The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (July 18) said that in view of some recent confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 found to be related to markets, the FEHD has already further enhanced cleaning and disinfection in markets under the department. Upon learning that there were confirmed cases related to Ngau Chi Wan Market and Pei Ho Street Market, the FEHD immediately enhanced the cleaning and disinfection work and additionally arranged for the early closure of the two markets yesterday (July 17) for deep cleaning and disinfection. The FEHD will also arrange for 12 public markets in Kowloon District to be closed earlier for deep cleaning and disinfection in the coming few days as a precautionary measure.

     The FEHD has attached importance to the hygienic condition of public markets. In addition to regular cleaning work in the daytime, market service contractors also conduct thorough cleaning in all markets after the markets are closed every day. In light of the epidemic situation, the FEHD has already stepped up cleaning and disinfection of communal areas and facilities in the markets, including toilets, escalators, elevators and stair handrails, with diluted household bleach regularly every day over the past few months. Disinfectant hand sanitisers are also provided in the markets for public use.

     To further strengthen the anti-epidemic measures, the FEHD will arrange the following 12 public markets in Kowloon District to close an hour earlier at 7pm for deep cleaning and disinfection in the coming few days:

July 19 (Sunday)
Ngau Tau Kok Market
Sheung Fung Street Market
Yau Ma Tei Market
Fa Yuen Street Market

July 20 (Monday)
Shui Wo Street Market
Tai Shing Street Market
Kowloon City Market
Po On Road Market

July 21 (Tuesday):
To Kwa Wan Market
Hung Hom Market
Tai Kok Tsui Market
Lai Wan Market

     During the period, the FEHD staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect communal areas and facilities in the markets, and call for cooperation of market tenants to conduct cleaning and disinfection at their respective stalls, with a view to improving the overall hygienic condition of the markets. In addition, the FEHD will carry out deep cleaning work on the periphery of the markets and nearby streets. The cleaning and disinfection work is expected to last about four hours.

     The FEHD will closely monitor the situation of its market and conduct enhanced cleaning and disinfection work as a precautionary measure where necessary so as to maintain environmental hygiene and safeguard the health and safety of market stall tenants and the public.

Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:17

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