Police today urged the public not to participate in unauthorised assemblies and prohibited group gatherings.

Police issued the statement after noticing that some netizens have been calling on the public to take part in unauthorised assemblies on Hong Kong Island tonight.

The force reiterated that anyone participating in such events may be found guilty of taking part in an unauthorised assembly in accordance with the Public Order Ordinance and liable to a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

They emphasised that engaging in public gatherings will also increase the risk of transmission of the virus in the community and may commit certain offences under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation.

Police believe that such unauthorised assemblies and prohibited group gatherings will likely cause serious obstruction to traffic on Hong Kong Island, potentially leading to delays in emergency services.

They will take into consideration different traffic conditions and implement temporary route diversion as well as traffic control measures accordingly.

Road users should watch out for any incidents that may occur in different districts and avoid affected areas, while drivers should follow instructions given by police officers and steer clear of dangerous areas.

Police will conduct risk assessments and cordon off the Legislative Council Road, Lung Wui Road, Tamar Park, the footbridge connecting the Admiralty Centre and the Central Government Offices, as well as the footbridge connecting CITIC Tower, when necessary.

The force also noted that some rioters have been inciting others on the Internet to attack police officers using petrol bombs in an attempt to force Police to deploy tear gas.

Police strongly condemn such malicious and irresponsible messages that encourage the use of violence, adding that they do not condone any violent acts.

Police stressed that they will deploy adequate manpower in relevant locations and take resolute action to enforce the law, including making arrests.