Hong Kong gov't staff observe mourning in silence

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During the three minutes' silence, the immigration and customs clearance services at the control points were suspended. However, all emergency services were maintained as normal. Notices were displayed at the offices concerned.

Government celebration activities scheduled during the three-day national mourning will be deferred where possible.

The Civil Service Bureau today issued a notice to all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, reminding them that except for security and emergency services, all staff would observe three minutes' silence in mourning in a dignified standing mode from 2.28pm.

For government-only buildings with a common lobby area or where the national and Hong Kong flags are displayed, staff could, on a voluntary basis, gather together to observe the three minutes of silence.

The Secretary for Education issued a letter to all schools, kindergartens and childcare centres in Hong Kong appealing to staff and students to observe the three minutes of silence. All schools that hoist the national flag have been reminded to fly it at half mast from May 19 to May 21.

At its meeting today the Broadcasting Authority expressed its condolences to the quake victims' relatives and friends and paid tribute to Hong Kong journalists in Sichuan for their dedication and professionalism in covering the disaster.