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A number of additional measures to prevent the spread of respiratory tract infections will be introduced at facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and functions organised under its banner, a spokesman for the Department announced today (March 27).
In view of the recent incidence of atypical pneumonia, arrangements were already made by the Department last week to step up the cleansing and disinfection of all the air-conditioning systems and the venues.
Posters have also been displayed at the venues to enhance the awareness of the staff as well as venue users against respiratory tract infections.
All frontline staff have also been equipped with masks and gloves.
To step up the precautionary measures, LCSD appeals to members of the public to bring their own mask when using the Department's facilities or attending its programmes and functions, such as concerts and sports fun days.
"We strongly appeal to the public to do so for their own good and for the benefit of others.
"If the situation requires, we will provide masks on request at venues while stock lasts," the spokesman said.
For hirers' events, the Department will urge the organiser to adopt similar practice.
Other measures include:
- To close children's play rooms in the indoor sports centres, the Toy Library in the Hong Kong Central Library, the Children's Gallery in the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and inter-active exhibits in the museums until further notice.
- To provide users of exhibits/games/equipment in the museums with masks and disposable gloves.
- To suspend the wind instrument classes and rehearsals of orchestras, bands and choirs of the Music Office until further notice.
- In view of public concerns, to temporarily close swimming pools for cleansing until further notice.
The spokesman said that LCSD would continue to keep up the hygiene standards of all its facilities.
"We shall keep the situation under review and further enhance the precautionary measures if necessary," he added.
End/Thursday, March 27, 2003
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