LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4539
OFFICIAL RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Wednesday, 19 February 2020
The Council met at Eleven o'clock
MEMBERS PRESENT:
THE PRESIDENT THE HONOURABLE ANDREW LEUNG KWAN-YUEN, G.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE JAMES TO KUN-SUN
THE HONOURABLE LEUNG YIU-CHUNG
THE HONOURABLE ABRAHAM SHEK LAI-HIM, G.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE TOMMY CHEUNG YU-YAN, G.B.S., J.P.
PROF THE HONOURABLE JOSEPH LEE KOK-LONG, S.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE JEFFREY LAM KIN-FUNG, G.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE WONG TING-KWONG, G.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE STARRY LEE WAI-KING, S.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE CHAN HAK-KAN, B.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE CHAN KIN-POR, G.B.S., J.P.
DR THE HONOURABLE PRISCILLA LEUNG MEI-FUN, S.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE WONG KWOK-KIN, S.B.S., J.P.
4540 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
THE HONOURABLE MRS REGINA IP LAU SUK-YEE, G.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE PAUL TSE WAI-CHUN, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE CLAUDIA MO
THE HONOURABLE MICHAEL TIEN PUK-SUN, B.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE STEVEN HO CHUN-YIN, B.B.S.
THE HONOURABLE FRANKIE YICK CHI-MING, S.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE WU CHI-WAI, M.H.
THE HONOURABLE YIU SI-WING, B.B.S.
THE HONOURABLE MA FUNG-KWOK, S.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE CHARLES PETER MOK, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE CHAN CHI-CHUEN
THE HONOURABLE CHAN HAN-PAN, B.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE LEUNG CHE-CHEUNG, S.B.S., M.H., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE KENNETH LEUNG
THE HONOURABLE ALICE MAK MEI-KUEN, B.B.S., J.P.
DR THE HONOURABLE KWOK KA-KI
THE HONOURABLE KWOK WAI-KEUNG, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE DENNIS KWOK WING-HANG
THE HONOURABLE CHRISTOPHER CHEUNG WAH-FUNG, S.B.S., J.P.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4541
DR THE HONOURABLE FERNANDO CHEUNG CHIU-HUNG
DR THE HONOURABLE HELENA WONG PIK-WAN
THE HONOURABLE IP KIN-YUEN
THE HONOURABLE ELIZABETH QUAT, B.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE MARTIN LIAO CHEUNG-KONG, G.B.S., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE POON SIU-PING, B.B.S., M.H.
DR THE HONOURABLE CHIANG LAI-WAN, S.B.S., J.P.
IR DR THE HONOURABLE LO WAI-KWOK, S.B.S., M.H., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE CHUNG KWOK-PAN
THE HONOURABLE ALVIN YEUNG
THE HONOURABLE ANDREW WAN SIU-KIN
THE HONOURABLE CHU HOI-DICK
THE HONOURABLE JIMMY NG WING-KA, B.B.S., J.P.
DR THE HONOURABLE JUNIUS HO KWAN-YIU, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE HO KAI-MING
THE HONOURABLE LAM CHEUK-TING
THE HONOURABLE HOLDEN CHOW HO-DING
THE HONOURABLE SHIU KA-FAI, J.P.
4542 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
THE HONOURABLE SHIU KA-CHUN
THE HONOURABLE WILSON OR CHONG-SHING, M.H.
THE HONOURABLE YUNG HOI-YAN, J.P.
DR THE HONOURABLE PIERRE CHAN
THE HONOURABLE CHAN CHUN-YING, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE TANYA CHAN
THE HONOURABLE CHEUNG KWOK-KWAN, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE HUI CHI-FUNG
THE HONOURABLE LUK CHUNG-HUNG, J.P.
THE HONOURABLE LAU KWOK-FAN, M.H.
DR THE HONOURABLE CHENG CHUNG-TAI
THE HONOURABLE KWONG CHUN-YU
THE HONOURABLE JEREMY TAM MAN-HO
THE HONOURABLE TONY TSE WAI-CHUEN, B.B.S.
THE HONOURABLE CHAN HOI-YAN
MEMBERS ABSENT:
THE HONOURABLE KENNETH LAU IP-KEUNG, B.B.S., M.H., J.P.
THE HONOURABLE VINCENT CHENG WING-SHUN, M.H., J.P.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4543
PUBLIC OFFICERS ATTENDING:
THE HONOURABLE MATTHEW CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG, G.B.M., G.B.S., J.P. CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION
THE HONOURABLE NICHOLAS W. YANG, G.B.S., J.P. SECRETARY FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
THE HONOURABLE LAU KONG-WAH, J.P. SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS
THE HONOURABLE JAMES HENRY LAU JR., J.P. SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE TREASURY
DR THE HONOURABLE LAW CHI-KWONG, G.B.S., J.P. SECRETARY FOR LABOUR AND WELFARE
THE HONOURABLE JOSHUA LAW CHI-KONG, G.B.S., J.P. SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE
THE HONOURABLE JOHN LEE KA-CHIU, S.B.S., P.D.S.M., J.P. SECRETARY FOR SECURITY
THE HONOURABLE FRANK CHAN FAN, J.P. SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING
PROF THE HONOURABLE SOPHIA CHAN SIU-CHEE, J.P. SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH
THE HONOURABLE EDWARD YAU TANG-WAH, G.B.S., J.P. SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
THE HONOURABLE KEVIN YEUNG YUN-HUNG, J.P. SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION
THE HONOURABLE PATRICK NIP TAK-KUEN, J.P. SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS
4544 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
CLERK IN ATTENDANCE:
MR KENNETH CHEN WEI-ON, S.B.S., SECRETARY GENERAL
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4545
LAYING OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ON THE TABLE OF THE COUNCIL
The following items of subsidiary legislation were laid on the table under Rule 21(2) of the Rules of Procedure:
Subsidiary Legislation Legal Notice No.
Specification of Public Offices (Amendment) Notice 2020 ...... 9 of 2020
Solicitors (Professional Indemnity) (Amendment) Rules 2020 ...... 10 of 2020
Tax Reserve Certificates (Rate of Interest) (Consolidation) (Amendment) Notice 2020 ...... 11 of 2020
Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation ...... 12 of 2020
Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation ...... 13 of 2020
Pharmacy and Poisons (Amendment) Regulation 2020 .... 14 of 2020
Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2020 ...... 15 of 2020
URGENT QUESTIONS
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Urgent questions.
I have permitted Ms Alice MAK and Dr KWOK Ka-ki to ask an urgent oral question respectively under Rule 24(4) of the Rules of Procedure. Both questions concern the measures for tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak.
4546 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
I will call upon the two Members to ask their urgent questions one by one and the public officer to reply to the questions in turn. Then, I will first invite the two Members to ask supplementary questions and the public officers to reply to such questions one after the other. Afterwards, I will call upon other Members to ask questions.
I am aware of the grave concern of Members and the public about the outbreak. I have therefore informed Members earlier that I will exercise discretion to allow as far as possible Members to raise supplementary questions as long as their questions relate to the outbreak. Members who wish to ask supplementary questions please press the "Request to speak" button as early as possible.
Members have all noted that this meeting will end at 2:00 pm today. As the meeting time is very limited, Members should keep their questions as concise as possible, and should not make arguments when asking questions, so that more Members may ask questions.
First urgent question.
Measures for tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak
1. MS ALICE MAK (in Cantonese): President, as the authorities suspected that the cause for a tenant in Hong Mei House of Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi being infected with the novel coronavirus recently was that a pipe of the toilet in the tenant's unit had not been sealed up, arrangements were made for around a hundred tenants in the building to live in quarantine centres temporarily. Has the Government laid down criteria specifying the circumstances under which mandatory closure of certain premises and temporary evacuation of the residents therein will be warranted; if not, whether it will forthwith do so; furthermore, whether the Government will immediately send officers to inspect those public housing units whose sewerage system is of a design similar to that of Cheung Hong Estate, with a view to preventing recurrence of similar incidents which will increase the risk of the virus spreading; besides, given that the outbreak has continued to aggravate, with an increasing number of people who are subject to quarantine or isolation, whether sufficient number of quarantine and isolation centres are in place and what are the related details (including the number of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4547 places as well as the status of their usage and demand); and whether there are plans to requisition other facilities or premises, etc. for quarantine and isolation uses in an effort to increase supply to meet the demand?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, first of all, on behalf of the Government, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the President for convening today's meeting and allowing us the opportunity to respond to Members' questions regarding the Government's work on handling the virus outbreak. I would also like to thank all the attending Members as well as the Legislative Council Secretariat staff and colleagues who have helped arrange this meeting.
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection, the Government has been closely monitoring the development of the situation and responded comprehensively with decisive and appropriate measures. In accordance with the Government's prevention and control strategies, we have introduced specific measures in the areas of health surveillance, compulsory quarantine, isolation treatment, health declaration, exit screening, reducing the flow of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland, enhancing "social distancing" locally, supporting frontline health care staff and provision of sufficient personal protective equipment.
Today, 11 Directors of Bureaux and I stand ready to answer Members' questions on the Government's work in disease prevention and control, demonstrating that we attach great importance to our relation with the Council and the principle of working in an open and transparent manner. I will first respond to the questions raised by Mr Alice MAK, explaining the Government's follow‑up work in relation to a confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection at Hong Mei House of Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi and reporting on the arrangements for quarantine and isolation facilities.
Under the existing mechanism, if there is a cluster of infection in the same building or premises, or in adjacent buildings or premises, and environmental factors are suspected to have contributed to the spread of the disease concerned, the Centre for Health Protection ("CHP") of the Department of Health ("DH") will coordinate with the relevant government departments and organizations and activate the Multi-disciplinary Response Team to investigate and examine if environmental factors are involved in the infection cases. If the investigation 4548 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 results show that environmental factors may have caused the spread of the disease, CHP will arrange for an asymptomatic resident be evacuated to a quarantine centre as a prudent infection control measure. Meanwhile, a symptomatic resident will be sent to a hospital for treatment.
Regarding the infection cases involving residents living at Hong Mei House of Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi with the same orientation but on different floors, a Multi-disciplinary Response Team was immediately activated by CHP after detecting the cluster of infection cases. The Housing Department ("HD") also took the initiative to inspect the units that shared the same dung channels or sewers and vent pipes with the units with infection cases. HD would conduct repairs to the pipes and vents concerned as appropriate during the inspection process.
In fact, buildings with Trident block design under the Hong Kong Housing Authority ("HKHA") were completed from 1984 to 1991, and the sewage facilities, including the vent pipe in the toilet, met all the prevailing legal requirements as well as environmental hygiene and safety standards. There are no design issues involved. Hong Mei House is one of the buildings with Trident block design. The vent pipes connecting to the sewage drainage pipe are an indispensable part of the drainage system. There may be health risks if a resident improperly modifies the vent pipe in the toilet without making a formal application for HKHA's approval for alteration work.
For the cases of Hong Mei House, HD found that the household concerned on the lower floor had performed modifications to the pedestal toilet by cutting off the vent pipes connecting to the toilet without HKHA's approval. HD has posted notice to remind tenants that prior approval must be obtained from HKHA before any alteration work can be carried out. In addition, unauthorized modification of the pipes may also violate the Buildings Ordinance and/or breach the terms of the tenancy. If a tenant is concerned about the drainage pipe condition, or whether the modification of the pipes would pose any health risks, he/she can contact the relevant estate office for appropriate follow-up.
With regard to quarantine facilities, the Government is currently operating four quarantine centres for putting asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases under compulsory quarantine. The four quarantines centres are the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village, the Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, the Po LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4549
Leung Kuk Jockey Club Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp and the Heritage Lodge of the Jao Tsung-I Academy. They can provide 150 units in total. In view of the rapid development of the outbreak, including the recent successive occurrence of local infection cases, coupled with the increasing proportion of close contact persons among confirmed cases and the immediate evacuation for the purpose of disease investigation of infection cases, the usage rate of the quarantine centres is very high. As at 9:00 am on 18 February, over 80% of the units of the four quarantine centres were in use.
In view of the development of the outbreak, the Government has endeavoured to look for more suitable sites and set up quarantine facilities in full steam. In view of the latest development, it is estimated that the Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan will soon commence operation as a quarantine centre, providing more than a thousand quarantine units in total. In addition, the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre ("JPC Centre") in Pat Heung, Yuen Long can be used as a quarantine centre shortly. On the other hand, we have been constructing additional units at the Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre and the JPC Centre respectively, providing some additional 600 units in total. The relevant works are expected to be completed within April.
At the same time, the Government continues to look for other suitable sites for setting up more quarantine facilities. Among others, we will make use of a piece of Government land of four hectares at Penny's Bay to provide at least 600 quarantine units. In addition, we are following up with the Walt Disney Company which has agreed to explore the use of another site at Penny's Bay reserved for future tourism development for constructing quarantine facilities.
As regards isolation facilities, as at noon on 18 February, public hospitals were using about 937 isolation beds with an utilization rate of about 30%. In response to the changes in the situation, the Hospital Authority is carrying out internal alteration work at the Infectious Disease Centre of Princess Margaret Hospital to provide more isolation wards.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Second urgent question.
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Measures for tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak
2. DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): President, as the novel coronavirus epidemic is raging throughout the Hubei Province, have the authorities closely monitored the conditions of those Hong Kong people stranded in the Hubei Province and rendered them appropriate assistance, and will the authorities expeditiously make arrangements for them to return to Hong Kong; what are the details of the authorities' work in this regard; in addition, do the authorities know what immediate measures that the Hospital Authority ("HA") has put in place to ensure that adequate protective equipment is available for use by healthcare personnel so as to reduce their risks of contracting the virus, and whether HA has devised a contingency plan to deal with the situation where all items of the protective equipment have been used up?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, the severe situation of the novel coronavirus infection is serious. It is the top priority of the Government and the Hong Kong community to step up our efforts to prevent and control the infection. We understand that members of the community are very concerned about the situation of Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province owing to the outbreak of the virus and the support provided to them by the Government, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("HKSAR") Government's ability to provide health care staff with an adequate supply of personal protective equipment ("PPE") as the situation unfolds.
The HKSAR Government is very concerned about the situation of Hong Kong people in Hubei Province and maintains close communication with them through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan ("WHETO"). WHETO has been actively following up on their cases and liaising with relevant local authorities to provide every appropriate and practicable assistance. As at 18 February, we received more than 1 300 requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Hubei Province, involving more than 2 500 Hong Kong people scattering over 30 cities in the Province. Some of them are in remote places such as Enshi and Shiyan.
We understand that some of the Hong Kong people in Hubei Province, especially those with chronic illnesses, require medicines provided from Hong Kong. WHETO has coordinated with the Department of Health ("DH") and contacted the Hong Kong people in need to gather information about their LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4551 medical history in Hong Kong, with a view to obtaining medicines that they need from the Hospital Authority ("HA") or from private medical practitioners through their relatives in Hong Kong. Given that these Hong Kong people are scattered in different locations across the Province, the medicines have to be further distributed to their respective places of residence after delivery to Wuhan. The HKSAR Government is working full steam ahead on this matter. As at 18 February, arrangements have been made to deliver medicines to 120 Hong Kong people in Hubei Province.
In addition, DH has set up a health hotline to provide medical information to Hong Kong people in Hubei Province. WHETO has also provided them with contacts of medical organizations in Wuhan which offer online medical consultation services, through which those in need may seek medical advice. They may also call the emotional support hotlines operated by a non-governmental organization for assistance.
After receiving requests for assistance, the relevant departments of the HKSAR Government have been making necessary assessments and plans on bringing the Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province back to Hong Kong, including assessing in a thorough and prudent manner the risk on public health and the practicality of the operation. We have to not only avoid cross-infection among the returnees on their way back to Hong Kong, but also consider the quarantine arrangements for the returnees upon their arrival in Hong Kong. The latter includes the need to have sufficient quarantine facilities.
To minimize the risk of community-acquired infections, returnees from Hubei Province have to undergo 14-day quarantine and isolation in quarantine centres. Given that the number of Hong Kong people in Hubei Province is not small and in view of the current situation, the HKSAR Government will need to arrange their return to Hong Kong in batches. We will proceed with caution and continue to coordinate and follow up with the relevant Mainland authorities. We will also maintain contact with the Hong Kong people in Hubei Province and provide them with every appropriate and practicable assistance, with a view to helping them return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.
In respect of PPE of HA, with the development of the novel coronavirus infection, HA has expedited the procurement of PPE since January this year. Owing to the recent significant increase in the consumption of PPE, the stockpile of PPE in public hospitals as at 15 February, which includes approximately 4552 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
18 million surgical masks, 2.2 million protective gowns, 0.5 million face shields and 1.1 million N95 respirators, is only adequate for about one month's consumption. HA will use the stock prudently on a need basis to ensure that adequate PPE is available for use by health care staff.
Public hospitals have established guidelines on the use of PPE for medical procedures of different risk levels. Training is provided to allow frontline health care staff of various positions to understand and get familiar with infection control measures required for different medical procedures, including on the use of suitable PPE. Health care staff will put on suitable PPE depending on the type of infectious disease that the patient has, including whether it can be transmitted by droplets, is airborne or can be transmitted by contact. Health care workers treating patients in high-risk areas or performing high-risk procedures will need to wear a full set of suitable PPE, including an N95 respirator. Ward facilities and arrangements for collecting patient specimens will also comply with the corresponding requirements on infection control.
