Minutes of the 1St Special Meeting of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council (2020-2023)

Minutes of the 1st Special Meeting of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council (2020-2023)

Date : 24 January 2020 (Friday) Time : 2:30 p.m. Venue : Yau Tsim Mong District Council Conference Room 4/F, Mong Kok Government Offices 30 Luen Wan Street Mong Kok, Kowloon

Present:

Chairman Mr LAM Kin-man

Vice-chairman Mr YU Tak-po

District Council Members Mr CHAN Ka-long, Leslie Mr HUNG Chiu-wah, Derek The Honourable TO Kun-sun, Mr CHAN Tsz-wai Mr LAM Siu-pan, Ben James Mr CHU Kong-wai Mr LEE Kwok-kuen Mr TSANG Tsz-ming Mr CHU Tsz-lok, Leo Mr LEE Wai-fung Ms TSUI Wai-fong, Natalie Mr CHUNG Chak-fai Mr LI Owan Ms WU Sui-shan, Suzanne Mr HO Cheuk-hin, Isaac Mr SIU Tak-kin, Lucifer

Representatives of the Government Mrs ARON Laura Liang, JP District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong) Home Affairs Department

Miss PONG Kin-wah, Assistant District Officer (Yau Tsim Home Affairs Department Katherine Mong) (1) Mr SO Tsz-ching, Barton Assistant District Officer (Yau Tsim Home Affairs Department Mong) (2)

In Attendance:

Ms AU Siu-ying, Pauline Liaison Officer-in-charge (Community Home Affairs Department Buildings), Yau Tsim Mong District Office Mr LAU Yik-chuen, Liaison Officer (Community Buildings), Home Affairs Department Anthony Yau Tsim Mong District Office

Secretary Miss HUI Hai-pui, Julia Senior Executive Officer (District Home Affairs Department Council), Yau Tsim Mong District Office

- 1 - Absent:

Mr HO Fu-wing, Frank District Council Member Mr HUI Tak-leung District Council Member

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong) (“DO”), two Assistant District Officers and Councillors to the meeting. He reported that other representatives of government departments were absent from the meeting due to other commitments and the Yau Tsim Mong District Office (“YTMDO”) would relay Councillors’ views. Besides, Mr HUI Tak-leung was also unable to attend the meeting due to other commitments.

2. The Chairman said that, to facilitate the conduct of the meeting, Councillors could give a two-minute speech to supplement the papers they had submitted, while each Councillor could speak for four minutes at most on each agenda item, including two minutes at most for the first speech after the department gave a response, and two minutes at most for the second one or one minute at most for the second and the third one.

Item 1: Request That District Council Allocate Funds for Epidemic Prevention in Community (YTMDC Paper No. 33/2020)

3. The Chairman welcomed Ms Pauline AU, Liaison Officer-in-charge (Community Buildings), and Mr Anthony LAU, Liaison Officer (Community Buildings), of the YTMDO.

4. The Vice-chairman thanked the Chairman for allowing to call this urgent meeting to discuss the epidemic prevention measures for COVID-19. He provided supplementary information on the paper and said that there had been two confirmed cases yesterday. One patient had travelled from Wuhan to Hong Kong via Shenzhen by the Express Rail Link (“XRL”), whereas the other one had travelled from Wuhan to Shenzhen by the XRL, and had then changed to other means of transport to reach Hong Kong. In the circumstances, there was a risk in all public transport, including the MTR, the XRL, etc. If the gatekeeping work, including the requirement of completing a health declaration form, quarantine and other measures, was not performed properly, COVID-19 was very likely to be imported from the Mainland. He now had four suggestions: (i) extension of the requirement of completing the health declaration form to other means of transport. Mr Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, the Chief Secretary for Administration, had earlier been unwilling to implement the health declaration form system at the XRL station because of inconvenience and complexity, but he had changed his mind yesterday; (ii) the Government should consider cancelling major events, such as Lunar New Year fairs, flower markets, temple fairs and other events bringing large crowds; (iii) the Education Bureau (“EDB”) should maintain communication with schools and set up a notification system, particularly because the large crowds of students that would appear after school resumption might cause an outbreak. He also asked whether school closure would be implemented if the epidemic situation deteriorated further; and (iv) he hoped that the Yau Tsim Mong District Council (“YTMDC”) would allocate funds for epidemic prevention in the community, including the procurement of face masks, hand sanitiser and other anti-epidemic supplies, community cleaning, etc.

- 2 - 5. Mr LI Owan provided supplementary information on the paper and expressed the following views: (i) at present, the SAR Government was feeling helpless about the difficult situation faced by Hong Kong. As a council of a district, the YTMDC’s efforts could not cover the whole territory, but the YTMDC still hoped to do its best to contribute to epidemic prevention in the district. In particular, there were many immigration control points in Yau Tsim Mong (“YTM”) District, making it necessary to enhance epidemic prevention measures; (ii) the EDB should also issue guidelines on the school closure arrangements for secondary and primary schools as soon as possible; and (iii) apart from allocating funds for epidemic prevention in the district, the YTMDC also hoped to communicate more with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) to follow up the work on street cleaning and raise local residents’ awareness on epidemic prevention.

