In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) appealed to members of the public today (December 23) to observe regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings at the department's venues during the Christmas 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 or litter at the LCSD's venues.

     The LCSD appeals to members of the public to comply with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G). The number of people in group gatherings should not be more than that as stipulated by the law. Members of the public should wear masks at all times when being present in any public place in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap 599I). Offenders are liable to prosecution.

     The LCSD will work with other government departments to implement a series of measures over Christmas (December 24 to 26) to maintain cleanliness and safety at LCSD venues, especially at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Avenue of Stars, Middle Road Children's Playground, Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden and Urban Council Centenary Garden.

     An LCSD spokesman said, "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 offenders. Our staff, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will also step up patrols at our venues in the Tsim Sha Tsui area and take action against littering, illegal hawking and vandalism of public property. Those who litter will be liable to a fine of $1,500."

     The public announcement systems at the HKCC will also broadcast messages on crowd management, regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings and the requirement on wearing masks, and anti-littering in Cantonese, Putonghua and English on a regular basis during the holidays.

Ends/Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:00

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