At the moment, the transport and logistics supply of PPE is tight globally and there is a shortage of raw materials for manufacturing PPE. With the delivery by suppliers slowing down and shipments reducing, the stock of PPE kept by HA has been decreasing. Accordingly, public hospitals have strengthened stock control and reminded health care staff of the proper use of PPE. With the Government's coordination, some of the equipment ordered earlier by HA has been delivered progressively since early February. HA will continue to endeavour to expedite the procurement of PPE so as to ensure that adequate PPE is provided to frontline health care staff for provision of services.
MS ALICE MAK (in Cantonese): President, in his main reply, the Chief Secretary has repeatedly mentioned the maintenance of pipes and said that appropriate maintenance would be carried out and appropriate follow-up actions would be taken. However, I would like to tell the Chief Secretary a true story. An old lady living in Lai Kok Estate, Sham Shui Po suspected that there were problems with the pipes in her unit. She became extremely worried after learning about the case in Hong Mei House and thus she asked HD to provide assistance in the repairs works. HD, however, charged $300. As the old lady LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4553 could not afford to pay, no repairs works have been carried out by HD to date. How can this be regarded as an appropriate follow-up action?
The Chief Secretary stated in his main reply that construction projects for quarantine facilities were expected to be completed within April. I am not sure if the Chief Secretary is satisfied with this progress. Does he think that with the completion of these quarantine facilities within April, we will be able to cope with the epidemic, or is the Government expecting the epidemic to continue into April?
If this is the case, what worries me is not the adequacy of quarantine centres, but the sufficiency of face masks and protective equipment for health care workers. Seeing that Hong Kong people are now panic buying rice and toilet paper, an official from another city called us idiots. Are people panic buying daily essentials idiots; or is our Government incompetent in helping the public, incapable of garnering public confidence and providing health care workers with adequate equipment to combat the epidemic?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): We share Members' concerns. We have been making great efforts to set up more quarantine and isolation facilities, particularly quarantine centres, in various places. We are really endeavouring to identify suitable sites to increase the provision of relevant facilities. For this reason, I would like to take this opportunity to call upon the community to be more tolerant and understanding. Certainly, we will identify suitable locations, but after all, there are disagreements and objections from certain members of the community. I hope the community can bear with us. After all, it is necessary to identify suitable sites for quarantine centres. We will make appropriate plans with regard to the actual circumstances. I would also like to reiterate that people who are admitted to quarantine centers generally show no symptoms; they are neither confirmed nor suspected patients. They have to be isolated for 14 days for safety precautions due to close contact with confirmed patients. We hope the community can be tolerant and we will keep up our effort.
If space is available at the JPC Centre or elsewhere, building works will be carried out to set up more quarantine facilities. We will also strive to build temporary quarantine facilities at some parts of the Disneyland at Penny's Bay. We have been sparing no efforts in this regard.
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In respect of the supply of rice and other stuff, we have clarified repeatedly over the past period of time that there is really no reason for the public to worry about the supply, as there is an ample supply of rice and other non-staple foods. Hong Kong currently has 25 million kg of rice in stock, sufficient to feed the city for a month. Therefore, I would like to ask the public not to worry about this.
As for the question relating to HD, I will ask Secretary Frank CHAN to respond to the problem which was identified earlier in Tsing Yi.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Frank CHAN, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING (in Cantonese): President, in regard to the problem concerning the drainage system at Cheung Hong Estate that was identified earlier, we have inspected all the pipes of A07 units on each floor (i.e. 1/F to 35/F) of the building. During the inspection, it is found that the pipe works in 25 units are in proper working order, and our colleagues have taken immediate actions to rectify the alteration of the pipe works in the other units. We have completely sealed up any disconnected pipes to ensure safety.
Before residents moved back into their units, colleagues from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department ("FEHD") and the Housing Department had performed thorough disinfection and cleansing for all units. In-depth cleansing and disinfection of the public areas on each floor have also been conducted. We will also maintain relevant hygiene and safety measures in order to ensure the safety of residents.
MS ALICE MAK (in Cantonese): I would like to ask the Chief Secretary: Are members of the public idiots or is our Government incompetent? The Chief Secretary has not given an answer.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Alice MAK, you have raised many questions in your supplementary question. I think the Administration has already answered part of your question.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4555
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): President, as we speak, a second Wuhan pneumonia patient in Hong Kong has passed away. I presume that the Chief Secretary comes to the Legislative Council today with news that can ease the minds of Hong Kong people. Yet, much to our regret, the Government is continuing its inaction, incompetence and bullshit. This is not only a natural disaster, but also a man-made catastrophe. The SAR Government …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK Ka-ki, please raise your supplementary question directly.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): President, when Ms Alice MAK gave a long speech in asking her question just now, you did not say anything. Do you have to treat me in such a way?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK Ka-ki, you are making comments rather than raising a supplementary question.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): I am raising a supplementary question.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I am reminding you that you should raise your question directly.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): I am coming to my question. You need not act like that, Andrew LEUNG. The Government has rejected the people's demand for border closure. The so-called "mandatory isolation" is a sham, as it has now become "voluntary isolation" due to unclear requirements. Members of the public who are in need of help, including frontline health care workers, grass-roots people, elderly people and residents of sub-divided units, do not even have face masks and have not received proper assistance. As a result, there is widespread resentment and indignation in the city. Even some high-ranking officials have said that the biggest problem right now is that members of the public have no confidence in the Government at all.
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I would like to ask the Chief Secretary: How will Hong Kong people be evacuated from Hubei Province? More than 20 countries have begun evacuating their citizens out of Hubei at the end of last month, yet up till now, Hong Kong people are still stranded in the area. Is it that the lives of Hong Kong people are cheaper and can be ignored? In respect of the protective equipment for frontline health care workers, it is now mid-February and according to a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong, the epidemic will last at least through May, yet HA only has a stockpile of protective equipment to last for a month. Frontline health care workers have complained tearfully over the shortage of protective equipment …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK Ka-ki, I remind you once again that you should raise your supplementary question directly.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): I am coming to my question, Andrew LEUNG. While frontline health care workers are inadequately protected as only one month's stock is available, police officers carrying out duties at Cheung Hong Estate are wearing a full set of PPE. When HA and frontline workers went up the building, they only wore a surgical mask and a flimsy protective gown; but police officers, wearing N95 respirators and full body protective suits, stood far away. We have questioned the Government Logistics Department many times about the whereabouts of epidemic-prevention supplies, but no answer has been given.
Chief Secretary Matthew CHEUNG stated just now that N95 respirators should only be used by frontline workers and personnel who come into contact with high-risk individuals. May I ask the risks the police officers were exposed to when they stood far away and did not need to come into contact with the residents? Furthermore, the Secretary had warned the public against going to crowded places, and yet Commissioner of Police Chris TANG attended a dinner gathering with dozens of people. Without wearing face masks, they huddled each other, sang karaoke and smoked cigarettes in a room. Chris TANG even said that he did not know how to be a policeman, and that he learnt how to be a policeman from watching the films of Alex FONG and Jackie CHAN. Is this not absurd? This Government is absolutely outrageous!
There are two parts to my supplementary question: First, when will the N95 respirators and full body protective suits, which need not be used by the Police, be redistributed to HA staff? Second, regarding the behaviour of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4557
Commissioner of Police Chris TANG, I am not worried about the scenes in the film Police Story; what worries me the most are the scenes in the film Infernal Affairs …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK Ka-ki, you have raised your supplementary question.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): I have not finished asking my question.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Please sit down.
(Dr KWOK Ka-ki continued to speak in his seat)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Each Member can only raise one supplementary question.
Chief Secretary for Administration, please answer one of Dr KWOK Ka-ki's questions.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): The Member has raised several questions. I would focus my reply on the situation of Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province. I would like to reiterate that we are really deeply concerned about the situation of Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province; we have been keeping in touch with them and communicating with them through WHETO. A large amount of medicine has been sent there. As a matter of fact, it is no easy task to deliver medicine to Hubei Province. Hubei Province covers a large area, and apart from Wuhan, there are also Hong Kong residents stranded in Shiyan, some 500 km away from Wuhan, and Enshi, 600 km away and a seven-hour drive from Wuhan. Given that Hong Kong people are scattered in different places, it is not easy to deliver medicine to them. I believe Members are aware that traffic is blocked in many areas with the local transport network being shut down.
4558 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
Despite the adverse conditions, we have overcome the insurmountable difficulties for the well-being of Hong Kong people, which is also our well-being for we are deeply concerned about them. We will make comprehensive planning and proceed with caution, as well as conduct daily monitoring. That being said, even if arrangements are to be made to bring these Hong Kong people back, they have to return in batches due to the difficulties involved in handling more than 2 000 people in one go. In fact, every day we think about the arrangements of bringing back the Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province. We are very concerned about their safety and health. Please give us more space and time. We are actively striving every day to arrange their return to Hong Kong.
In respect of the issue of protective equipment, the focus has always been on the supply. We all know that procurement is difficult as countries around the world are scrambling for face masks. Continuous efforts have been made by the Government to snap up face masks across the globe. So far as I know, our supplies have been replenished as the orders placed by HA have been successively shipped to Hong Kong since February. Although at present we only have one-month stock, I am confident that the issue will be resolved as long as we continue our global procurement efforts. The Government has set aside $1,000 million from the Anti-epidemic Fund ("the Fund") for the procurement of PPE. The Government will not be stingy. If Members know of any sources to procure face masks, we should be grateful if they would let us know. At present, our colleagues are scrambling around the clock for face masks in the market, for it is most important that adequate equipment is provided to frontline health care workers.
(Dr KWOK Ka-ki stood up and spoke)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK Ka-ki, I have already explained to you that each Member is allowed to ask only one supplementary question. You have asked a number of questions just now, and I have asked the Chief Secretary for Administration to answer one of them. Dr KWOK, please sit down.
(Some Members talked in their seats)
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4559
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I would like to remind Members that there are over 50 Members who have pressed the "Request to speak" button, but our meeting time today is limited. Will Members please refrain from making comments when they ask questions, and each Member should only raise one supplementary question.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): President, a point of order.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK Ka-ki, what is your point of order?
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): I have not raised a question regarding Hubei. My question to the Chief Secretary is: When will the protective equipment not required by the Police be redistributed to HA staff? That is my supplementary question, but he has not answered.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr KWOK, you have raised a number of questions.
DR KWOK KA-KI (in Cantonese): That is the question I raised just now. Andrew LEUNG, did you hear my question clearly?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): The Chief Secretary for Administration has answered one of your questions. Please sit down.
MR WONG KWOK-KIN (in Cantonese): President, amid the current virus outbreak, some members of the public have recently remarked that they are worried about losing not only their lives but also their livelihoods. After the social riots that lasted more than six months, the hard-hit economy of Hong Kong suffers another blow from the virus outbreak. While it may be too exaggerated to say that Hong Kong is swarmed with the unemployed, people are actually panic-stricken. Most of the employees, especially the grass-roots workers, are 4560 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 facing wage cut, zero commission income, no-pay leave (a large number of employees are forced to take seven to ten days of no-pay leave) or even the threat of layoff and unemployment. Their lives have been increasingly difficult.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr WONG Kwok-kin, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR WONG KWOK-KIN (in Cantonese): Under such circumstances, has the Government planned to help the poor with public money in view of the impacts of the virus outbreak? I request the Government to announce in its Budget cash handouts of at least $10,000 for everyone. I think this is something which has the greatest consensus in the community right now. Will the Government respond to this consensus and grant relief in the form of cash handouts to ease the imminent hardship of the people?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I thank Mr WONG for his question. We understand that Hong Kong people are facing unprecedented difficulties. Given the huge impacts of the virus outbreak on our economy, we will do our best to safeguard jobs, support enterprises and relieve people's burden for the good of the people.
There is only one week to go before the Financial Secretary's Budget delivery next Wednesday, and I believe that the Government, including the Financial Secretary, has heard the views of the public. The Chief Executive has recently announced the establishment of the Fund and the Government will seek funding approval from the Finance Committee ("FC") on Friday in the hope that Members will support and approve our funding application. This huge project is aimed at supporting different industries and helping the grass roots to tide through the hard times together.
MS CLAUDIA MO (in Cantonese): Hong Kong people are now in great distress and worry. Despite the allocation of $25 billion by the Government for epidemic control, Hong Kong can never have enough isolation centres or designated clinics because Carrie LAM is just pretending to put off the fire set by her own self, making Hong Kong people burn with her. She is really the Mother LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4561 of Mutual Destruction! Why does she insist so strongly on not closing the border completely? Do you know why? She has to care for the "fragile heart" of Beijing. When there is a crack on a dam built to stop flood water, how can we stop …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Claudia MO, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MS CLAUDIA MO (in Cantonese): The Government keeps saying that it is snapping up face masks worldwide, but no matter how hard it tries … Where have the millions of face masks produced by the Correctional Services Department ("CSD") gone? According to the Government, those face masks are produced for the use of DH, but HA, which is not a government department, is excluded. But why do the Police have such a great demand for face masks? Are the face masks put up for sale? Where have the face masks produced by CSD gone? Why are they available for sale online?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): First of all, I have to reiterate once again that the face masks produced by CSD are mainly for the use of government departments, although some may be distributed to non-governmental organizations. Of course, as clearly stated by the Chief Executive, the increased output of 600 000 to 700 000 face masks will all be provided to outsourced cleaning workers to safeguard their health. This figure is clear enough. Also, we are gravely concerned about the availability of face masks produced by CSD in the market as their sale is prohibited. An in-depth investigation is now underway and we will seriously follow up on the relevant allegations should they be substantiated.
(Ms Claudia MO stood up to speak)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Claudia MO, you have already raised one supplementary question.
MR JAMES TO (in Cantonese): President, my supplementary question is very simple. The Government is now starting to bring back Hong Kong passengers on board the cruise ship in Japan; on which date did the Government first make 4562 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 this decision and draw up the plan? At present, there are about 2 000 Hong Kong people in Hubei; on which date will the Government first make the decision and draw up the plan to bring them back? Why do I raise these questions? The reason is that the Hong Kong residents stranded in Hubei think that the Government has not evacuated them not simply because of technical problems, but because of a lack of commitment and other more complicated factors. May I ask the Government when the first batch of Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei will be evacuated? In relation to evacuating Hong Kong passengers on board the cruise ship in Japan, we notice that the Government made the decision and drew up the plan within a few days. Regarding these two cases, on which date did the Government first make the decision and draw up the plan respectively?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I will ask Secretary for Security John LEE to give a more detailed response.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Security, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): In handling the matter of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, we started work once we became aware of the confirmed cases of infection on the ship. Since our actions are taken in response to the ever-changing circumstances, it is very difficult for me to give an accurate date. Once we learned of the confirmed cases, we began to monitor the situation closely and continued to seek information through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Tokyo ("Tokyo ETO"). As we all know, the situation of the epidemic keeps changing and we have already sent a team to Japan led by the Under Secretary for Security and the Director of Immigration. I have also explained the latest development to the press earlier and I hope that the first batch of Hong Kong people can board the Government's chartered flight today to return to Hong Kong. We will strive to arrange the whole batch of Hong Kong residents to disembark the ship on the first day and take them back on the chartered flight. In handling the Hong Kong residents currently on board the cruise ship in Japan, we will not exclude the possibility of making any deployment.
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PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr James TO also asked about the situation in Hubei.
Secretary Patrick NIP, can you reply on that?
SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS (in Cantonese): President, regarding Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei, we have immediately provided assistance upon receipt of their requests for assistance. In addition, we will arrange them to return to Hong Kong as the need arises and we have been working on the plans all along. As I mentioned earlier, in making plans on this matter, we have to consider the number of Hong Kong people currently in Hubei and the fact that they are scattered in different cities. Arrangements will be made in the light of the number of quarantine facilities available in Hong Kong. Furthermore, Hubei is an area affected by the virus outbreak and the local government is trying to contain the epidemic. Thus, we will discuss the relevant arrangement with the Mainland Government.
At present, we will, in the light of the relevant circumstances, arrange Hong Kong people in Hubei to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. We also understand that many Hong Kong people, who went to the Mainland to visit relatives and stay in their homes, did not expect that they have to stay there for such a long time. Measures to contain the epidemic have been implemented in Hubei and closure measures have been introduced in all districts. In the short term, we will continue to support the people concerned with medication or in other respects. As regards arranging their return to Hong Kong, we have been making plans all along and will discuss with the local government. We will inform Members of the development when the time is ripe.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr James TO, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR JAMES TO (in Cantonese): I have asked a very simple supplementary question. As the Government needs to make a decision and draw up a plan before it can take Hong Kong people back, I would like to know on which date did the Government first make the decision and draw up a plan in respect of the two cases mentioned above? Are public officers afraid to answer the question?
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PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Which public officer will answer the question?
MR JAMES TO (in Cantonese): Are they afraid to answer the question?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I will ask Secretary John LEE to give a brief response.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary John LEE, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): In fact, I have already answered Mr TO's supplementary question. Since the situation of the epidemic changes rapidly, we have to keep a close watch on the latest development all the time and make our decisions according to the available information. In handling the case of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, first, we must obtain first-hand information through the Tokyo ETO. Second, we must obtain information through the Chinese Embassy in Japan, and we must discuss how to deal with the case with experts and refer to the views of the World Health Organization in this regard. Furthermore, how the Japanese authorities deal with the matter will also affect our plan. Thus, we have to keep a watch on the actual development all the time before making judgments.
