      As at 6am today, the latest public transport situation is as follows:

(I) MTR

     All MTR lines maintain services today. Except the Airport Express Line, the train service will end at 11pm.

     East Rail Line service will be provided between Hung Hom and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau stations (not stopping at University Station). Entrances/Exits at some stations will also be closed. Train services may be suspended or adjusted due to incidents. Members of the public are advised to continue to stay tuned to the latest traffic news.

     Free shuttle bus service running between Tai Po Market and Kam Sheung Road stations will be arranged during morning and evening peak periods.

     Light Rail Route 751P has been suspended. Routes 614, 614P, 751 and 761P will be diverted. Light Rail Vehicles will not stop at Chestwood and Yau Oi stops.

(II) Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel 

     Due to the damage of the Administration Building and toll plaza, and the traffic management system has been damaged, the Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel (both bounds) cannot be opened soon.  Motorists crossing harbour must use Western Harbour Crossing and Eastern Harbour Crossing. To deal with the surge in traffic flow, the TD has urged the tunnel operators to closely monitor the situation and strengthen control measures when necessary. The TD has coordinated with franchised bus companies to increase the frequency of the cross harbour bus routes as appropriate. 

(III) Franchised bus

     Major roads in Yau Tsim Mong District in Kowloon are yet to be opened due to continued road blockages. Some bus routes may be temporarily diverted or suspended. The major affected road sections include Chatham Road South near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (both bounds) and Nathan Road between Mong Kok Road and Austin Road (both bounds) . Police will implement road closure, traffic control and diversion measures depending on the traffic conditions on site. 

(IV)  Tramway

     Due to road condition, tram service will only be provided between Sheung Wan and Quarry Bay.

(V) Ferry services

     Currently, inner harbour ferry routes have tried to strengthen their services to address the passenger demand.  The TD will, together with with the ferry operators and the trade, study measures to further strengthen the inner harbour ferry services and carrying capacity as far as practicable. 

     About 170 sets of traffic lights are still under urgent repair. Those in Yau Tsim Mong and Yuen Long are seriously affected. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to be patient and pay attention to road safety when passing through the affected junctions.

     As traffic conditions and railway services may change within a short period of time, the TD urges commuters using public transport services to allow more travelling time and plan their journey in advance. Details of the latest traffic news are available at TD's website (www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html) or mobile application "HKeMobility".

     Rumours stated that Police “raided” the premises of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Police today (November 18) clarify that this statement is totally false.
      
     Since midnight, a large gang of rioters gathered at Cheong Wan Road, hurled petrol bombs at Police. They also set objects ablaze. Multiple explosions were heard. Police have been conducting dispersal operation. Specialised Crowd Management Vehicle and tear gas were deployed.
      
     At around 5.30am, Police continue to conduct dispersal and arrest operation. Meanwhile, rioters gathering inside the campus set fire and caused extensive damage.
      
     Police reiterate that we did not “raid” the premises of the PolyU. Fires were observed in various locations in the PolyU premises. Explosives, flammable substances and dangerous goods also pose threats to anyone therein. Police appeal to everyone inside the campus to leave immediately.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

​Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

​     "Although the roads and public transport services in the territory have gradually resumed, there are still uncertain factors currently. The Social Welfare Department announces that for the sake of safety, members of the public are advised not to take their children or family members to child care centres, centres providing after school care programmes, elderly services centres or day rehabilitation units, including sheltered workshops, integrated vocational rehabilitation services centres and day activity centres today (November 18). These centres will, however, remain open to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them. Members of the public who have the need for the services mentioned may contact the service units concerned in advance."