The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 17) that due to special circumstances which happened nearby, tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District and Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library 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 districts and any other district 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.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 17) that Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool in Yuen Long District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 1pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

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 (November 17) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

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 (November 17) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (November 17) reminded 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. Except the Airport Express Line, the train service will end at 10pm.

     From start of service, East Rail Line service will be maintained between Hung Hom and Fo Tan stations (not stopping at Racecourse Station), and between Tai Po Market and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau stations (not stopping at Sheung Shui). University and Sheung Shui stations will be closed. Entrances/Exits at some stations will also be closed. Other train stations may be closed within a short period of time due to incidents. Members of the public are advised to continue to stay tuned to the latest traffic news.

     Light Rail Route 705 is substituted by Route 751. Route 706 is substituted by Route 761P. Routes 614, 614P, 761P and 751 will be diverted. Light Rail Vehicles will not stop at Chestwood and Yau Oi stops.

(II) Franchised bus

     The roads in Hong Kong Island South and New Territories East affected by days of blockage have been re-opened. Major roads in Yau Tsim Mong District in Kowloon are yet to be opened due to continued road blockages. In view of safety concerns and uncertain road conditions, 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), Nathan Road between Dundas Street and Mong Kok Road (both bounds) and Cornwall Street between Waterloo Road and Tat Chee Avenue.

     Cross Harbour Tunnel (both bounds) is yet to be re-opened due to damage of the Administration Building and toll plaza. Services of relevant bus routes will not be provided. Relevant government departments and the tunnel operator will assess the extent of the damage to the system and draw up a recovery plan when the situation permits.

     About 130 sets of damaged traffic lights are under urgent repair in various districts. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to be patient and pay attention to road safety when passing through the affected junctions. For the safety of road users, the TD again appeals to members of the public to stop damaging traffic lights and other road facilities.

     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".