(Mr James TO once again pointed out the part of his supplementary question which has not been answered)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr James TO, you have pointed out the part of your supplementary question which has not been answered.
Secretary, do you have anything to add?
MR JAMES TO (in Cantonese): I only asked for the dates, how come he dares not answer!
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4565
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, I hope Mr James TO will not distort the meaning of my reply.
In fact, I have already answered the question. We have obtained different information on different dates and we have been discussing on what should be done. My colleagues and I myself have, at different points in time …
(Mr James TO spoke loudly)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr James TO, please keep quiet.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): … and different Policy Bureaux may have different views regarding the case. I remember that at the last press conference, I have explained that the Security Bureau has established a working group and discussed many issues. Different views may be raised at any minute or second …
(Mr James TO spoke loudly again)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr James TO, please let the Secretary answer.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): … perhaps Mr TO has never taken part in any operation. In the process, we have to make decisions on different matters at different times; and changes and variations often occur. We cannot do things simply by pressing a button; instead, we have to draw up different proposals according to the most recent development and the latest information obtained. Many changes are involved in conducting an operation and decisions and plans have to be made according to the actual needs of the situation.
MR CHRISTOPHER CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, the novel coronavirus epidemic has not only dealt a heavy blow to the economic activities of Hong Kong, but also seriously affected interactions between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Fortunately, despite some fluctuations, panic selling has not 4566 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 occurred in the financial market of Hong Kong. However, many listed companies in Hong Kong have business and subsidiary companies on the Mainland, but auditors and accountants cannot go to the Mainland to check their accounts because of the epidemic. Thus, some listed companies may not be able to submit their annual reports next month in accordance with the Listing Rules. Although the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited ("HKEx") has a dedicated team to assist listed companies in solving problems, a number of listed companies have encountered the above mentioned problem. As the epidemic is not yet under full control, may I ask whether the Government will instruct HKEx to seriously consider allowing listed companies involving Mainland enterprises or having business on the Mainland to postpone the date for publishing their annual reports, so that these companies can have sufficient time to deal with the problem and avoid creating unnecessary man-made panic? If the companies cannot publish their annual reports in time, they will be regarded as having breached the Listing Rules and their licences can be suspended at any time. The Government should certainly not give the "bears" any excuse to initiate panic selling.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Which public officer will answer this supplementary question?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I will ask Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury James LAU to answer this supplementary question.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary James LAU, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE TREASURY (in Cantonese): President, regarding the supply of face masks, the Government Logistics Department has all along …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary, Mr Christopher CHEUNG's supplementary question is about reporting of listed companies.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4567
SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE TREASURY (in Cantonese): May I ask the Member to repeat his supplementary question?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Christopher CHEUNG, please repeat your supplementary question.
MR CHRISTOPHER CHEUNG (in Cantonese): I have already raised my supplementary question; I urge the Government to instruct HKEx to postpone the date for publishing annual reports.
(Some Members tapped the bench and spoke loudly)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Will Members please keep quiet.
Secretary, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE TREASURY (in Cantonese): Sorry, President. HKEx and the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") have issued notice that the dates for listed companies to publish their annual reports can be adjusted on a case by case basis. HKEx and SFC understand that while the epidemic persists, some listed companies have encountered difficulties in submitting their reports and auditing their accounts. Nevertheless, we understand that many listed companies can complete their reports in time while some cannot. HKEx will exercise discretion in handling the matter.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr CHEUNG, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR CHRISTOPHER CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, I am worried that some smaller companies may not be able to do so in time …
4568 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Christopher CHEUNG, the Secretary has already answered your supplementary question. You have just asked another question; please sit down.
MR LAU KWOK-FAN (in Cantonese): President, in tackling this epidemic, the Government has always reacted slowly in many aspects of work. Is the Government well prepared for the next wave of economic recession and unemployment which will hit us soon? As many workers have indicated that they are facing problems such as redundancy, there is a need for the Government to introduce measures to assist people who have been affected by the epidemic or the Government's policies. For example, as school classes have been suspended, the business environment for many "nanny vans", canteens, or service providers for private schools has become difficult. Since students need not go to school, parents may not pay the fees for the services, but the above mentioned businesses (including the transport industry etc.) cannot afford to go without income because of suspension of work.
May I ask the Government whether it is prepared to introduce remedial measures for businesses which have been affected by the epidemic or by the government policies? I fail to see that the $28 billion Fund has provided assistance to businesses such as "nanny vans" or the transport industry. I hope the Government will explain whether it will introduce measures to help these businesses.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I thank Mr LAU for the question. In fact, the Government has already announced 21 measures under the Fund and we are considering making some amendments before issuing the relevant paper. The issues raised by Mr LAU just now are also being considered.
We hope that the paper can be issued to Members today and upon perusal, Members may come up with more proposals. Certainly, the proposals have to be agreed by Members before obtaining the approval of FC. We hope that the proposals have taken various aspects into account. The Budget to be announced by the Financial Secretary next Wednesday will certainly include proposals on improving people's livelihood, supporting the economy and fostering economic LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4569 development for Members to consider altogether. I believe the Government's work will, to a certain extent, be conducive to the economy and help the people and businesses in need.
MR CHUNG KWOK-PAN (in Cantonese): President, what impression does society have on the Government at present? The impression is that the Government has responded very slowly on all matters, it lacks awareness and does not have any forward planning. Certainly, to our regret, a second person unfortunately died from the infection. Upon the return of Hong Kong people in Japan or even in Hubei later, the number of infected persons may increase further.
May I ask the Government whether our hospitals have a sufficient supply of medicines at present? Which medicines are being used to treat the dozens of infected patients? As I understand it, the United States are conducting tests on an Ebola drug while Japan is conducting tests on an HIV drug to treat the novel coronavirus. I certainly hope that these tests will eventually be successful. Suppose drugs can really be developed, does the Government have plans to procure the drugs in advance, so as to avoid scrambling for drugs later as in the case of its present procurement of face masks?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I will ask the Secretary for Food and Health to reply.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): I thank Mr CHUNG Kwok-pan for the question. At present, HA is using a number of drugs to treat confirmed patients. I have been informed by the clinical teams that these drugs have been effective in treating the patients. Certainly, the clinical teams will continue to keep in view new drugs developed by other countries, including new drugs which, though not achieving complete success in testing, have already completed a certain stage in clinical testing.
4570 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
As I understand it, there is a drug which is now undergoing comprehensive clinical testing worldwide. HA has contacted the pharmaceutical company concerned and I myself have also written to the company to express the wish of Hong Kong to participate in the global tests, so that when patients in Hong Kong have clinical needs, they can use the drug. As I understand it, HA had a video conference with the pharmaceutical company yesterday and we were informed that Hong Kong would participate in the tests. After HA has received the company's instructions for the clinical tests, more details will be known and the tests will then proceed in full swing.
DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): President, my supplementary question concerns the support provided by the Government. The Government indicated that it would allocate a funding of $25 billion and recently I learnt that the amount has increased to $28 billion. However, I do not know whether the Government has identified the people who are most in need of assistance in this epidemic. At present, people who need assistance the most are the grass-roots employees who live from hand to mouth. They do not have any savings and have never received the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance ("CSSA") or any other kinds of assistance. Many people have lost their jobs because of the epidemic, but the Government has not even given them a cent …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHIANG Lai-wan, please raise your supplementary question directly.
DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): Thus, will the Secretary seriously consider assisting these people?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I thank Dr CHIANG Lai-wan for the supplementary question. In fact, the Fund does not only assist CSSA recipients. We focus on assisting low-income earners instead, for instance, about 200 000 households receiving the Working Family Allowance will benefit from the Fund. I will ask Secretary for Labour and Welfare Dr LAW Chi-kwong to give a brief supplementary reply.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4571
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Labour and Welfare, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR LABOUR AND WELFARE (in Cantonese): President, I certainly understand that under the current epidemic, the unemployment rate will continue to rise. Many members of the public have indeed been affected; some people have lost their jobs, while others may have to take no-pay leave or have become underemployed. The impact is widespread. Thus, the whole Government has kept reviewing the problems and I believe the Financial Secretary will give an account to Members on this issue next week.
As I mentioned on other occasions, including at meetings of different Panels of the Legislative Council, if we are to design some highly targeted measures, such as devising procedures for people who were employed in the past but are currently unemployed to apply for assistance, it will take us a long time. Thus, our line of thinking is to assist the grass roots with existing measures which are easier to implement as far as possible.
Certainly, Members also know that unemployment benefits in Hong Kong are mainly provided under the existing labour legislation. For example, severance payments and long service payments are used to meet the immediate daily needs of people who have lost their jobs. Surely, the problems encountered by the low-income grass roots will be more serious. Thus, we will give priority to assisting low-income earners. As regards other members of the public affected by the epidemic, I believe the Financial Secretary will later provide information on other measures.
MR JEREMY TAM (in Cantonese): President, according to the figures obtained by me, as at 15 February, a total of 5 362 people have been put under home quarantine. The number keeps rising every day. Certainly, the number will drop when some people have completed their quarantines, but all in all, more than 5 000 people have been put under home quarantine at present. It was reported that some people under home quarantine left their homes and wandered around. I would like to know how many inspections the authorities have conducted each day to ensure that the 5 000-odd people really stay at home; if inspections have been conducted by the Government, which departments are responsible, or if one single department is responsible for the inspection. If inspections are conducted by different departments (including the Hong Kong 4572 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
Police), how many inspections have been conducted? How is the work divided among the departments? Has the Government asked boy scouts to conduct home inspections? I am eager to know the relevant figures and how the work is divided among different government departments to ensure that the 5 000-odd people really stay at home.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I will first give a brief response and then ask the Secretary for Food and Health to give a supplementary reply. Home quarantine is conducted jointly by a number of government departments; the work is not undertaken by one single department, and CHP alone cannot handle the work. The work requires the assistance of many volunteers, and we must thank them for their help. Besides, many retired civil servants have also given us a helping hand. Home quarantine really requires the joint efforts of various walks of life in society.
Many government departments are involved in the work, and certainly the Food and Health Bureau and DH are the most important. Apart from the involvement of the Hong Kong Police, other disciplinary services, such as CSD, the Fire Services Department ("FSD"), the Customs and Excise Department ("C&ED") and the Immigration Department ("ImmD"), have also assisted in the work. Certainly, when conducting surprise inspection, the personnel involved will produce identification cards and wear vests so that their status as government representatives can be identified by members of the public. In addition, staff of District Offices of the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, etc. have been contacting the people concerned at a number of large call centres, and some other staff have adopted the latest technology of electronic wristbands to monitor the people under home quarantine. I can say that thousands of colleagues are involved in conducting home quarantine either on the front line or at the back office.
In response to the Member's supplementary question, various government departments are making joint efforts. We also hope that members of the public who are put under home quarantine will cooperate with us for the benefit of themselves and others. They only need to be quarantined at home for 14 days. If they do not fall sick during that period, they will be really safe and everyone can rest assured. People who are quarantined at home are not sick and they have LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4573 no symptoms. We only require them to measure their body temperature every day and we will monitor their conditions. If they become unwell, they have to inform DH. The call centres will keep in contact with them to ensure that they do not go out but stay in the premises. I now ask Secretary Prof CHAN to provide Members with more detailed supplementary information.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Food and Health, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): Apart from the general quarantine work mentioned by the Chief Secretary just now, the Port Health Division will monitor the real-time locations of persons under quarantine by WhatsApp or WeChat upon their arrival in Hong Kong. If it is found that they have not installed these applications in their phones, they will be required to wear wristbands. Certainly, before persons under quarantine go home, we will advise them to stay at home. Up till now, we have prosecuted two persons under quarantine because they tried to leave Hong Kong. Moreover, statements have been taken from two other persons under quarantine. We are now handling some work and may institute prosecutions against these two persons in future. Furthermore, we are reviewing the situation of another person.
In this regard, apart from surprise inspections conducted by police officers, as pointed out by the Chief Secretary, colleagues of DH and other departments will contact persons under quarantine. A hotline has been set up for these persons to call when the need arises. Certainly, we understand that in the past, some persons under quarantine did not fully understand the arrangement or they might have certain health problems. We will try our best to clearly explain the arrangement to persons under quarantine. In addition, I believe communication is very important in conducting home quarantine. We will also specifically tell persons under quarantine that the authorities have set up various hotlines to cater for their different needs. We will do our best.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Jeremy TAM, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
4574 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
MR JEREMY TAM (in Cantonese): President, my supplementary question is very specific. I asked the Chief Secretary how many surprise home inspections have the authorities conducted each day and among them, how many were conducted by police officers? The Chief Secretary has not answered the question at all; he has only provided us with a lot of information. President, my supplementary question is very specific.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TAM, please sit down.
Chief Secretary, do you have anything to add?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Perhaps I will share some figures with Members. If the latest figures are available, I will ask the Secretary for Security to update us. But the figures I am providing are most recent.
In relation to home quarantine, as at yesterday, the authorities have conducted inspections on 1 856 individuals. These inspections were previously conducted by police officers, but now various disciplinary services have assisted in the work. As at yesterday, 1 856 inspections were completed and that is the latest figure.
MR JEREMY TAM (in Cantonese): What is the number of home inspections?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): The figure cited above is related to home inspection. Perhaps the Secretary for Security can provide us with the latest figures, if that is available.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Security, please reply.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4575
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): The figure provided by the Chief Secretary is correct. However, we must understand that five disciplinary services, including the Hong Kong Police Force, FSD, C&ED, ImmD and CSD, are now involved in conducting surprise home inspections. There is a division of work among these departments. After the other four disciplinary services participated in conducting surprise inspections, the Police could spare resources in investigating cases in breach of home quarantine orders. Regarding the cases of prosecution mentioned by Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN, the Police have assisted in the investigation work before referring the cases to the Food and Health Bureau to decide whether prosecution will be instituted. Thus, the work on conducting inspections each day is divided among various disciplinary services according to the needs and the actual manpower deployment.
MR KWONG CHUN-YU (in Cantonese): President, I have been awaiting with great anxiety to raise my urgent question. Hong Kong people are really annoyed with these high-level officials. The entire Carrie LAM Government is like a bunch of lunatics sitting around the same table. Just now a Director of Bureau could be dreaming in his seat, which was indeed eye-opening. The Government has neither sealed off the border nor distributed any face masks. Consequently, members of the public have to brave the cold to queue up overnight for purchasing expensive face masks. The Government has virtually accomplished nothing.
The officials have told us that the Government has done a lot of work. Macao has closed its casinos to prevent the flow of people and no new cases have been reported over two weeks. Taiwan has suppressed the prices of face masks and set up mask production lines to stabilize public sentiment. What has the Carrie LAM Government done? Should these high-level officials go to hell? President, I am indeed infuriated. In the past, we would make allowances for each other, and if they had done a good job, we would not point our fingers at them. However, these high-level officials have done nothing meaningful while being well remunerated. If the boarder had been sealed off earlier on, there would not have been any community infection cases. These days, members of the public dare not go out not because they are fearful of contracting the disease, but because they are concerned about their family members being infected …
4576 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWONG, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR KWONG CHUN-YU (in Cantonese): … the officials have put Hong Kong people and health care workers under enormous pressure.
As the Hong Kong Government has handled the epidemic improperly in every respect, may I ask the Chief Secretary whether any high-level official needs to be held accountable and step down? Will Chief Secretary Matthew CHEUNG apologize to Hong Kong people on behalf of the Carrie LAM Government?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): First, regarding the remarks made by Mr KWONG just now, I would like to make a clarification. In fact, the entire SAR Government, including our colleagues in the Civil Service, have been making efforts to cope with the epidemic over the past period of time. We have assessed the prevailing circumstances and introduced proper measures in response to the actual condition of the epidemic. I have clearly indicated that we uphold the three principles of, first, responding promptly; second, staying alert to the situation; and, third, working in an open and transparent manner. The meeting today is an occasion where we work in an open and transparent manner, and we keep disseminating messages to members of the public.
However, in the process, we must examine the development of the situation and make comprehensive deployment. In terms of sealing off the border, many Hong Kong residents will not be able to return to Hong Kong if the border is really fully closed. At present, in addition to the airport, two border checkpoints remain open. Over 80% of the arrivals are Hong Kong residents, and Mainland residents only account for a few percentage points. The figures clearly reflect the actual circumstances. If the border is really sealed off, many Hong Kong residents will certainly be stranded on the Mainland, giving rise to many problems.
As such, we must understand that the circumstances in Hong Kong are indeed very special. We have examined the actual conditions and adopted measures which are pragmatic and orientated towards the interests of Hong Kong and public health. We uphold these principles in performing our tasks.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4577
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWONG, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR KWONG CHUN-YU (in Cantonese): President, the Chief Secretary has actually not answered my question. I know that he suffers from deficiency of heart blood, and I do not want to frighten him, but I urge him to apologize to Hong Kong people on behalf of the Carrie LAM Government. He is well remunerated and enjoys specialized transport services each day, how then can he understand the fears of members of the public when going out?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWONG, you have already pointed out the part of your supplementary question which has not been answered. Please sit down.
