Taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and to ensure the safety of patients and staff members, the Department of Health today (November 13) announced that Yau Ma Tei Methadone Clinic, Tuen Mun Methadone Clinic and Cheung Chau Methadone Clinic will not open today. Those who have been receiving methadone treatment there can receive their daily dose at other methadone clinics.

     Subject to the situation in other districts, the operating hours of other methadone clinics may also be adjusted today.

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

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 13) that due to the traffic situation and special circumstances which happened nearby, tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District; Hiu Kwong Street Sports Centre in Kwun Tong District; Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin Town Hall, Sha Tin Public Library, Lek Yuen Public Library and Ma On Shan Public Library in Sha Tin District; Hong Kong Railway Museum and Tai Po Civic Centre in Tai Po District; Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Space Museum in Yau Tsim Mong District; Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum in Central and Western District; Sai Wan Ho Sports Centre and Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre in Eastern District; Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre in Wong Tai Sin District; Tsuen Wan Town Hall in Tsuen Wan District; Kwai Tsing Theatre in Kwai Tsing District; Yuen Long Theatre in Yuen Long District; North District Town Hall in North District; and Tuen Mun Town Hall in Tuen Mun District, are closed to ensure the safety of venue users. 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 duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

     "The Social Welfare Department announces that due to the unstable traffic and unforeseeable conditions, members of the public may decide, according to the situation, whether 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. These centres will, however, remain open to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them."

     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 13) announced that owing to disruptions in transportation services, some DH clinic services will be affected as staff cannot report duties on time. The department will try its best to resume service as soon as possible.
 
     If those with appointments may not be able to attend their scheduled consultation due to possible traffic disruptions at various districts, they can call the clinics to reschedule the appointments later. There is no need to worry and rush for the consultation appointments.

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

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Here is a special announcement from the Education Bureau concerning schools:

     In view of the traffic and emergency conditions and that some major traffic lines have been seriously affected today (November 13), the Education Bureau (EDB) announced that parents may decide whether their children should go to school. They should notify the school as soon as possible.

     The bureau stressed that schools should keep their premises open, arrange sufficient manpower as far as possible to take proper care of students who have arrived at school, maintain communication with parents, and allow students to return home only under safe conditions.

     The EDB reminded again that students must put safety first at all times. They must not wander on the streets or go to potentially dangerous places, and should never participate in unlawful activities.

     The EDB will maintain close liaison with schools and provide appropriate support as necessary.