Latest arrangements for LCSD public services
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Outdoor leisure facilities to be reopened include running tracks in sports grounds (for jogging only), tennis courts, bowling greens, gateball courts, Ngau Chi Wan Park Archery Range, Shek O Obstacle Golf Course, cycling facilities, outdoor badminton courts, outdoor table tennis tables, and the sports climbing walls, archery range, golf driving range and practice greens at Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre.
The public can book the above fee-charging facilities via the Internet Booking Service of Leisure Link on February 6 (Saturday). The Booking Office of the District Leisure Services Offices will resume operation on February 8 (Monday). Counter bookings and self-service kiosks at the above leisure venues will resume operation on the same day of reopening (February 9).
According to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), users are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or register their names, contact number and the date and time of the visit before being allowed to enter sports premises to be reopened, for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. Appeals are made to members of the public to download and install the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app in advance and scan the QR code with the app before entering. Members of the public who opt for registering their personal information at scene are reminded to arrive earlier to avoid delaying their visits as longer time is required for such registration.
Moreover, the LCSD will adopt special measures at leisure facilities to be reopened. Measures include limiting the number of players permitted to stay in the courts/lanes, limiting the number of joggers in sports grounds and closing spectator stands. Furthermore, disinfectant carpets and alcohol-based hand rub will be in place and cleaning measures will be stepped up at the venues.
Outdoor sports premises under the LCSD will continue to be open for sub-group activities/training with not more than two persons in each sub-group. Each sub-group should be at least 1.5 metres apart or with effective partitions in between. The spokesman for the LCSD reminded members of the public to take note of social distancing. The number of people in group gatherings should not be more than that as stipulated by the law. The public must wear a mask before and after exercise at outdoor leisure venues.
As well, parks and playgrounds of the LCSD will remain open while the above land-based facilities to be reopened will be closed during the first three days of the Lunar New Year (February 12 to 14). But for public convenience, some tennis courts and the archery range at Ngau Chi Wan Park, and the sports climbing walls, archery range, golf driving range and practice greens at Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre will reopen on the third day of the Lunar New Year (February 14) under normal working hours. Leisure Link booking counters at venues will not operate when the venues are closed. For venues scheduled to reopen on February 14, their Leisure Link booking counters will also resume operation on the same day. The Leisure Link Internet booking service will also operate as usual throughout the holidays. Details of the opening arrangements for LCSD sports venues during the Lunar New Year holidays will be posted at venues and uploaded to the department's website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist.html).
For refund arrangements in relation to earlier venue closures (there is no reallocation arrangement), the hirer may submit a completed refund application form together with the original booking permit to the reopened LCSD leisure venue or a Leisure Link Booking Office at a District Leisure Services Office. The application form can be downloaded from www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/aboutlcsd/forms/refund.html. The LCSD spokesman said that due to the closure of fee-charging facilities a number of times during the epidemic, the number of refund cases received has increased tremendously. The LCSD has adopted measures to handle these refund cases as soon as possible but a prolonged processing time for refunds is expected. Members of the public are advised to note the longer time required for refunds. The department apologises for any inconvenience caused.
The LCSD will continue to cancel recreational and sports programmes to be held until further notice.
Meanwhile, processing of individual and block booking applications for non-fee-charging land recreation and sports facilities as well as block booking applications for fee-charging land recreation and sports facilities are maintained. Applications can be submitted by post or submitted to the respective District Leisure Services Office or by post/fax to leisure venues. Confirmation of booking applications for the department's land-based recreation and sports facilities that continue to be temporarily closed will be deferred subject to the latest situation of COVID-19. Booking applications for public swimming pools, water sports centres, amphitheatres, leisure venues for non-designated use and sales activities at non-fee-charging leisure venues, as well as applications for road safety towns, are suspended until further notice.
The LCSD spokesman appealed to the public to use the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app when visiting LCSD venues in order to keep a more precise record of their whereabouts, minimising the risk of further transmission of the virus.
The LCSD will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner.
Ends/Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Issued at HKT 17:25
Issued at HKT 17:25
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