Chief Secretary, do you have anything to add?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): We often say that we are very humble. If there are areas in which we have not done a good job, I hope members of the public will make allowances for us. However, they have to understand that factors such as international circumstances have made it difficult for us to deal with many problems. As the epidemic has now become a global issue, problems such as the shortage of supplies cannot be addressed by Hong Kong on its own. Instead, concerted efforts of various parties are required. As such, we must constantly change our strategies. As I said just now, we are scrambling to buy face masks globally. We are not simply purchasing, but snapping up face masks. We honestly spare no efforts and our colleagues work ceaselessly around the clock. Certainly, members of the public may not understand and see our achievements, but they can see that the epidemic is now under control. As we are dealing with the problems progressively, I hope people will be understanding and make allowances for us.
MR MICHAEL TIEN (in Cantonese): Chief Secretary, I have openly requested the Government to fully close the border since late last month. It was not until 8 February that the Government implemented an initiative that was close to the so-called full closure of the border. Arrivals from the Mainland are required to exercise self-discipline and undergo a 14-day home quarantine, but this initiative 4578 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 is actually riddled with loopholes and exists in name only. For example, some persons under quarantine scribbled their addresses and hence their whereabouts could not be traced by the authorities; some persons failed to pick up their mobile phones or answer the door for they were fast asleep; and some persons under quarantine were intercepted at the border when they attempted to leave Hong Kong. From 8 February when the initiative was implemented to the day before yesterday, a steady average of some 1 000 persons arrived in Hong Kong every day. Some 14 000 people have thus arrived over 14 days, and I wonder how many of them have been walking around in the community. I earlier asked the Government why Global Positioning System ("GPS") tracking electronic wristbands were not put to use. President, a Hongkonger who immigrated to the United States has contacted me, saying that electronic bracelets produced by them cost less than HK$30 each. Once the device is linked with the mobile phone, we will be able to see …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TIEN, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR MICHAEL TIEN (in Cantonese): … my supplementary question is very simple, but I need to say a few words before raising my question. Basically, the mobile phone will enable people to track your whereabouts, and if the bracelet is damaged or kept some 20 m away from the mobile phone, the signal will cease operation. For this reason, if the control centre recruits 10 people or so, they can monitor some 10 000 people easily. I know that the Government has ordered thousands of bracelets from these people, and the bracelets will probably arrive in Hong Kong next week. My supplementary question is very simple. If the Government considers the bracelets usable after testing, when is the earliest time for putting them to use? I am honestly fearful that many among these 14 000 people are walking around in the community. How long does it take for the Government to implement the measure? Who will answer my question?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I would like to first reply to certain points raised by Mr TIEN before inviting Secretary Nicholas YANG, who is in charge of this scheme, to offer his explanation. Mr TIEN's remark that some 10 000 people are walking around in the community is untrue. The reason is that Hong Kong residents returning from the Mainland must be quarantined for 14 days. No alternative option will be offered. One LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4579 who fails to comply with the quarantine order will violate the law and will be subject to six months' imprisonment and a fine of $25,000. For the existing two cases of non-compliance, we will seriously consider whether prosecution will be initiated. We have conducted some 1 800 surprise inspections. This indicates that we have made efforts and supporting measures have also been introduced. It is certainly not true that people arriving in Hong Kong can walk around as freely as they like. I would like to emphasize that those who walk around are in breach of the law. If you see someone who is subject to a 14-day home quarantine on the street, he has already violated the law.
Now I invite Secretary Nicholas YANG to talk about electronic wristbands.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Nicholas YANG, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (in Cantonese): I thank Mr TIEN for his supplementary question. In fact, we have been keeping in touch with Mr TIEN over the past week. I would like to first thank Mr TIEN for introducing that company to us, and we have taken follow-up actions over the past few days.
First, the company presently has a stock of 5 600 chips. If the testing is successful, we will immediately purchase these 5 600 chips. The Office of the Government Chief Information Office and the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre are taking follow-up actions in this regard. Detailed testing must be conducted before purchase is made.
Second, I would like to inform Mr TIEN that our electronic wristbands are similar to the bracelets mentioned by him in terms of functions. While the latter are disposable, our wristbands are reusable. The two are different. Our electronic wristbands cost around $500 each, and the price can be lower if the purchase volume is significant. Since the wristbands are a product of local research and development which can be applied locally and generate local benefits, we hope that we will be given the opportunity of putting them to use. At present, 3 000 electronic wristbands can hopefully be produced each month if the parties concerned pool their efforts. As such, we have put in place various arrangements.
4580 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
As for our application of WeChat and WhatsApp as a means for GPS tracking, the principle is actually more or less the same. Mr TIEN is correct in saying that GPS tracking can ascertain whether persons under quarantine have violated the law. We have been doing a good job in respect of taking follow-up actions these days. We have also kept in touch with the Security Bureau, so that information of persons who have failed to comply with the quarantine order will be provided to the Bureau as soon as possible for follow-up actions. If necessary, prosecution will be expeditiously initiated against these persons.
I hope Members will understand that we are working ceaselessly in this regard, and we have started the production of electronic wristbands in Hong Kong long ago.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TIEN, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR MICHAEL TIEN (in Cantonese): As indicated by that company, if the Government gives its consent, their products can be delivered within two weeks. As for the other product mentioned by the Secretary, I am honestly befuddled as to why the Government still has not put the product to use?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TIEN, you have raised a supplementary question just now.
MR MICHAEL TIEN (in Cantonese): I also want to ask the Chief Secretary for Administration …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): If you want to raise another supplementary question, please press the "Request to speak" button again.
Mr Jeffrey LAM, please state your question.
(Mr Michael TIEN remained standing while continuing to speak)
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4581
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Michael TIEN, you have already raised your supplementary question and the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Secretary for Innovation and Technology have answered your supplementary question respectively.
(Mr Michael TIEN said that the Secretary for Innovation and Technology had not answered his question and that the Secretary has referred to another type of electronic wristband)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TIEN, you are now stating another question.
Mr Jeffrey LAM, please state your question.
(Mr Michael TIEN remained standing while indicating that the Secretary for Innovation and Technology had not answered his question)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TIEN, please sit down.
Mr Jeffrey LAM, please state your question.
(Mr Michael TIEN remained standing while continuing to speak loudly)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Michael TIEN, regarding the electronic wristband you referred to in your supplementary question, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology has given his reply, and he has mentioned another type of electronic wristband at the same time. If you want to ask the Secretary further questions about the other type of electronic wristband, you are actually raising another question. Please sit down.
Mr Jeffrey LAM, please state your question.
(Mr Michael TIEN remained standing while continuing to speak loudly)
4582 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr TIEN, please sit down. You may follow up the issue on another occasion or press the "Request to speak" button again.
MR JEFFREY LAM (in Cantonese): President, as the current business conditions in Hong Kong are bleak, the Government has proposed to hand out a subsidy of $80,000 to small and medium enterprises in individual industry. In fact, many members of the industry have relayed to me that this is like putting them on a drip. Yet, half a loaf is better than none. The biggest question is how the Administration will hand out the subsidy. According to some operators of the retail industry, since the enterprises involved include large firms, small firms and even roadside stalls that have applied for business registration certificates, they are worried that the subsidy may not reach them. May I ask how the Government will hand out the subsidy?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Mr LAM has asked a very good question. The retail industry is indeed a very complicated industry because of its extensive coverage. As revealed from the figures of the Census and Statistics Department last September, there are around 63 500 large or small retail enterprises, which can be classified into 19 categories, involving various types or natures of jobs. As I am personally involved in the Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme, I am well aware of the complexity involved. We are now discussing with the industry over the details of implementing the Scheme. We need to make the Scheme simple, fine-tuned and fair, and we shall by no means squander public money. A fair mechanism must be introduced at the same time. We have been busy doing preparatory work these days. At the FC meeting on Friday, we will only be able to provide an outline, and there are a few issues over which we still need to discuss with the industry.
Mr LAM has indeed raised a very good question on the definition of the retail industry. Exactly because the Government has never introduced any initiative of this kind, we must have a clear definition, lest misunderstanding or controversies should arise. It is relatively easier to deal with other industries. For example, as restaurants operate with a licence, it will be easy for us to hand out subsidies on the basis of licences. However, as enterprises engaging in the retail business are only required to get business registration certificates, how can we verify the eligibility of business operators in the process of handing out the subsidy? We do not want to commit excessive manpower and resources to screening. The Scheme will serve no purpose if it takes one or two years to LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4583 complete the screening. For this reason, we need to make our initiative convenient on the one hand, and, on the other hand, we need to formulate a reasonable mechanism and ensure the proper use of public money. At the FC meeting to be held on Friday, we may spend more time discussing or exchanging views in this regard.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr LAM, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR JEFFREY LAM (in Cantonese): Will the Government announce full details of the Scheme after the FC meeting on Friday?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Chief Secretary, do you have anything to add?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): After FC has given the green light, we will examine the details of implementation before holding further discussion with the industry. I think that the Government should not become an ivory tower. We should discuss with the industry to jointly implement the Scheme. If a consensus is reached, the handling of the task will be made easier.
MR LAM CHEUK-TING (in Cantonese): President, just now the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, earning a monthly salary of over $300,000, was brazenly daydreaming in this Chamber and was rendered speechless at the Member's question. This fully reflects that the Carrie LAM Government is crumbling. The performance of the Carrie LAM Government in epidemic control has been rated by the public as "rubbishy" and incompetent. At present, all Hong Kong people are panic buying face masks. While the Macao Government can snap up face masks, political parties can snap up face marks, merchants and even artists can snap up face masks, only the Carrie LAM Government fails in this task. Can the Carrie LAM Government tell the people of Hong Kong when there will be an adequate supply of face masks to the public? When will an adequate supply of protective equipment be provided to health care workers?
4584 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I thank Mr LAM for his question and concern. As I just said, the Government attaches great importance to the issue of face masks as internal discussions are held each day on the procurement of more face masks. First, we adopt a multi-pronged approach to snap up as many face masks as possible through various channels in the market. In fact, this task has been commenced long ago. Earlier on, some people claimed that the Government adopted the strategy of the "lowest bid wins". This is actually a misunderstanding, as the "lowest bid wins" principle is merely one of the remedial measures. Practically, we have already kicked off our global procurement of face masks. Our Economic and Trade Offices in different countries have all started to liaise with suppliers in various places for supply of face masks to Hong Kong.
To be candid, price is not an issue. We look for supply and have been working unceasingly in this regard. The Mainland is the world's largest producer of face masks. In the past, we counted on the supply from the Mainland, but as the Mainland is affected by the epidemic, the supply of face masks is also very stringent. Hence, the overall situation is complicated as many areas in the Asia-Pacific region are affected by the epidemic. We will definitely spare no effort in this regard. We will make an all-out effort to procure as many face masks as possible from places other than the Mainland.
Secondly, face masks are allocated according to the risk-based principle. We must ensure that health care workers are adequately protected and equipped since they are the first line of defence. We will also provide face masks to civil servants working in the first line of defence. Regarding local face mask manufacturers, we all know that there are not many such factories in Hong Kong owing to the relatively low profit. Given the unattractive returns, many manufacturers are thus not willing to invest in Hong Kong but go to the Mainland for development instead. The Lo Wu Correctional Institution for women prisoners is the only correctional institution in Hong Kong that produces face masks. The other face mask manufacturer produces more expensive face masks using higher technology. There are no other producers except these two. We now want to reverse this situation by turning risks into opportunities so as to attract more investors.
First of all, we have to thank colleagues of CSD. They have worked very hard to set up additional production lines, boosting the production volume to reach as many as 2.5 million, which is quite impressive. Certainly, this is LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4585 amount produced each month. Among the 2 million-odd face masks produced under the new production lines, 700 000 have been allocated to cleaning workers and the rest will be provided to government departments. Should anyone be interested in producing face masks in Hong Kong, the Fund has included some proposals in this regard. Later I will ask Secretary Edward YAU to give a detailed introduction and we will also introduce the proposals to Members on Friday.
We are now working in a multi-pronged manner. We also exercise great prudence in managing face masks so as to avoid wastage, given that face masks are so precious now. We are well aware of people's wish and concerns. Some public-spirited persons have donated more than 1 million face masks to the Government, and such masks have been distributed in batches, via non-governmental organizations and social welfare organizations, to the elderly, the disadvantaged groups, residents of subdivided units and single parents. The Chief Executive, Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaux visited the community the day before yesterday to distribute face masks. We will continue to distribute face masks in future. I hope members of the public will understand that we have spared no effort in this matter. I now ask Secretary YAU to give a supplementary response.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (in Cantonese): President, I thank the Chief Secretary for Administration for his reply. Last week, the Chief Executive announced that a sum would be earmarked in the Fund for subsidizing local production of face masks. Although the technical requirement for face mask production is not high, several prerequisites must be met for setting up a face mask factory in Hong Kong. First, a clean factory is required. Since not many places in Hong Kong are available for the production of face masks, the first task is to set up a clean factory. Machinery and raw materials are the second and third prerequisites. In the past, such machinery and raw materials mostly came from the Mainland, but now we might have to source overseas given the keen demand in the Mainland. By providing subsidy, we hope to attract some enterprises with local production basis to set up production lines in Hong Kong. The Government will 4586 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 put in place supporting measures. If the face masks produced are up to a certain standard, the Government will undertake to purchase them at a reasonable price, hoping that production lines can be set up in Hong Kong. This initiative will be implemented alongside with other measures mentioned by the Chief Secretary just now. I hope Members can get a more concrete picture when they read the paper on Friday.
In the meantime, we have commissioned the Hong Kong Productivity Council to be our technical partner. Over the past month, the Council has successively approached many parties who are interested in face mask production and assistance has been provided. The Council has also helped some local production lines in exploring ways to increase production volume. The participation of interested parties is of vital importance. We will continue our effort in this respect.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr LAM, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR LAM CHEUK-TING (in Cantonese): President, in my supplementary question, I was not asking the Chief Secretary about the process of snapping up face masks …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr LAM, you only need to point out the part of your supplementary question that has not been answered.
MR LAM CHEUK-TING (in Cantonese): My supplementary question is: When will there be an adequate supply of face masks to the public? When will there be an adequate provision of protective equipment for health care workers? Do members of the public have to snap up face masks indefinitely?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr LAM, you have pointed out the part of your supplementary question which has not been answered. Please sit down.
Chief Secretary, do you have anything to add?
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4587
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I have made myself very clear. First, we have spared no effort in this work. Though a timetable is unavailable, we are racing against time. As a matter of fact, we have actually placed a lot of orders. Honestly, we had, on several occasions, anticipated that the orders placed would arrive in Hong Kong according to the shipment schedule, yet eventually the goods were not cleared by the customs. This kind of situation can hardly be controlled by Hong Kong. As the exporting countries have also been affected by the epidemic, they immediately banned the export of certain items. Our planning has thus been upset and we were disappointed. Nevertheless, we will not be discouraged. If we fail to buy from Country A, we will buy from Country B; if Country B turns us down, we will approach Country C. I will not comment on the practices of other countries or places. We act in a pragmatic manner, and very often we have resorted to means that go beyond due government practices. Later, I will ask Secretary James Henry LAU to talk about the process of procurement, so as to inform Members of the actual situation.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary James Henry LAU, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE TREASURY (in Cantonese): President, just now the Chief Secretary for Administration has talked about the procurement situation. We have already reached out to the six continents for procurement, including Africa and South America. However, we encountered difficulties as some countries or regions have banned the export of face masks. Owing to the reduced frequency of some container ships, the cargoes concerned had to be transported by plane. There are also occasions when the manufacturers ask for higher prices. Hence, we have to continue following up on the cases.
In fact, of the face masks that we have ordered, sometimes a large quantity cannot be imported into Hong Kong as scheduled every week. Since January, more than 4 million face masks ordered by the Government have arrived in Hong Kong. We are still working hard to liaise with suppliers, and at the same time, we have enlarged the pool of suppliers from the original 400-odd to 500-odd. My fellow colleagues are working around the clock and seven days a week for the procurement. Just now, Members mentioned that different parties have succeeded in purchasing face masks in other countries. Their success is 4588 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 attributed to buying face masks in stock at very competitive prices. Colleagues of overseas offices have adopted similar practices in helping our procurement of face masks. Yet we will at the same time place bulk purchase orders of several ten million face masks.
We will take stock of the supplies that arrive in Hong Kong every week. The protective gowns or supplies for health care workers mentioned just now are accorded the top priority amongst our procurement items. At present, according to the guidelines pertaining to health care and frontline workers, the protective gowns and face masks provided to them should be sufficient. We will certainly strive for more supplies. So far, we have provided face masks to 700 000 outsourced cleaning workers. Some organizations have donated face masks to the Government, and we will, upon receipt, distribute the face masks to the groups and elders in need. Therefore, we will continue our efforts in this respect.
MR IP KIN-YUEN (in Cantonese): President, just now a Member mentioned the hardship of "nanny vans". I am also very concerned about the needs of "nanny vans". Moreover, tutorial schools, education centres, etc. are also severely affected. I hope the Fund can provide assistance to them.
I want to enquire about the 2 000 Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei. There are students among them. I have received three cases from two Secondary Four students and one Secondary Six student. They have sought assistance from ImmD and the Education Bureau, yet no help can be offered for the time being.
