The government says the planned re-opening of Hong Kong’s swimming pools will be delayed by at least a week as authorities need to carry out cleaning work.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said in a statement on Tuesday evening that it will be re-opening the city’s 38 swimming pools in two phases on May 12 and 16, instead of on May 5 as previously announced by Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

Under the phased re-opening, 14 pools – including ones in Wan Chai and Victoria Park – will re-open first, and the remaining 24 – including the one in Kowloon Park – will accept swimmers later.

The LCSD said beaches will re-open as planned on Thursday, but warned that lifeguard services will be provided daily from 9am to 6pm at only 15 gazetted beaches, including Repulse Bay, Shek O, and Clear Water Bay.

Lifeguard services will continue to be suspended at the other gazetted beaches, and the department said the public should not swim at beaches without lifeguard services.

Meanwhile, Ocean Park has announced that its Water World attraction – which was shut under Covid-19 restrictions – will re-open on May 14, with tickets available to buy from 5pm on May 6.