In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) appealed to members of the public today (October 2) to observe regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings at the department's venues during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in order to reduce the chances of spreading the virus in the community. Furthermore, members of the public should not enter the closed leisure facilities such as public beaches and barbecue sites. The public are also not allowed to burn wax, fly sky lanterns or litter at the LCSD's venues.
      
     The LCSD will step up patrols at relevant venues and will call upon venue users to comply with the regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings of more than the number of people as stipulated by the law and the mask-wearing requirement in public places. Enforcement actions will be taken against any violation of the relevant regulations.
      
     The spokesman reminded the public that according to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), the number of persons currently allowed in group gatherings in public places is four. In addition, pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is entering or present in a public place.
      
     Members of the public may call the LCSD's hotline on 2414 5555 to report any wax burning or flying sky lantern cases, or other irregularities found at LCSD venues. Littering offenders will be issued with a fixed penalty notice with a fine of $1,500, while those who burn wax, throw objects onto trees or fly sky lanterns may be prosecuted.

Ends/Friday, October 2, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:00

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