These students have been stranded for a very long time. The situation of these young people is worthy of our attention. In particular, a Secondary Six student is desperate to return to Hong Kong to take the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination ("HKDSE"). If everything goes on well, we will hold HKDSE in late March. Given that the student may have to undergo 14-day isolation upon returning to Hong Kong, time is really very pressing. The student is also very anxious.
My questions are: Do the authorities know how many people among the 2 000 Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei are students, and how many of these students are going to take HKDSE? At present, we also hope to help them LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4589 evacuate as soon as possible. During evacuation, apart from some urgent cases, such as people feeling unwell, will the Government give special attention to these young people and students who will take HKDSE?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I will ask Secretary NIP to reply whether there is a breakdown, and then I will ask Secretary YEUNG of the Education Bureau to talk about the assistance provided to students.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Patrick NIP, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS (in Cantonese): President, more than 2 500 Hong Kong people are involved in the assistance cases we received; and among them, three are students who are now in Wuhan. If we can make evacuation arrangement at an appropriate time in future, we will certainly consider issues such as evacuation of the people concerned in batches or the priority of evacuation.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Kevin YEUNG, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION (in Cantonese): President, we care about each and every student. There is a Secondary Six student in Wuhan or Hubei. After we have decided when HKDSE will be held, if the student can return in time, we will certainly try our best to provide help so that he can sit for HKDSE, which is very important to every Secondary Six student. Certainly, it all depends on whether the student can eventually return to Hong Kong for the examination.
MR WONG TING-KWONG (in Cantonese): President, as many enterprises face operational difficulties during the epidemic period, I hope banks and property owners can offer some support and assistance in respect of loans and rentals.
4590 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
I would like to ask the Government if it has discussed with banks or real estate developers on measures to ride out the difficult times together. If it has, what are the details? Will the Government take the lead to require shopping malls of HKHA, the Hong Kong Housing Society ("HKHS") and the MTR Corporation Limited ("MTRCL") to offer rent concession or free rental across the board?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Perhaps let me first give a short reply, and then I will ask Secretary James Henry LAU to talk about how the financial sector will provide help in the area of loans. I will then ask Secretary YAU to help in replying.
We, as well as the Chief Executive, have kept appealing to property owners to help tenants during this hard time by offering measures such as rent concession. I have also made such appeal in my blog. At present, we have a hard time, and small shops in particular are facing great difficulties. In the Fund provided by the Government, there are some targeted measures and programmes to help the industries concerned.
I first ask Secretary LAU to reply, and then ask Secretary YAU to provide supplementary information.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary James Henry LAU, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE TREASURY (in Cantonese): President, we have all along been keeping in contact with the banking sector. The banking sector, being very cooperative, agrees to join hands with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to offer some relief measures. The effectiveness of such measures is now evident. For instance, in the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, we have raised the level of loan guarantee to 90%. Separately, we also offer a principal moratorium arrangement which covers not only mortgages but also loans for enterprises. For example, some banks have offered 12-month principal moratorium. Hence, the banking sector is very concerned about the difficulties faced by businesses under these adverse economic conditions, and has done a lot of work in this regard. We will also LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4591 keep in view of the situation to see what follow-up actions can be taken under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme or in other aspects, so as to relieve the burdens of enterprises.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Edward YAU, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (in Cantonese): President, I agree to the views of Mr WONG Ting-kwong. During our discussion with the sector, credit facility and expenditures are the two major difficulties at present.
In respect of credit facility, Secretary LAU mentioned the guarantee scheme just now. I recall that several months ago, we launched a 90% guarantee scheme targeting at small and medium enterprises in response to both the external environment and the local situation. The scheme, which provides greater guarantee to banks, has met with positive responses since its implementation. I believe it can make up the deficiency of the original 80% mortgage guarantee scheme. I believe that the Financial Secretary has listened to the views raised by various groups and organizations during their meeting.
In respect of expenditures, the enterprises that we contacted have also mentioned the rent issue. At this moment, we should ride out the difficult times together. Rental is one of the major expenses for an enterprise even if it has no business transaction. In this connection, when the Government rolled out several rounds of measures late last year, it had set a good example by offering a 50% rent concession for six months in government-owned properties. When this measure expires in February and March, I trust the Government will definitely consider an extension.
Just now, Secretary Frank CHAN and I mentioned that the Government has all along maintained communication with HKHS, HKHA, the Airport Authority Hong Kong and MTRCL. If the existing rent concessionary measure can be extended, we will discuss whether further preparation is needed in the light of the current situation. The Government has already been working in this regard internally. The Chief Executive also stated that she has recently discussed this issue with the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong. Difference responses from property owners have been observed. I think concerted efforts can be made in this respect and we have clearly heard the voices of the sector.
4592 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
MR MARTIN LIAO (in Cantonese): President, we are now facing a new virus that is extremely contagious but scarcely known by human beings. To win this battle against the virus, it is important for us to stay unified and help each other. Unfortunately, it is heart-rending that in times of this crisis, Hong Kong is still riddled with suspicion and internal conflicts. For example, while the authorities and a lot of public-spirited persons and organizations donated face masks to the disadvantaged groups in the midst of global masks shortage, there are individuals or traders hoarding or even making profits by fraudulent means. In another example, while it is hoped that those who are at risk of infection can be more considerate and accept quarantine cooperatively, some people adopt the "not-in-my-backyard" mentality and oppose all the proposed locations of quarantine premises or designated clinics that have been confirmed safe by experts. Worse still, they even resorted to street violence again by setting fires and blocking roads. Some restaurants have even refused to serve Mainland customers in the name of epidemic prevention, and seized this opportunity to spread discrimination.
If people do not ditch this negative mentality, the implementation of preventive measures will only get half the results with twice the effort and encounter great difficulties. No wonder even Singaporean officials took this opportunity to tease us without naming …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Martin LIAO, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR MARTIN LIAO (in Cantonese): President, my question is: Have the authorities considered how to untie the mental block and reinstate the "Lion Rock spirit" which encourages people to pull together in times of trouble? Will the Government take the initiative to adopt more persuasive symbolic measures so that members of the public can truly feel that the Government is standing by their side and fighting against the epidemic with them?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Mr LIAO has clearly outlined the current situation and the challenges facing us. While it is our wish that everyone will make concerted effort to win this battle against the epidemic, there are different voices in society. Just as Mr LIAO has pointed out LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4593 earlier and I have also mentioned in my response more than an hour ago, we have originally designated a particular housing estate in Fan Ling as a quarantine centre, but the rioters set it on fire. The estate is so badly vandalized that it cannot be used within six months. During this difficult time, there is no doubt that the acts of the rioters have made things worse and added extra burden to the Government. Such acts are not conducive to the situation in anyway, but have even made things more complicated and created more difficulties to our work.
The building of consensus in the community is very important, and in the course of it, the Government must show its care for the people. For example, we have provided or donated all the available face masks to members of the public, during which we have not only showed our care and mobilized the positive strength of the community, but have also pulled together different organizations and societies.
We are all fighting the same battle against the virus, and distinction of any kind should not be made. Virus knows neither races nor borders, so we must fight the battle in concerted effort. Therefore, I believe the speech made by Mr LIAO speech earlier on should touch the hearts of members of the public. It is important for everyone to truly put aside all prejudices and work towards the common goal of winning this battle.
MR CHEUNG KWOK-KWAN (in Cantonese): President, the Government recently announced the proposed use of the $28 billion Fund. Due to the epidemic or government policies, many industries are having a tough time or are even on the verge of closure. For example, private kindergartens are facing a wave of dropouts, whereas the agriculture and fisheries industry, cross-boundary transport operators, beauty shops and laundry services have not received any relevant subsidies from the Government.
This morning, I heard the Chief Secretary for Administration say that the proposal might be fine-tuned in these few days to plug gaps. Therefore, President, I would like to know whether the Government will increase the allocation to rescue the affected industries that have been overlooked.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I thank Mr CHEUNG for the supplementary question. We have already tried to cover as many industries affected by the epidemic as possible, but there are of course 4594 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 priorities. Thus, I cannot guarantee that the Fund has covered every single industry as different Policy Bureaux will make objective assessment on their own according to their actual needs.
However, Mr CHEUNG, I can tell Members that we will definitely strive to do the best that we can. The Government's commitment in the Fund is pretty large this time. As Members may be aware, the initial amount announced by the Chief Executive was $25 billion, but it has now increased to $28 billion. The amount may be further adjusted when the relevant paper is submitted. If there are new additional items, the requested funding will also increase accordingly. Regarding the meeting to be held on Friday, I have to first tender my apology because the paper is still not ready. We aim to submit the paper by this evening so that Members will have more time to share their views.
We have really worked attentively to provide as much support as possible. Even though some industries have been left out this time, the Budget to be delivered next week may announce measures that will surely bring benefits to different people. Therefore, complementing the two together, I trust that the synergy effect will to a certain extent mitigate the impact and help the relevant industries.
MR STEVEN HO (in Cantonese): President, first of all, let me provide the Government with some information. In view of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the agriculture and fisheries industry has written to the Food and Health Bureau of the SAR Government on 28 January, 6 February and yesterday (18 February). While we have all along maintained contact with the Bureau, no written response has been received so far. As no information has been received, it is therefore very difficult for us to brief members of the trade about the details of the government measures. As a result, our work in this respect has been unsatisfactory. I hope that improvement can be made by the Government in this regard and give us a written response as soon as possible.
I understand that the tourism, hotel, catering and retail industries have all been seriously hit, but the SAR Government may not have a thorough understanding of the impact on other industries. Take the agriculture and fisheries industry as an example. Given that a lot of people fish in the Mainland waters, the ban prohibiting Mainland deckhands from leaving the boats has an adverse effect on production. As pointed out by some experts, the epidemic in LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4595
Hong Kong or even in the rest of the world may last until April or May, which is exactly the commencement of the fishing moratorium. In that case, the agriculture and fisheries industry, especially fishermen who fish in the Mainland waters, will have to cease fishing operation until mid-September.
Therefore, may I ask the SAR Government what tactics will be employed to use the $28 billion Fund to support the agriculture and fisheries industry? For example, will the Government extend the repayment period of loans or help in the payment of interests? For fishermen who have not borrowed government loans but likewise have to cease fishing operation until mid-September, in what ways will the SAR Government support them?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I thank Mr HO for his supplementary question. When I answered the supplementary question raised by Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan earlier on, I have already mentioned that the newly announced Fund may not be able to cover each and every industry. It is possible that some industries have been left out, but we will certainly keep a close watch on the development of the epidemic. As I have said just now, the Budget to be delivered next week has a pretty high flexibility and expediency. Most importantly, the relevant proposals were put forward in a pragmatic manner in the light of the actual situation and needs, and then they were passed to the respective Directors of Bureaux for an objective assessment. If there is a genuine need for support, we will surely be willing to conduct further studies and follow up on the matter.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr HO, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR STEVEN HO (in Cantonese): The Chief Secretary has not answered my supplementary question and his reply can actually apply to all industries. With regard to the very specific supplementary question raised by me just now, can the Chief Secretary ask the Secretary to reply?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): With regard to this supplementary question, I believe even the Secretary responsible for the agriculture and fisheries industry is unable to give an immediate response. 4596 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
Nonetheless, I would like to tell Mr HO and other Members that we will definitely bring this issue to the senior level for consideration to see if omission can be identified or assistance can be provided. We will expeditiously deal with this matter.
MR STEVEN HO (in Cantonese): President, the letter was sent on 6 February and more than 10 days have passed. However, the Chief Secretary replied that the Secretary was unable to give a direct response, which is unacceptable.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr HO, this is not relevant to the question raised by you and you can raise one supplementary question only.
MR KWOK WAI-KEUNG (in Cantonese): President, before raising the supplementary question, I would like to express my best wishes for patients worldwide to recover soon and for the epidemic to pass as soon as possible.
President, in September last year, the SAR Government announced, in response to the opposition to the proposed legislative amendments, the provision of a concession of "50% rent for six months" to the market stalls leased by HKHA and FEHD as well as the shopping centres and carparks managed by HKHS for the period from October last year to March this year. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the epidemic between late January and February has dealt a further blow to the business sector.
Therefore, I would like to raise a supplementary question on behalf of the market stalls leased by FEHD and the shopping centres and carparks managed by HKHA: Will more money be injected into the Fund to provide additional support? The $10 billion Fund just announced by the Government will be used to support the catering, retail and tourism industries, which will receive a funding support of $200,000 and $80,000 respectively. Is it possible for the Fund to cover other industries that are also directly hit by the epidemic, including the tutorial services industry which many young people are engaged in? If the Government cannot include these industries to be subsidized by the Fund, why did it provide an allowance to the property management sector for the purchase of anti-epidemic items? Can the coverage of the allowance be extended to more industries?
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4597
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWOK, you have raised a number of questions. Chief Secretary, you can choose to answer one of the questions.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Thank you, Mr KWOK. We are all very concerned about the impact of the epidemic on various industries, and the Government is going to submit a paper for the eight-hour meeting to be held on Friday to ensure that more meaningful discussions can be conducted. Nonetheless, with regard to the issue mentioned by the Member just now, we will certainly conduct a comprehensive study on what can be done, and we will surely work on it. At the eight-hour FC meeting to be held on Friday, the relevant Director of Bureau will explain the proposals to Members one by one. However, President, as a whole, the establishment of the present Fund is actually not easy to come by. Furthermore, we have shown our determination and we aim to provide, at this difficult time, care and support for industries, grass-roots people and members of the public hardest hit by the epidemic in the community.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWOK, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR KWOK WAI-KEUNG (in Cantonese): President, I am disappointed at the Chief Secretary's remark that he does not have any concept in mind, and we must wait until this Friday for discussion at the special meeting of FC. This is because the funding support for various industries …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWOK, the Chief Secretary has already answered your supplementary question, please sit down.
DR PIERRE CHAN (in Cantonese): President, colleagues in HA are now divided into the dirty team and the clean team. The dirty team is responsible for taking care of patients with suspected and confirmed infection, whereas the clean team is not genuinely clean as some people in the hospitals may be hidden carriers of the virus, or have concealed their travel and contact history. There 4598 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 is a case where a patient admitted to the orthopaedic ward has subsequently been found to be a confirmed patient. This has taken all the heath care staff of that ward by surprise.
At present, there is no standardized mechanism requiring the dirty team to undergo self-isolation or a wash-out period. While some hospitals have granted wash-out periods for their doctors and nurses, others have not. My supplementary question is whether any standardized mechanism has been put in place to ensure that doctors, nurses and supporting staff from the dirty team will not infect other patients, colleagues and their families when they subsequently switch to the clean team without undergoing a wash-out period?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): This is a professional question, I will ask the Secretary for Food and Health to reply.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Food and Health, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): I thank Dr Pierre CHAN for his supplementary question. HA has made extensive efforts to contain the epidemic. On the one hand, it has to implement sufficient quarantine measures; on the other hand, it has to ensure that there is an adequate supply of protective equipment for health care staff. Dr CHAN just now mentioned the division of work of different health care staff in certain wards. I am sure that HA will discuss this matter in its infection control teams, and will accept the views expressed by different frontline health care staff with a view to making the most appropriate arrangements, such that a balance can be struck between meeting the infection control standards and understanding the work of its staff in containing the epidemic.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHAN, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4599
DR PIERRE CHAN (in Cantonese): President, I am asking about the wash-out period and whether the Secretary knows if HA has now put in place any standardized mechanism? It is as simple as that.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHAN, you have already pointed out the part of your supplementary question that has not been answered.
Secretary, do you have anything to add?
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): I trust that HA's infection control teams and head office staff will make arrangements on such matters with the Cluster Chief Executives and colleagues undertaking clinical duties.
MR ANDREW WAN (in Cantonese): President, in the present fight against the epidemic, the Hong Kong Government is taking extremely slow and piecemeal actions. Its performance can be rated as "rubbishy", riddled with errors and omissions. At present, the focus of all people of Hong Kong is the evacuation of Hong Kong residents on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docking in Yokohama, Japan. Unfortunately, we still see a lot of errors and omissions on the part of the Government. There are a total of 454 confirmed cases on this cruise ship, which is the second highest in the world. Among them, 53 confirmed patients are Hong Kong residents, accounting for 14.3% of the total 352 Hong Kong people on board the cruise ship. The percentage is very high.
But what has the Hong Kong Government done? In respect of the evacuation arrangement, the Government has arranged chartered flights to Japan, but the crew members and public officials concerned are not required to quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Hong Kong, as in the case of other Hong Kong residents on board the cruise ship. I have consulted trade union representatives and airline staff, but up till this moment, no one knows exactly the specifications of the epidemic prevention measures. Are they less well protected than police officers who stood miles away from the epidemic prevention frontline but wore the highest level of protective equipment?
4600 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
In relation to this chartered flight, the Government and Cathay Pacific Airways Limited ("Cathay Pacific") might have misled members of the public. They said that after the evacuation, the relevant plane will not be used to carry other passengers or will not fly again, but this is not the case. The plane has been scheduled to fly to Japan again on 22nd.