(Mr Lucifer SIU joined the meeting at 2:35 p.m.) (Ms Suzanne WU joined the meeting at 2:35 p.m.)

6. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming provided supplementary information on the paper and expressed the following views: (i) according to his observation, the epidemic prevention measures taken by members of the public were not sufficient. He had just walked from Tai Kok Tsui to Mong Kok Government Offices, and had found that four to five out of ten citizens had not put on a face mask, probably because they were not aware of the importance of wearing a face mask. He hoped to equip citizens with more anti-epidemic supplies through allocation of funds for purchasing face masks for them; (ii) apart from purchasing face masks, funds could also be allocated for providing handrub dispensers for markets and public places to reduce the amount of germs; (iii) he was of the view that secondary and primary schools must be closed; and (iv) YTM District was one of the places with the highest population density in Hong Kong and home for many cross-border transport facilities. He was worried that busy incoming/outgoing pedestrian flow could easily cause cross contamination and endanger the safety and lives of residents in the district. Moreover, little was known about this infectious disease, such as its incubation period, symptoms, treatment and whether it could be cured completely. As such, he hoped that people could walk an extra mile before there was a community outbreak of the disease in Hong Kong.

7. Mr LEE Wai-fung provided supplementary information on the paper and expressed the following views: (i) he agreed that funds be allocated by the YTMDC as soon as possible to enhance the epidemic prevention measures in the community, because the Government had not done enough until now; (ii) the Chief Executive (“CE”) had not participated in anti-epidemic work since 2003 and could not identify with citizens’ fear of the pandemic. He hoped that the CE would let the staff members who had dealt with the atypical pneumonia to take part in the anti-epidemic work this time; (iii) due to the failure in gatekeeping, Hong Kong had become an exporter of the virus. A patient from the Mainland had travelled to another country via Hong Kong, so the entry-exit quarantine must be strengthened; (iv) he hoped that the alert level could be raised as soon as possible and that the equipment and manpower of frontline healthcare staff could be strengthened; and (v) he hoped the Customs and Excise Department could step up patrols to ensure that the face masks and other anti-epidemic supplies on sale in the market were not fake.

(Ms Natalie TSUI joined the meeting at 2:39 p.m.)

8. Mr Leslie CHAN said that: (i) there were many cross-border facilities in his

- 3 - constituency, such as the XRL station, cross-border coach stations, the China Ferry Terminal, etc. He opined that the MTR Corporation Limited (“MTRCL”) had done its best to carry out epidemic prevention at the XRL station within its capability. The Government however lacked awareness and required the people entering Hong Kong by the XRL to complete health declaration forms only today, which was really too late; (ii) residents were very worried that cross-border coach stations would become another breeding ground for the virus. He had conducted a site inspection yesterday, and had found that even hand sanitiser was not provided in the stations. He hoped that the relevant departments could follow up with the operators to implement epidemic prevention measures properly and consider checking the body temperature of passengers; (iii) in response to the pandemic, a certain transport operator had decided not to follow the original route to go into the XRL station temporarily, but it had been stopped by the Transport Department (“TD”). He opined that such arrangement had been aimed at ensuring the safety of its staff and passengers, and hoped that the TD would handle the case in a lenient manner; and (iv) he hoped that transport operators would provide face masks for their staff.

9. Mrs ARON Laura Liang responded that the Government was definitely not feeling helpless in epidemic prevention. The Government had held urgent meetings on the preparedness and response plan on 6, 10 and 23 January, and the work of government departments on various levels had been announced after each meeting. The relevant government press releases had also been forwarded to Councillors for reference. She briefed Councillors on the main points of the following epidemic prevention work:

(i) Strengthened epidemic prevention measures at immigration control points.

(ii) Enhanced publicity in districts.

(iii) Enhanced communication with public transport operators.

(iv) The EDB had maintained communication with schools on new arrangements.

(v) The Government announced the latest epidemic situations and anti-epidemic measures every day, and such information would also be uploaded to the webpage.

She would reflect to the relevant departments the Councillors’ views. As for the operation and equipment of public transport, she would ask the TD to communicate with the operators.

10. The Secretary briefed Councillors on the current financial situation of the YTMDC. She said that:

(i) The total amount of funding for Community Involvement Projects of the YTMDC in 2019-2020 was $24.5 million. According to the guidelines of the Home Affairs Department (“HAD”), the YTMDC might make an over-commitment of 25% of the total amount of funding, which meant the YTMDC might allocate about $30.62 million this year. Until now, the YTMDC had allocated over $25 million for various community involvement activities, and funding was still available for the purchase of anti-epidemic supplies.

