The following is issued on behalf of the Chinese Temples Committee:
 
     In view of developments in the COVID-19 epidemic, the Chinese Temples Committee (CTC) announced today (January 28) the latest arrangements for Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin during the Lunar New Year (LNY) period.
 
     Under the premise of epidemic prevention and in consideration of the long tradition of worshippers visiting the Temple during the LNY to wish for prosperity in the coming year, the CTC must keep the risks of the worshipping activities in the Temple under control. The event of drawing divination sticks by the Sha Tin Rural Committee in the morning on the second day of the LNY (February 2) will not be open for public participation. Please refer to the annex for details.
 
     The opening hours of the Temple to the public during the LNY 2022 are as follows:
 

Date	Opening Hours
January 31 (LNY eve)	8am to 6pm
February 1	8am to 6pm
February 2	8am to 6pm
February 2 to 3	11pm on February 2 to 6pm on February 3
February 4 to 15	8am to 6pm

 
     In order to reduce the risk of epidemic transmission, all precautionary and anti-epidemic measures in the Temple will be strictly implemented. For instance, temperature screening will be performed at the entrance of the Temple, worshippers will be required to wear face masks and scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code before entering the Temple. During LNY, the CTC will limit the number of worshippers at the Temple to no more than half of the maximum capacity and one-way flow will be adopted inside the Temple to prevent the gathering of a large crowd of worshippers therein. Entrance to the Temple will be suspended at any time subject to the number of people in the Temple. Worshippers please pay attention to announcements on CTC Facebook. Other precautionary measures include the provision of hand sanitisers at the entrance, regular disinfection of kneeling pads, containers of divination sticks, fortune windmills and drumsticks, as well as ensuring an adequate supply of liquid soap in the washrooms of the Temple.
 
     The CTC spokesman reminded worshippers: "To effectively prevent the spread of the virus, please strictly follow the anti-epidemic measures in the Temple, and maintain social distancing. Alcohol must not be used in the incense lighting area to prevent fire hazards. The CTC also strongly appeals to the public to avoid flocking to the Temple during the LNY, especially the peak period, and to get vaccinated early to keep yourself and others safe. Every day is a good day for worshipping."

Ends/Friday, January 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:02

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