President, I would like to ask questions on behalf of members of the public and I hope that the Government will give a frank reply. Firstly, is the relevant protective equipment sufficient to ensure the safety of the crew members and public officials on board the plane? Secondly, in respect of the quarantine arrangement, will the crew members and public officials concerned be required to be placed under quarantine for 14 days, just like those Hong Kong residents returning to Hong Kong, so as to ensure the success of Hong Kong's fight against the epidemic? A more important question is: Has the follow-up arrangement of the plane constituted a deception of the public? Will the Government ask the airline company not to play with the art of double talk by saying that the plane will not fly again on the one hand, but on the other hand arranging it to fly again one or two days later? This will create a big loophole causing the spread of the virus.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): This supplementary question covers the scope of the work of three Secretaries. Let me first ask the Secretary for Security to respond, then Prof Sophia CHAN will talk about the medical equipment, and finally Secretary Frank CHAN will talk about the arrangements of the relevant plane, that is, the handling of Cathay Pacific. The first one will be the Secretary for Security.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Security, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, I consider it essential to have accurate information because some of the information provided by the Member just now may give rise to misunderstanding. First, we have discussed with different experts from DH on the entire evacuation process of Hong Kong residents on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, including the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4601 necessary protection procedures in the coach and the plane. We have studied each procedure very carefully and seminars were conducted, before the departure, to explain the points to note in each step to all the relevant personnel.
In respect of the protective equipment, very serious studies have been carried out. Considering the analysis of the experts, we will provide face masks and shields and, if necessary, gloves to minimize the chance of infection of the relevant personnel throughout the entire process. Precisely because we have adopted such comprehensive protection measures, experts do not consider it necessary for the personnel concerned to be placed under quarantine upon their return to Hong Kong. The message is very clear and has been confirmed by experts. This is the first point.
Secondly, with regard to the arrangements of the airline company, first of all, I would like to thank Cathay Pacific and the crew members concerned for their voluntary participation in the evacuation of Hong Kong residents. Cathay Pacific has overcome a lot of difficulties in the course of flight deployment, I am thus very grateful to it. As for the arrangement of the plane after the evacuation, I do not have information in this regard.
We notice that the Japanese authorities will allow Hong Kong passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship to disembark in batches on different dates. As this arrangement is different from the information that we obtained from the Japanese authorities, the evacuation may take longer time than expected. We are therefore considering the possibility of deploying the third plane. The arrangement is still in the deployment stage and we need to discuss the actual situation with the airline company.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Food and Health, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): President, I thank Mr Andrew WAN for his supplementary question. With regard to health care workers, eight Hong Kong health care workers have arrived at Japan to prepare for the return of the chartered flight to Hong Kong. I think the preparatory work covers three major parts. The first part covers the disembarkation of passengers to their arrival at the airport in Tokyo, during which all passengers must certainly wear face masks and anyone having a fever will not be allowed to board the 4602 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 plane. Apart from the requirement that the passengers must be tested negative for the virus by the Japanese authorities, they are also required to undergo temperature checking and complete our health questionnaire before boarding the plane. Passengers who have abnormal health symptoms, respiratory symptoms or fever will not be allowed to board the plane. If passengers have other physical discomforts, they will not be allowed to board the plane either and may have to stay in a medical institution in Japan for treatment.
The second part is the flying time. Of course, crew members and health care workers on board the plane must follow the infection control guidelines and health advice. There will be separate seating arrangements for passengers, and throughout the flight, passengers will surely need to wear face masks and keep their hands clean at all times. If any passenger feels unwell on board the plane, he or she should notify the health care workers as soon as possible in order to make appropriate arrangements.
The third part is, upon arrival in Hong Kong, passengers must undergo temperature checking again before leaving the airport. If any passenger has a fever or feels unwell, he or she will be referred to the Port Health Division for a more detailed assessment. Passengers with no health problem will go to Chun Yeung Estate for 14-day quarantine. After the passengers have settled down in Chung Yeung Estate, DH will arrange them to undergo a virus test. If they are tested positive, they will be sent to hospitals to receive treatment in isolation; if they are tested negative, they will remain in the quarantine centre to complete the 14-day quarantine. Of course, during the quarantine period, if any passenger has a fever or feels unwell, he or she will be sent to the hospital by the health care worker of the quarantine centre for appropriate examination and treatment where necessary.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Frank CHAN, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING (in Cantonese): President, the evacuation of Hong Kong residents from Japan to Hong Kong is a special operation. As the Secretary for Security has said earlier on, depending on the situation in Japan, the relevant evacuation may require three aircrafts. In any of this kind of special operation, an aircraft that has carried Hong Kong LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4603 people suspected of being infected must be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected upon its return to Hong Kong before it can be used to carry passengers again for business operations.
From the perspective of timing, before the first chartered plane takes off again on 22 February after bringing Hong Kong residents home, there should be sufficient time for thorough cleansing and disinfection. However, if there is any change in time that delays the return, it may not be possible for the plane to undergo thorough disinfection before carrying passengers for business operations. I believe it all depends on the actual evacuation process of Hong Kong residents from Japan to Hong Kong and the actual operation timetable. We will nonetheless practically ensure that the relevant planes will not be used for business operations before they are thoroughly cleansed and disinfected as required.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr WAN, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR ANDREW WAN (in Cantonese): The Secretary for Food and Health has not answered my supplementary question. I was not asking about the Hong Kong residents returning home, but the crew members and public officials concerned. The Secretary has not answered. Will these people be quarantined for 14 days?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Food and Health, do you have anything to add?
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): We do not have anything to add for the time being. Of course, this is a special case, but under the current arrangement for residents returning to Hong Kong, crew members are generally exempted from the 14-day home quarantine. And yet, I believe DH, CHP and various departments that have taken part in this operation will make arrangements in the light of the situation.
4604 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
PROF JOSEPH LEE (in Cantonese): President, after SARS, there was a report requiring a three-month stock of PPE be maintained. However, after the outbreak of human swine influenza ("swine flu") in 2009, the stock level of PPE was revised downward by the authorities, at their own discretion, to the actual PPE consumption level in that outbreak. Today, all kinds of PPE are running short. In order to save consumption, HA has repeatedly lowered its infection control standards. This move is undoubtedly sending frontline staff to their deaths.
Given the shortage of PPE, health care staff have no choice but to use their own PPE. HA, however, considers this practice inappropriate and has expressly stated that staff members using their own PPE will not be protected under HA's policies. Yet, will HA violate the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance if it asks its staff to work without providing them with appropriate protection? Some of my colleagues said that they would complain to the Labour Department. Owing to the lack of PPE, plus the fact that the Secretary is uncertain whether there will be a wash-out period or not, will frontline staff be exposed to a much higher risk at work?
President, my supplementary question is: Was there maladministration on the part of the Secretary or the Chief Secretary back then in lowering the stock level of PPE from the level stipulated after SARS to the actual consumption level during the outbreak of swine flu, resulting in insufficient supply of PPE today and failure to make procurement to give sufficient protection to frontline health care staff? Can the Secretary or the Chief Secretary list in a table the standard stock levels of different types of PPE during the SARS outbreak and the standard stock levels which were lowered during the outbreak of swine flu? These figures will allow us to judge whether the authorities have made mistakes, resulting in the current shortage of PPE for frontline health care staff.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I will make a brief reply and then ask Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN for a supplementary response.
As I said earlier, the Government distributes PPE based on risk levels. HA adopts the same risk-based principle in PPE distribution to ensure that adequate PPE is available to frontline health care staff. This is a certainty and no mistakes are allowed. HA therefore still has a stockpile of PPE adequate for LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4605 one month's consumption. Furthermore, the PPE ordered will be delivered successively. As I mentioned in the main reply, some of the protective equipment ordered earlier will soon be delivered to supplement the stockpile. The management measures taken by HA to instruct its staff in the proper use of PPE are also effective in avoiding wastage.
I will now invite Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN to give a supplementary response.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Food and Health, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): I thank Prof Joseph LEE for his supplementary question. In fact, HA has all along maintained a three-month stock of PPE, but the development of the novel coronavirus infection has boosted the demand for PPE around the globe. Despite the availability of stock, HA's PPE consumption has surged as the epidemic is developing fast. Of course, as the Chief Secretary just said, there are some challenges and difficulties in procurement and delivery. HA has hence expedited the procurement of PPE since January this year and aimed to increase the stockpile from three months to six months. Yet, even if the order is placed, the delivery of the procured PPE will take time. As the consumption of PPE has increased significantly recently, as at 15 February, the stockpile of PPE in public hospitals―the information of HA is highly transparent―which includes 2.2 million protective gowns and 18 million surgical masks, would be adequate for about one month's consumption.
As Prof LEE mentioned just now, according to HA, it will establish guidelines for hospitals on the use of PPE for medical procedures of different risk levels. Training will also be provided to allow health care staff to get familiar with infection control measures required for different medical procedures, including the use of suitable PPE. Moreover, health care staff will, as required by the guidelines, put on suitable PPE depending on the type of infectious disease that the patient has, including whether it can be transmitted by droplets, is airborne or can be transmitted by contact.
4606 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Prof LEE, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
PROF JOSEPH LEE (in Cantonese): While the Chief Secretary and the Secretary spoke on things like one month, three months and six months, they were simply talking bullshit and have failed to answer my supplementary question. My supplementary question was very simple: Was there maladministration on the part of the authorities in adopting the actual consumption level of PPE during the outbreak of swine flu as the standard stock level, which is lower than the standard level established during the SARS outbreak, resulting in the current shortage of PPE and failure to make procurement? President, I request that the authorities provide relevant figures.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Prof LEE, you have already pointed out the part of your supplementary question that has not been answered. Please sit down.
Secretary for Food and Health, do you have anything to add?
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): Regarding the PPE stock currently maintained by HA, I have already given the relevant figures. On the part of HA, it has informed its health care staff on 15 February of the stockpile of PPE and some other relevant information and strategies through the issuance of COVID-19 Bulletin, an internal communication channel. It has also set up an enquiry hotline to ease the worries of health care staff.
(Prof Joseph LEE stood up to follow up on his question)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Can the Secretary later provide the Member with the relevant figures?
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): We will ask HA to provide these figures. (Appendix I)
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4607
MS TANYA CHAN (in Cantonese): President, while casinos in Macao will resume operations tomorrow and classes in Taiwan will resume next Tuesday, Hong Kong is still suffering from a severe shortage of face masks. Today, we continue to hear that the Government is scrambling for face masks. According to the information provided by Chief Secretary Matthew CHEUNG and the Government earlier, 24 million face masks were supposed to be available on 30 January; on 7 February, they said that among the 48 million face masks procured, only 3 million had reached Hong Kong. Then, on 12 February, they said that while 53 million face masks had been procured, only 4 million were delivered. President, Hong Kong people dare not believe in such long-term promises.
Let us leave aside the face mask issue. Noting the huge differences between PPE worn by health care staff and police officers, I wish to follow up on the supplementary question just raised by Dr KWOK Ka-ki. We saw on television that the police officers, though standing far from the relevant residents or passengers, had put on full sets of PPE, face shields and face masks. In the cases of Cheung Hong Estate and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, with the former in particular, when the officers responsible for going upstairs to alert the residents only wore a light blue gown or merely a raincoat, the police officers present put on full sets of PPE. May I ask the Chief Secretary or the Secretary through the President: Are you willing to assess how pressing it is for the Police to maintain a stockpile of PPE and based on the assessment, distribute some of their PPE to other frontline officers and civil servants in need? Please do not gamble with people's lives. You guys cannot bear the consequences as the loss of life concerns not only a single person but his whole family. I beg the Government to spend a few seconds or a little time to do a stocktake of PPE and make a fair deal, I mean, a fair distribution.
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I will first give a brief reply, followed by supplementary responses by Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN and Secretary John LEE.
First of all, the Police Force has joined other government departments to prevent the epidemic in the front line. Like DH, the Police Force has to take up a lot of frontline work. Therefore, we use the same risk-based principle, which is quite a stringent standard, in the distribution of PPE to all government departments. We are quite stringent in the process and will provide PPE only to the departments in need. For those departments which do not actually need 4608 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
PPE, we will not give them any because the Government does not have a large stockpile. In response to the first question, I would say that we are prudent in stock management.
As for the other two questions just raised by the Member with regard to Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi, I invite Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN, or Secretary John LEE, to give a supplementary response. Yet, I must emphasize that all PPE is distributed to the Police Force in accordance with stringent standards.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary John LEE, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I strongly disagree that some Members criticize the Police simply because of their established stance, and such a stance is not new to us. I think we must be fair and impartial in addressing the Police …
(Some Members spoke in their seats)
(Ms Tanya CHAN indicated her wish to raise a point of order)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Will Members please keep quiet.
Ms Tanya CHAN, what is your point of order?
MS TANYA CHAN (in Cantonese): I urge the Secretary not to speculate on either my stance or my motive as that is prohibited under the Rules of Procedure. Under no circumstances should John LEE be allowed to make slanderous accusations in this Chamber. My question for him is about the quantity of PPE. He could have given a direct answer but he refused to admit that the Police had been given several hundred thousand surgical masks. I am holding in my hand the information openly posted on Facebook. Yet, John LEE has never mentioned them.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4609
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Tanya CHAN, please sit down.
(Some Members yelled in their seats)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Will Members please stop yelling in your seats.
Secretary John LEE, do you …
(Some Members continued to yell)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary John LEE, please go on with your reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, just now, when I said that some Members had their own stance, I did not name names. This is my first point. But people may know or guess who they are.
However, I think …
(Some Members yelled in their seats again)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Will Members please stop yelling in your seats.
(Ms Tanya CHAN stood up to speak aloud)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms CHAN, that is not a point of order. Please sit down.
Secretary, please go on with your reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, all of us conduct the debate in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. I just hope to give a fair picture of the Police's duties. As we know, some people have their established stance; members of the public should also be aware of that. So, I will leave the public to judge whether some of the comments are fair or not.
4610 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
In fact, the stock of face masks maintained by the Police is only adequate for one week's consumption. The Police are also required to take stock before applying to the Government for replenishment. Currently, the Police Force has the largest establishment among government departments, with more than 20 000 police officers working in the front line every day. Their high-risk duties include sending patients to the Accident and Emergency ("A&E") Department for treatment, guarding offenders in hospitals and handling cases reported through the 999 hotline and handling dead body found cases. They may also have to deal with blood and body fluid in some cases.
The Police are playing various roles in Hong Kong's epidemic prevention and control. For example, they are responsible for guarding isolated quarantine centres and temporary accommodation to ensure security. They also engage in epidemic prevention and control at the three control points which remain open at the moment. As they often have to visit the A&E Department and deal with different people, their contact with those people may pose different degrees of health risks. It is thus necessary for each police officer to use, on average, one face mask per day. PPE is also a necessity to them. It will be unfair to ask the Police to perform numerous duties without providing them with the necessary PPE.
Apart from epidemic prevention and control, the Police are also tasked to investigate all sorts of crimes day in day out. Police officers may have close contact with different people when dealing with contingencies. Of course, the Police may clarify their guidelines on the use of PPE, but I hope people will give them a fair comment in view of their wide range of duties.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): Earlier on, I gave information about HA and I would like to talk briefly about DH and CHP now. In respect of disease prevention, given that staff of DH and CHP are responsible for stationing at quarantine centres, searching for close contact persons, performing port health duties, and so on, it is necessary for them to wear face masks and PPE, which are usually procured by the Government Logistics Department for DH. On this issue, the Government has repeatedly stated that it will give priority to health care workers of public health institutions to ensure that LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4611 they can have adequate supply of PPE. DH will keep an eye on the stockpile of PPE as the serious outbreak is developing fast. At this moment, it has adequate stock but the supply of PPE will get tight as the epidemic develops. Yet, sufficient PPE will be issued to health care workers, especially quarantine officers of DH.
MR ABRAHAM SHEK (in Cantonese): President, today, we have spent 135 minutes on questions about the virus outbreak. I do not want to go further and ask questions about face masks and PPE as my Honourable colleagues have already covered quite a lot of these matters in their questions. According to the Chief Secretary, the Government is doing very well in the prevention of COVID-19, but is that true? We may give support to the Government but we may not be able to give endorsement. This is my first point.
Secondly, regarding the $28 billion Fund, I sincerely thank the Government for taking out part of its surplus to address the current problems, but that is not enough.
Thirdly, my supplementary question is about something beyond today or tomorrow. Hong Kong is now facing tons of problems and I know that the outbreak of COVID-19 is the most daunting one to be solved. Yet, we must not forget that Hong Kong also has to fight for its survival in the world and that we have to create a healthy environment for our future generations. This is very important. Besides, we have to deal with international, financial, property and housing issues. We must hence look ahead and stay vigilant. At present, Hong Kong is hit on various fronts. For example, as classes are suspended, shops are closed and restaurants stop doing business, Hong Kong has almost become a dead city. Will these problems be solved automatically the day after tomorrow? We will be at fault if we do not look ahead and stay vigilant today to change Hong Kong back to the city that we are familiar with.
