The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 16) that due to special circumstances which have happened nearby, the tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District; and Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library in Yau Tsim Mong District have been closed to ensure the safety of venue users and staff members.

     Also taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and other circumstances which may happen, all LCSD leisure facilities (except the Islands District) will be closed at 9pm today. While Tung Chung Swimming Pool in the Islands District will be closed at 7pm, other leisure facilities in the Islands District will be closed at 8pm.

     Performance venues will be closed after 6pm or completion of events. Hong Kong Central Library will be closed at 8pm. All museums will stay open until normal closing hours.

     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district 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 visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/index.html) or contact 1823 in advance.

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (November 16) that as public transport services and some major traffic lines have been seriously affected, all nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) of the ImmD will be closed at 9pm. Members of the public who have appointments for today may proceed to the SIDCCs at an earlier time today or on later days for identity card replacements and they need not make another appointment. Subject to the actual circumstances of various districts, individual Replacement Centres may close earlier at any time. Before proceeding to Replacement Centres, applicants are advised to browse the latest Government press release, or to call the Replacement Centres during working hours.
 

     Taking into consideration transportation service disruptions, and to ensure the safety of patients and staff members, the Department of Health today (November 16) announced that its methadone clinics with evening services will be closed earlier at 9pm today.

     Please visit the following website for the information of methadone clinics:　www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_mc.html.

     The Commissioner of Police, Mr Lo Wai-chung,  inspected a passing-out parade of probationary inspectors and recruit police constables as a reviewing officer at the Hong Kong Police College today (November 16).

     In his speech, Mr Lo encouraged the passing-out officers to stand firm to their values, stay honest and aboveboard, and keep confident, in order to rise to the challenges arising from threats on public safety and order under the current social unrest.

     He said: "We must not forget our aspirations in joining the Force, which is to complete the solemn missions of upholding the rule of law and fighting crimes."

     Mr Lo mentioned that the overall crime figure in 2018 dropped to 54,225 cases, the figure was the lowest since 1974. It could only be achieved by the joint efforts of Police and the general public. He hoped Police would continue to adhere to the people-oriented principle in serving the community, so as to keep Hong Kong safe and stable.

     He also noted that a number of surveys in recent years showed that the public has full confidence in the Force as people’s satisfaction rate on Police service was getting new high in the surveys.  The Police Service Satisfaction Survey in 2018 showed that 84 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with Police’s overall service performance. It’s the highest percentage among similar surveys since 2000. Nearly 80 per cent of the respondents expressed confidence in the Force in the Public Opinion Survey conducted in 2018 as well.

     Mr Lo said that although a series of incidents occurred in the past few months have brought great challenges to the relationship between Police and the community, as long as the Force stays united and remains steadfast, discharges duties in an honest and aboveboard manner, and continues to enforce the law impartially, the Force will certainly have the support and trust from Hong Kong citizens and tide over the current difficulties one day.

     Upon leaving the Force after more than a third of a century of service, Mr Lo said: “My heart is always with the Force. It is my greatest honour to be able to lead this world-class professional police force.”

     In closing, he quoted classical Cantonese lyrics and hoped Hong Kong people could stay united to make Hong Kong a better place.

    

     The clearance on Tolo Highway has been completed today (November 16) and traffic has resumed. All lanes of Tolo Highway southbound and northbound have been re-opened.
      
     Road users are advised to pay attention when they pass by the location concerned.