The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today strongly urged members of the public not to go swimming or sunbathing at closed beaches to prevent crowds from gathering and reduce the chances of the virus spreading in the community.

The department said in view of the critical COVID-19 situation, all gazetted beaches have been temporarily closed since July 15.

Apart from showering facilities and changing rooms which were closed earlier, toilets at beaches are also closed.

Lifesaving services at the closed beaches were suspended and the public should not visit those beaches to avoid accidents.

The department added it will strengthen the cordoning off of beaches to prevent the public from entering.

While some beach areas may not be completely blocked off due to terrain constraints, people are urged to be considerate and self-disciplined, and not to enter the beaches.

Department staff will step up patrols of the beaches concerned and take appropriate follow-up action against any violation of the relevant regulations.

It also encourages the public to heed the Government's advice to stay at home as much as possible.