I have a question for the Chief Secretary, or he may ask James LAU to answer for him. I am now worried about the outbreak of another epidemic, i.e. "the financial epidemic". Currently, there are more than 1.2 million flat owners in Hong Kong. While most of them have got a mortgage from the bank, the Government could not care less about their difficulties. They may probably have to face the problem of negative equity which emerged in 2001. I believe this problem will soon come up again. The Chief Secretary should know that the 4612 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 current policies of the Government are unable to address this problem. Yesterday, an article in Oriental Daily News made it clear that if the Government still did not withdraw its "curb" measures …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Abraham SHEK, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR ABRAHAM SHEK (in Cantonese): … the negative impact of virus outbreak will be extended to the financial and property sectors of Hong Kong, as well as our labour market. The Government should thus look beyond today or tomorrow and start to work for the days after tomorrow to avoid the outbreak affecting other …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Abraham SHEK, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR ABRAHAM SHEK (in Cantonese): President, I am raising my supplementary question, and I am telling the Secretary what to do. I am doing more than raising a question as I mean to highlight the many problems that may drag Hong Kong down. I will now raise my supplementary question, President. Can the Secretary tell us when he is going to withdraw the "curb" measures? Can he specify a date? The problem at issue is that while members of the public cannot afford new flats, the second-hand market is also dead. Banks will soon call in loans and an unemployment tide is expected. When will James withdraw the "curb" measures?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): I fully understand the supplementary question of Mr SHEK. The current peril requires the Government to critically assess the situation to see how we can help boost the economy. This assessment is now underway. As Secretary Frank CHAN is the public officer in charge of the "curb" measures mentioned in the Member's question, I will ask Secretary Frank CHAN to answer this part of the supplementary question.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4613
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Frank CHAN, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING (in Cantonese): President, I believe Members present at the meeting should clearly understand that the introduction of various stamp duty measures was made in the light of the prevailing problems. For instance, the Doubled Ad Valorem Stamp Duty, Buyer's Stamp Duty and New Residential Stamp Duty were introduced for different reasons. The Government will keep a close watch on the local property market; our long-standing objective is to ensure the healthy and stable development of the market. To achieve this, we will work with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and other relevant colleagues, monitoring closely the latest market development and take appropriate actions as necessary.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr SHEK, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR ABRAHAM SHEK (in Cantonese): He has not answered my supplementary question. I asked for a specific date. Today, James TO also asked about …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Abraham SHEK, you have already pointed out the part of your supplementary question that has not been answered.
MR ABRAHAM SHEK (in Cantonese): Please specify a date as the current situation is unhealthy …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Abraham SHEK, you have already pointed out the part of your supplementary question that has not been answered.
Secretary, do you have anything to add?
4614 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING (in Cantonese): President, we should understand that many things are subject to changes given the impact of the current virus outbreak. Even if a date is specified today, I do not think our answer is well-grounded. We need to make a careful assessment and consider the actual situation for that. Right now, not only the property market is fraught with problems, our transport, retail, catering and entertainment industries are also in distress, not to mention the unemployment issue. All these problems must be solved. As all of us are in the same boat, I hope we will work with one heart and put our heads together to get over the hurdles in front of us. I fully respect the views of Mr SHEK and will later seek views from Members on different issues. In my view, the current problems can only be solved if different sectors of Hong Kong are willing to go all out with the Government.
MS YUNG HOI-YAN (in Cantonese): President, when it comes to epidemic control and prevention, the Government is actually not alone in implementing vigorous measures, all the people of Hong Kong are also involved, as they are grabbing face masks. One wears face masks for self-protection, as well as for protecting others from being infected. This must be vigorously promoted, and that is the reason why all of us are discussing the issue of face masks today.
Members of the public have been disappointed time and again as they either fail to purchase face masks or they cannot afford the high prices. The selling price of a box of face masks has increased from $50 to $500 or even $1,000, but what has the Government done? The public are extremely disappointed with the Government: it is incapable of solving the price problem and incapable of solving the hoarding problem. The public are disappointed at the supply of face masks and they have lost all hope in the Government.
Besides, not everyone can benefit from the Fund, only individual industries can benefit. The beauty, transport and logistics industries have completely failed to benefit from the Fund. Many people in Hong Kong belong to the middle class, but they cannot benefit from the various funds introduced by the Government. Is it that only the Government is involved in the prevention and control of the epidemic while the public have no involvement at all? President, may I ask the Government whether it will expand the coverage of the Fund, so as to benefit more middle-class people and more industries by providing them with subsidies?
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4615
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I thank Ms YUNG for her supplementary question. As I said just now, during this period of time, apart from the Fund introduced by the Government, the Financial Secretary will brief Members on the relevant measures when he delivers his Budget next week. Generally, the Budget will introduce measures to revive the economy, mitigate the impacts that Hong Kong is facing as a whole, and so on. If the Budget is examined in conjunction with the Fund, the two can complement each other. Therefore, for matters not being mentioned in the Fund, such as people from certain strata cannot be benefited, can they be granted tax concessions under the Budget? The objective of the Fund is solely to mitigate the short-term effects resulted from the epidemic. As for other aspects, the Financial Secretary will give an account to Members next week. Therefore, Members should not evaluate our work by merely taking the Fund into account.
Of course, we will keep assessing the situation. Should the epidemic persist and bring about impacts, we will not rule out the possibility of taking further steps. As in the case of the relief measures introduced by the Government earlier, such measures are introduced in phases without stop. Four rounds of measures have been introduced so far, right? Of course, we must be pragmatic and first implement these 20-odd measures to benefit quite a large number of people. We must take progressive steps in the hope of bringing benefits and convenience to the public and upholding the people-based spirit. Of course, the overall financial commitment of the Government will also have to be considered.
On the issue of face masks, as I mentioned just now, from the perspective of the Government, we will try our best to snap up face masks. We have certain constraints in our procurement in the private market. I will ask Secretary Edward YAU to talk about the overall situation of face masks procurement in the private market.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Edward YAU, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (in Cantonese): President, during this period of time, with changes in the epidemic situation, the demand for protective equipment in the community as a whole has been tremendous. We have also noted the import of such supplies in the market. During the past one to two months, the situation has changed drastically. For 4616 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 example, before the Lunar New Year, the import quantity was not large as the demand was not great at that time. However, over the past few weeks, there have been drastic changes in terms of the import quantity, places of origin of the imported goods and manner of importation. For the import quantity, it might only be several hundred thousand before the Lunar New Year, but the quantity in recent few weeks can be 10 times higher during the peak period. For the places of origin of the imported protective equipment, while 80% of the items might be imported from the Mainland in the past, 80% is now imported from overseas instead. Thirdly, 80% of the supplies might be delivered to Hong Kong by ordinary sea transport and land transport in the past, but many of them are now delivered to Hong Kong by flight. Therefore, the situation has reflected the demand of the public.
As mentioned by Secretary Dr LAW, we are now working jointly with other government departments (including HA) in procurement. Many different retailers and importers in the market are doing their best to procure protective equipment, and we have also rendered assistance in respect of customs clearance under individual circumstances. For example, through our liaison with consulates, some supplies can be imported into Hong Kong. However, the actual situation is that the global supply is tight. The Chief Secretary has earlier clearly explained the difficulties faced by the Government in this respect.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms YUNG, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MS YUNG HOI-YAN (in Cantonese): "Favours are returned with favours, while the accounts must be clear". Will the Government expand the coverage of the Fund to benefit the middle-class people?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Chief Secretary, do you have anything to add?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I have nothing special to add. As I said just now, if Members examine the Fund in conjunction with the Budget to be announced next Wednesday, they can see LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4617 the entire blueprint. From the macroscopic perspectives, I believe that there must be areas which can benefit the middle-class people mentioned by the Member earlier. We will know by next week whether the middle class will get further benefits and assistance.
DR FERNANDO CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, during disasters, the vulnerable groups in the community often bear the brunt. While all the people are grabbing face masks, how can you expect people who are old, infirm or with disability or impaired mobility queue up a few hours for face masks? If frontline cleaners are not provided with face masks by their bosses, how can they clean streets and toilets? Can they refuse to work? They can only tough it out.
A lot of basic services in Hong Kong have come to a halt. Schools and special schools have suspended classes, special child care centres have ceased operation, and treatments for children with special education needs have also stopped completely. Many day centres, such as day activity centres and sheltered workshops providing services to persons with disabilities, day care centres providing services to frail elderly people, and day centres providing services to patients with dementia, have all ceased operation. As all the people in need of such services have to stay at home, carers and parents have to shoulder all the responsibilities of providing care services. It is just like staging an animal fight in confinement. Besides, the home services provided by the Government have also been reduced. A few days ago, we visited some elderly people to hand out face masks to them. They told us that as they did not have face masks, they could not go out to buy food and could only eat noodles at home. For some elderly people who have been receiving daytime home training and treatment, their treatment has ceased completely. In-home bathing service for the elderly has been reduced from once every two days to once per week.
President, in the current epidemic, the difficulties faced by these vulnerable groups are unknown to others. I wish to ask the Secretary: At this time when all the people are in difficulties, what measures and services will the Government put in place to provide direct assistance to the vulnerable groups, apart from the Fund to be discussed on Friday and the Budget to be delivered next week?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Regarding the supplementary question raised by Dr CHEUNG, I will ask Secretary Dr LAW Chi-kwong to provide a supplementary response. We truly care for the 4618 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 vulnerable groups, particularly the persons with disabilities and low-income families mentioned just now. The recent strategy of the Government is that we will make an out-out effort to do whatever can be done to the best of our ability. For example, regarding face masks, CSD has set up a new production line and among the face masks produced, 700 000 have been distributed to outsourced cleaners. This is the first thing we can do.
Secondly, some public-spirited people have donated face masks to the Government. We have not kept one single mask for self-use, but have distributed all the face masks to the elderly via non-governmental organizations, including social welfare organizations. Many Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaux have gone to the districts to directly distribute face masks to the elderly at their homes. We will not distribute face masks on the streets, because asking the elderly to go out at 4:00 am to 5:00 am to queue up for a few face masks is indeed torturous. On the day before yesterday, the Chief Executive started to take turns with several Directors of Bureaux to distribute face masks in the districts, in the hope of creating an atmosphere of caring for the vulnerable groups and showing care for elderly persons, in particular those who live alone. These elderly persons are really in earnest need of help because nobody is taking care of them. I know that many schools have suspended classes and families have thus been affected. Therefore, the Social Welfare Department will render assistance depending on the circumstances. I now ask Secretary Dr LAW to provide a supplementary response.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Dr LAW Chi-kwong, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR LABOUR AND WELFARE (in Cantonese): The supplementary question raised by Dr CHEUNG earlier is an important issue that we need to consider now. For example, under the current work arrangement of civil servants, only emergency, essential, basic and limited services will be provided. However, Members must understand that if the so-called emergency and necessary services are suspended for a few days or one week or so, there may not be big problems; yet serious problems will arise if some services are suspended continuously. For example, it is barely acceptable if the training for children with special needs, as mentioned by Dr CHEUNG earlier, is suspended for one to two weeks, but problems will arise if the training is suspended continuously.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4619
Therefore, the Government will discuss with social service organizations how to provide the public with basic services under these circumstances. We are exploring the solutions almost every week. However, the other pressure is that when colleagues go to work, we must provide them with face masks. For staff working in residential care homes, we must provide them with face masks, and for staff working in day service centres, we must minimize the use of face masks as far as possible. However, as I said just now, these services cannot be delayed indefinitely, so we will continue to examine with the Social Welfare Department and social welfare organizations, especially those organizations serving the community groups with special needs, the provision of basic and necessary services to people in need. We will review on a continuous basis the service volume and examine how to help colleagues allay their resistance, pressure and anxiety, so that they can continue to serve people in need.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHEUNG, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
DR FERNANDO CHEUNG (in Cantonese): The Secretary has not answered my question. I asked him how to help the vulnerable groups, but he kept saying that reviews would be conducted, and the Chief Secretary talked about the show put on by the Chief Executive. How many elderly persons can they help? I am now asking for the provision of comprehensive assistance. When can the Government specify how to help these …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHEUNG, you have pointed out the part in your supplementary question that has not been answered. Please sit down.
Secretary, do you have anything to add?
SECRETARY FOR LABOUR AND WELFARE (in Cantonese): President, as what I said just now and what the Chief Secretary replied earlier, we have, after receiving some anti-epidemic items, given all of them to the grass roots through local groups and charity organizations.
4620 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
MR DENNIS KWOK (in Cantonese): President, the Commissioner of Police said a few ago that he would defy danger and death without hesitation so long as he was given a thumbs up. Chief Secretary, I do not know whether you know that many members of the public also want to show you a finger now, but I am sure that they are not giving you a thumbs up.
Secretary John LEE just now said that police officers had to handle many high risk cases, but I do not understand what kind of high risks are involved. The Government has asked scouts to guard the quarantine camps, how about police officers? They wore N95 respirators and full body protective suits just for taking selfies; when they were asked to guard the cruise ship, they stood half a cruise ship away to monitor the patients getting on ambulances. By high risk tasks, did Secretary John LEE mean huddling with members of the star soccer team, singing karaoke without wearing face masks? Who taught the Commissioner of Police to be a policeman in this way? Did Jackie CHAN teach the Commissioner to be a policeman in this way? As the Commissioner of Police said that he would defy danger and death without hesitation if he was given a thumbs up, I now give the Secretary a thumbs up and request him to give the thumbs up to the Commissioner of Police, asking the Commissioner to either donate all the N95 respirators and full body protective suits to frontline health care workers, or go to Wuhan to bring Hong Kong people back to Hong Kong.
(Several Members tapped the benches in cheers)
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I thank Mr KWOK for his supplementary question. I wish to clarify one point. He said just now that the quarantine camps were guarded by scouts. This is not the fact. We have not drafted in scouts. Even if scouts are asked to help, they will only act as volunteers to help in receiving calls or delivering food. All the quarantine camps have been guarded by the Civil Aid Services and the Auxiliary Medical Services, in addition to colleagues from the Police. I wish to clarify here that scouts have not been drafted in. Members should not have this false impression. We will not ask scouts to guard the quarantine camps.
Secondly, we understand that under such circumstances, some members of the public have different views towards our handling of issues. However, I wish to tell Members that we are really working very hard, exerting our utmost effort LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4621 to prevent and control the epidemic. As for the overall epidemic situation, it is still under control. It is hoped that all of us can make concerted efforts at this very moment to pull together in getting through this difficult period.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr KWOK, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR DENNIS KWOK (in Cantonese): President, I see that John LEE is very eager to answer my supplementary question; can you give him a chance?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary John LEE, do you want to reply?
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, the Police have to face a lot of different situations, especially some emergencies which will give rise to different risks. For example, if people who may have been infected are involved in the evacuation operation, police officers will be deployed eventually; if people in the quarantine camp want to leave, their close contacts are police officers; should any situation happen in hospitals, police officers are the ones to deal with such emergencies. Therefore, apart from performing the daily duty of maintaining law and order, police officers also have to face different difficulties and challenges in epidemic control and prevention, and they are carrying out these tasks in a very responsible manner. I hope that Members can be fairer when evaluating the effort and devotion of the Police in different aspects.
MR ALVIN YEUNG (in Cantonese): President, the Police have really been toiling. It turned out that they have done so much work. According to the description of Secretary John LEE, it seems that only the Police are fighting against the epidemic in Hong Kong.
At the end of last year, 4 000 prospective tenants of Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan were notified by the authorities that they could get the keys in late February to early March. Before the Lunar New Year, there were rumours that the Government would requisition Chun Yeung Estate as a quarantine camp. On 28 January, the Chief Executive openly vowed that completed but unoccupied 4622 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 public housing blocks would not be used as quarantine camps. These poor prospective tenants believed in the Chief Executive and among them, some residents of subdivided units told their owners that they would terminate their tenancy after one to two months. To their surprise, 10 days later, the Chief Executive went back on her words and, without a word of thanks and without holding a meeting, Chun Yeung Estate was requisitioned as a quarantine camp. President, consultation had been conducted, but the persons to be consulted were not prospective residents and District Council members, but members of the Shatin Rural Committee. Accountability officials did not attend the residents' meeting, but met with the rural committee instead.
President, I wish to ask the Chief Secretary whether he intends to use $6,000 to brush off these residents of subdivided units. They are grass-roots people who have switched schools for their children because they believe in the Government. Is that what the Government means when it says pulling together to fight against the epidemic? Must the interests of the grass roots be sacrificed because of the Government's lack of awareness in respect of quarantine camps?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, I thank Mr YEUNG for his supplementary question. As pointed out clearly to the media by the Chief Executive before her meeting with the Executive Council members, Chun Yeung Estate is used because the drastic changes in the epidemic situation have increased the demand for quarantine centres. This is an action necessitated by the situation. Of course, the Chief Executive said earlier that unoccupied housing estates would not be used as far as possible, but we really have no choice, given that Hong Kong people on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship must be sent to quarantine centres after their return to Hong Kong, and the number of people involved is not small.
Under such conditions, we have to safeguard the health of Hong Kong people and contain the spread of the epidemic. Public hygiene is very important. We have adopted a repressive strategy in controlling the epidemic. So far, the strategy has been effective, and even experts consider that we are doing the right thing in the right direction. Therefore, we need the tolerance and understanding of the public. We are compelled by circumstances to take these unwelcome steps, but we cannot evade the problems that must be dealt with. Therefore, the public must understand that we have difficulties too. This is what pulling together in times of trouble means.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4623
We understand the disappointment of prospective tenants or residents. We are not making compensation by handing out $6,000 to them; the money is just a token of our regard for their delay in moving into the estate. Secretary Frank CHAN can provide some additional information on this. Besides, we have not yet signed any tenancy agreements with the prospective tenants and thus the intake dates of their units have not been confirmed. Secretary Frank CHAN can clarify this point.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr YEUNG, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MR ALVIN YEUNG (in Cantonese): President, this situation is caused by the Chief Secretary's lack of awareness in not closing the border. I would like to clearly ask the Secretary whether he thinks that the problem can be solved completely by handing out $6,000. Does he intend to hand out $6,000 to brush the grass roots off? At present, these people cannot even afford to pay the rent of subdivided units …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Alvin YEUNG, the Chief Secretary has already answered your supplementary question. Now you are raising another question. Please wait for your turn again to ask your question.
(The Chief Secretary for Administration indicated his wish to provide additional information)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Chief Secretary for Administration, do you have anything to add?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, Secretary Frank CHAN will provide supplementary information.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Frank CHAN, please reply.
4624 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I would like to apologize to the affected prospective tenants of Chun Yeung Estate. However, I hope people will understand that given the very severe epidemic situation in Hong Kong, there is a need for the Government to find adequate quarantine centres to quarantine close contact persons.
According to my understanding, over the past period of time, the Government has done its best to identify suitable places in a few holiday camps. So far only 100 or so units have been identified and most of the units have now been occupied. Facing the return of Hong Kong people from Japan in a few days or the return of Hong Kong people from the Mainland later, we have a very urgent need to find some suitable places for quarantine within a very short time. Given the short span of time and the limited choice of sites available for selection, Chun Yeung Estate is indeed a suitable site judging from the factors of public safety, complementary transport facilities, distance from the households in the vicinity and distance from the crowd. Of course, if Fai Ming Estate was not damaged earlier, we do not need to use Chun Yeung Estate. However, in any case, Chun Yeung Estate is now the most suitable site available within such a short time in terms of environment, public health and supporting facilities.
Besides, I wish to clarify here that HD has stated clearly in the Offer Letters for Chun Yeung Estate issued to public housing applicants that the intake dates of the applicants' units could not be confirmed yet. It has also specifically reminded these prospective tenants not to make premature arrangements for moving into the district of allocation or even switch schools for their children while waiting for the intake. Here I wish to draw your attention that during the public housing allocation process, we understand that prospective tenants who are about to move in need to make a lot of changes, and so we have specifically made the situation clear when issuing the offer letters. Of course, we also understand that some prospective tenants may be anxious or have to make preparation in advance due to extraordinary circumstances. As the Chief Secretary said earlier, I would like to apologize to the affected tenants. The proposed handing out of $6,000 is only a token of our regard.
MR CHAN HAK-KAN (in Cantonese): President, as the saying goes, "Before the marching of the three armed forces, food and provisions should move first". Our anti-epidemic supplies are indispensable for winning the battle against the epidemic. At present, members of the public have been scrambling for LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4625 alcohol-based hand rubs and face masks in the market. Face masks can sell for a few dollars to ten dollars apiece, and a box of face masks can be priced at $500 or even $1,000. While the middle class cannot afford the price, the grass roots even have to tighten their belts and stay outdoors overnight to queue up for face masks. Given that face masks have currently become anti-epidemic luxuries rather than anti-epidemic necessities, how can the public have the confidence that the Government will lead us to win this anti-epidemic battle?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr CHAN Hak-kan, please raise your supplementary question directly.
MR CHAN HAK-KAN (in Cantonese): President, the Chief Secretary said just now that he would take care of the disadvantaged groups and the grass roots and would distribute face masks to them. I express appreciation for that. That said, given the fact that many members of the public are unable to buy face masks, will the Chief Secretary come up with any solution? We have repeatedly proposed restrictions on the price and the purchase of face masks, and even implement policy to prevent people from stocking up on face masks. Can he tell the public why the Government has refused or failed to do so? If the Government has done so, will the pessimistic sentiment of scrambling for anti-epidemic supplies in the community be allayed?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): Mr CHAN's supplementary question focuses on the supply of face masks in the private sector. I would like to ask Secretary Edward YAU, who is present, to reply because he has been closely monitoring the supply in question.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Edward YAU, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (in Cantonese): President, I thank Mr CHAN Hak-kan for his supplementary question. As I mentioned in some of my replies just now, the problem we are facing certainly lies in anti-epidemic supplies which are not confined to one 4626 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 particular type of protective items. According to experts' advice provided to us, apart from face masks, other forms of protective items are also essential for countering the epidemic. Hence, we have been monitoring the supply of relevant items in the community. Mr CHAN raised a good point just now as to whether our measures can address the supply issue at source. Will the measures to restrict the price and purchase of protective items suggested by Mr CHAN just now be really effective in increasing supplies; or will they, on the contrary, reduce supplies? Regarding the procurement of such items, Hong Kong is in fact changing its sources of supplies. While we might have relied on Mainland imports as the single source in the past, we are now procuring from other places. Meanwhile, our procurement practice has also changed. In the past, we purchased these items in bulk at lower prices, but now we have to buy them in small batches. This change can be reflected by the mail delivery services of post offices. Since the New Year, our Speedpost services have never been suspended. We have continued to deliver packages containing face masks to ensure supplies to recipients. Therefore, we clearly understand that public needs can be met if the delivery of supplies to Hong Kong is uninterrupted.
In addition, as mentioned by a number of Members, the problem that some people may not have the means and time to buy face masks is more difficult to deal with. Some of my colleagues have respectively mentioned that the Government has been strenuously tackling this issue. I have noticed that many political parties represented in this Council, Members and social welfare organizations have handed out face masks to people in need, including the elderly and less well-off people. After receiving two relatively large batches of face mask donations, the Government has, via various organizations, given the whole lot to people in need, in the hope of addressing the shortage. The Government will also provide face masks to all frontline personnel who are most in need of masks. As explained by Secretary James Henry LAU just now, this is also the reason for the change in our procurement policy.
MR TOMMY CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, after it was recently reported that some people were infected with coronavirus after having hot pot meals, many restaurants serving hot pot, Japanese Shabu Shabu and Korean barbeque have lost the remaining 30% of businesses. The media, by referring the persons infected as "hot pot family members", seems to suggest that all kinds of hot pot meals will cause infection. I hope that the Secretary will remind LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4627 officials to remain alert to the possible impact of some unsubstantiated or unconfirmed news on the catering industry. Prior to the introduction of government measures, the catering industry had already taken the lead to ask employees who were stranded in the Mainland not to return to work and remain in the Mainland. As for the employees who had returned to Hong Kong, they were asked not to travel to the Mainland. Restaurant staff clean and sanitize their hands and have their body temperature taken on an hourly basis, and they will soak bowls and dishes in hot water and use serving chopsticks. They have followed all the necessary steps. However, the remarks of some government officials will deal a severe blow on the catering industry.
In connection with the "hot pot" incident, it was previously suggested that virus could be transmitted via aerosols. In the presence of steam from heated food, virus could be spread when someone expelled droplets―something to that effect. As you all know, I am not very familiar with this subject. At that time, many self-proclaimed experts claimed on radio or in the press that having hot pot meals would spread the virus. Upon learning that, many people became scared at the sight of steam from hot food. In the past, we would not be afraid of hot food. In this connection, I would like to ask the Secretary how the Government and its experts define aerosols and if the virus can really be transmitted via aerosols. Please explain to the public briefly.
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): I thank Mr Tommy CHEUNG for the supplementary question. As a matter of fact, according to the World Health Organization, novel coronavirus is transmitted by droplets and contact. The virus can also be transmitted by droplets expelled when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. According to the information of CHP, so far there is insufficient evidence to suggest that novel coronavirus can be spread through such activities as hot pot meals and sauna visits.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): The last Member to raise a supplementary question. Ms Starry LEE, please ask your question.
MS STARRY LEE (in Cantonese): President, two groups of Hong Kong people are currently in dire need of our attention and assistance. The first group is the 2 200 Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei and Wuhan, and the second group is 4628 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 the 300-odd Hong Kong people in Japan. They all hope that the SAR Government will expeditiously arrange their return to Hong Kong for quarantine, isolation and suitable treatment.
I will first talk about the 2 200-odd Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei and Wuhan. While some of them are eager to return to Hong Kong for work, some have a pregnant wife who must return to Hong Kong for delivery. All of them are keen to return to Hong Kong. My questions are: Why does the SAR Government fail to come up with any specific plan so far for arranging the return of these people to Hong Kong, or what are the difficulties involved? In the meantime, how many of the 2 200 Hong Kong people have been reached by the SAR Government, and what kinds of assistance have been provided? As to the 300-odd Hong Kong people who will soon return to Hong Kong from Japan, has the SAR Government made the proper preparation for isolation facilities? Are public officers and health care workers who will take part in the operation fully equipped? In the unfortunate event of a large-scale outbreak, will hospitals be well prepared and equipped with adequate beds for the treatment of patients?
CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I have just given an account of the situation of Hong Kong people in Wuhan and Hubei in the main reply, and Secretary NIP will be invited to provide further information later. I would like to reiterate that we are all very concerned about the well-being of the 2 000-odd people and hope to arrange for their return to Hong Kong expeditiously. However, it is necessary to exercise great caution throughout the entire process because we must ensure that no cross-infection will occur among returnees on their way back to Hong Kong. In addition, among the 2 000-odd Hong Kong people in Hubei, some of them are staying in rather remote places. As I mentioned just now, Enshi city is 700 km away from Wuhan and it takes 7.5 hours to get there by road; and it takes six hours to reach Shiyan, another city where some Hong Kong people are staying. As these places are rather remote, transportation is a big problem when it comes to gathering the returnees at Wuhan before flying them back to Hong Kong because the closure of roads in many places has brought transportation to a standstill. In this connection, Secretary NIP will further explain to Members. President, the Government has also done a lot of work in relation to the Diamond Princess cruise ship. As I mentioned just now, 70 colleagues have already flown to Japan to specifically handle this task. We hope to expeditiously make arrangement for Hong Kong people on board the cruise ship to return to Hong Kong for isolation. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4629
We will provide them with adequate medical services. If necessary, treatment will be arranged for them as soon as possible. I invite Secretary NIP and the Secretary for Security to reply.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary for Security, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (in Cantonese): President, we are striving to evacuate all Hong Kong passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in one go, subject to the approval of the Japanese authorities, of course. We have made repeated requests and expressed our hope to evacuate all Hong Kong residents in one go expeditiously, which will be beneficial to both sides. We know that Hong Kong people on board the ship have been placed under quarantine for 14 days and they are rather anxious.
Before departure, we had held a seminar on hygiene, health care and protection. Some doctors from DH briefed participants of the evacuation operation (including representatives of the crew members) on the entire work process, including the arrangements on protective measures, the protective equipment available, etc. In principle, we will try to minimize contact with the evacuees. After settling the Hong Kong passengers of Diamond Princess cruise ship, crew members should return to their seats. Should those passengers need any assistance during the journey, public officers as well as doctors and nurses from DH will handle them in the light of the actual situation, and they will be provided with suitable protective equipment. In addition, given that the participants of the evacuation operation will be equipped with adequate protective equipment for carrying out their duties, they should be exposed to minimal risk and thus should not be required to undergo quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Hong Kong. We have conducted a comprehensive study in this regard before departure. Members can rest assured in this regard.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Secretary Patrick NIP, please reply.
SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS (in Cantonese): President, I thank Ms LEE for her supplementary question. Both WHETO and ImmD have received requests for assistance from Hong Kong 4630 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 people stranded in Hubei. In fact, we have managed to contact the 2 500 Hong Kong people one by one to record their situation and needs. Therefore, we are basically aware of their distribution, their requests for assistance, etc. We have been providing them with various types of assistance in recent days.
In addition, while some Hong Kong people could call WHETO, some queried why the connection had failed. This might be attributed to the local situation which might have rendered WHETO inaccessible by phone. However, the Immigration Division of WHETO has actually set up a Mainland hotline. Due to a huge number of callers, calls may be re-directed to the hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of ImmD at 1868 for follow-up. In other words, firstly, we have all along been in touch and closely following up on the situation.
Secondly, in the meantime, we have also been paying special attention to the medicinal needs of Hong Kong people in Hubei. As many people who travelled to Hubei to visit their relatives have not expected to stay there for such a long time, they are short of medicine. In the past two weeks, we have been following up on their cases one by one. Colleagues from DH, HA, C&ED and WHETO, together with the local authorities, have been going full steam ahead to meet Hong Kong people's demand for medicines. In the past two weeks, six batches of medicines have been delivered to Wuhan and then distributed to different places. It may take eight hours by road to reach some places. We have catered for the needs of about 120 Hong Kong people for medicines, and we will continue to provide support in this regard.
On the other hand, we have also provided information on hygiene and local health care services. Some non-government organizations, including the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch, have set up hotlines and WeChat accounts to provide emotional support, professional counselling, etc. Through these channels, we can cater for the needs of Hong Kong people immediately. We certainly understand that those Hong Kong people are eager to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. We therefore hope to achieve the target of overcoming all difficulties in making arrangements for their return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. We are now undertaking the relevant planning work. We had not done so earlier for two reasons: First, adequate quarantine facilities should be ready before those people return to Hong Kong, but local quarantine facilities were previously extremely inadequate; second, given that epidemic LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4631 outbreak was just reported both in the Mainland and Hong Kong not long ago, it is necessary to carefully assess the public health care risks involved in the entire workflow of arranging their return to Hong Kong.
On the other hand, as local transportation has been shut down in Wuhan, we must engage with the local authorities to get various local support necessary for our operation there. Hence, we are now making preparation for various arrangements. Once we have completed our preparation, we will definitely inform the public in due course. This has been our target. Those Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei also hope to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms LEE, which part of your supplementary question has not been answered?
MS STARRY LEE (in Cantonese): There are always more solutions than difficulties. I hope that the Secretary will expeditiously make arrangement for Hong Kong people in Hubei and Wuhan to return to Hong Kong.
Secretary Prof Sophia CHAN has not answered my supplementary question. My question was, as some Hong Kong people would be returning to Hong Kong from Japan, has the Secretary provided adequate protective equipment for health care personnel to enable them to attend to those Hong Kong people? Are hospitals well prepared in the event of a large number of confirmed cases?
SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND HEALTH (in Cantonese): I thank Ms LEE for her supplementary question. We will certainly provide adequate protective equipment to health care personnel who attend to Hong Kong residents on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, and the personnel who attend to them at quarantine centres upon their arrival to Hong Kong. After those people return to Hong Kong, we have made arrangements for them to stay at quarantine centres as well as test for novel coronavirus. Those who test positive will certainly be required to be transferred to hospitals for isolation. Those who test negative will continue to stay at quarantine centres up to 14 days.
4632 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020
The current utilization rate of isolation facilities at public hospitals is about 30% to 40%, as suggested by HA's information. HA will certainly continue to make proper preparation because clinical experts have told us that at present confirmed patients are generally in stable condition, and some patients will possibly be discharged soon. Regarding HA's overall arrangements in relation to isolation facilities, we will always do a good job in the light of the overall epidemic situation.
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I now adjourn the Council until …
(Ms Tanya CHAN indicated her wish to raise a point of order)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Tanya CHAN, what is your point?
MS TANYA CHAN (in Cantonese): President, as many pro-establishment and pro-democracy Members are present, I wonder if you can exercise your discretion to extend the meeting by, say, 15 minutes …
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Tanya CHAN, I understand your concern, but during my communication with Members earlier, I clearly indicated that there would be a time limit on the meeting today because no one could preside over the meeting on my behalf, and I have to cater for my physical need.
(Mr Dennis KWOK indicated his wish to raise a point of order)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Dennis KWOK, what is your point?
MR DENNIS KWOK (in Cantonese): President, given the large number of Members waiting to raise questions, could you ask the Chief Secretary for Administration and his team if they are willing to stay and answer all the remaining questions? Please consult him first.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 4633
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I have made it clear to all Members in the letter on my decision to convene this meeting that today's meeting will be held for three hours only in order to minimize the risk of spreading the epidemic.
I now adjourn the Council until …
(Mr LAM Cheuk-ting indicated his wish to raise a point of order)
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr LAM Cheuk-ting, what is your point?
MR LAM CHEUK-TING (in Cantonese): President, whether the meeting you convened is held for three hours or six hours, it is attended by the same group of people and served by the same group of Secretariat staff. Will the risk you mentioned really increase substantially? For the sake of your physical need, you should add a lunch break, shouldn't you?
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I have already made a ruling and explained to all Members in writing. My ruling is not subject to debate.
NEXT MEETING
PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I now adjourn the Council until 11:00 am on Wednesday, 26 February 2020.
Adjourned accordingly at 2:08 pm.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 19 February 2020 A1
Appendix I
WRITTEN ANSWER
Written answer by the Secretary for Food and Health to Prof Joseph LEE's supplementary question to Urgent Question
Following the Swine Flu Pandemic in 2009, the Hospital Authority ("HA") reviewed its emergency stockpile of personal protective equipment ("PPE") by making reference to the depletion of PPE during the pandemic period, as well as relevant information available from the World Health Organization. HA's emergency stockpile of PPE has increased from 42 days to 90 days since then with an aim to building sufficient emergency stock to cater for operational needs during emergency situations.
With the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, HA has expedited the procurement of PPE since January 2020, with a view to increasing the stockpiling target from three months to six months. With the Government's coordination, some of the PPE ordered earlier by HA has arrived gradually. With the exception of N95 respirators, the current supply of various PPE is more stable than at the initial phase of the outbreak. Based on average consumption, the stock of various PPE is estimated to last for over two months. HA will continue to expedite procurement procedures to ensure that frontline health care staff have sufficient PPE when providing services.