- 4 - (ii) After the YTMDC endorsed the allocation, DO could authorise funding of up to $1.2 million. Funding of more than $1.2 million had to be authorised by the Director of Home Affairs.

(iii) According to the Government’s procurement guidelines, procurement exceeding $1.4 million must be made through open tender.

(The Hon James TO joined the meeting at 2:44 p.m.)

11. The Chairman invited Councillors to express their views on the amount of allocation.

12. Ms Suzanne WU expressed the following views: (i) having considered the restrictions on funding allocation and procurement, she suggested that the YTMDC allocate $1.2 million this time for prompt implementation of epidemic prevention work; (ii) she hoped that the YTMDO would offer assistance to ensure prompt completion of the relevant work; and (iii) if this exercise had a positive effect, the YTMDC might consider allocating funds again to carry out a second or even a third round of epidemic prevention work.

13. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming expressed the following views: (i) he agreed to allocate $1.2 million; (ii) as children and students might not have sufficient awareness of epidemic prevention, he suggested providing funding to the schools in the district for purchasing handrub dispensers, which were easy to use and effective; (iii) government buildings, including government offices, sports centres and markets, should also provide handrub dispensers for use by the public; (iv) he suggested allocating funds to purchase face masks and disinfectant packs for distribution to the public. Consideration might also be given to distributing them in markets or through Councillors’ ward offices; and (v) he hoped the YTMDO could assist in reflecting views to the relevant departments to allow re-routing of public transport, so that public transport could avoid entering certain cross-border facilities (e.g. West Kowloon Station) and ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.

14. Mr Leslie CHAN expressed the following views: (i) although some District Councils had in general allocated $500,000 to $600,000 for the purchase of anti-epidemic supplies, it was appropriate for YTM District to allocate $1.2 million, taking into account the large number of tourists in the district as well as the students and commuters from other districts; (ii) to expedite approval and procurement procedures, an allocation of over $1.2 million was not recommended; (iii) he suggested the Government produce Announcements of Public Interest (“APIs”) to teach people how to fight the virus, including proper handwashing; and (iv) since there were many non-ethnic Chinese in the district, voice-over in foreign languages (especially English) was suggested for the APIs.

15. The Vice-chairman expressed the following views: (i) having considered the current financial situation, he agreed to allocate $1.2 million; (ii) the face masks in the shops in the district were either expensive to buy or out of stock, making the procurement of face masks for use by members of the community a pressing issue. As mentioned by the Government earlier, face masks would arrive in Hong Kong between next week and mid-February. He asked when approximately would the procurement be completed after endorsement of funding was given today, and whether it was possible to tie in with the relevant batch in time; (iii) face masks could be distributed through Councillors’ ward offices, and the service targets of schools and non-governmental organisations could also be included as beneficiaries as well; and (iv) taking into account the response of members of the community to the distribution of

- 5 - hygiene packs by the FEHD earlier, he believed that the distribution of anti-epidemic packs by the YTMDC would be highly welcomed.

16. Mr Leo CHU expressed the following views: (i) during the outbreak of atypical pneumonia in 2003, the YTMDC had offered assistance in a number of epidemic prevention measures. They could now make reference to such experience and make corrections, such as simplifying the design of anti-epidemic packs and cutting down unnecessary packaging, then the resources concerned could be used for purchasing more anti-epidemic supplies to benefit more people; (ii) public education of epidemic prevention should be enhanced. Apart from proper handwashing, the scope should also include the correct way to use face masks, keeping places clean, no spitting, etc.; and (iv) the correct information should be conveyed and spreading of false news should be prevented. In particular, the flourishing social media could easily cause extensive spreading of rumours.

17. Mr Derek HUNG expressed the following views: (i) “Wuhan Pneumonia” had spread across the world and there were two confirmed cases in Hong Kong already. He, Mr HUI Tak-leung and Mr CHUNG Chak-fai had raised their concern at the YTMDC meeting on 21 January and had strongly requested the Government to implement epidemic prevention measures properly, including setting up a high-level, inter-departmental monitoring team; (ii) he had also mentioned at the meeting that speculation of face masks had arisen, and had requested the Government to take the lead to distribute face masks to the public free of charge through the YTMDO; and (iii) he supported the proposed funding allocation so as to address the most pressing needs of the public.

18. Mr LEE Kwok-kuen expressed the following views: (i) in view of recent news reports about problems of the origin and production of face masks, he suggested not using the funding to purchase face masks produced in the Mainland. Face masks produced in other places should be procured instead. In fact, the operation of factories in the Mainland had suspended due to Lunar New Year. To expedite procurement, consideration should be given to purchasing face masks from places which had no Lunar New Year holiday (e.g. Japan); and (ii) apart from this relatively short-term and specific measure of distributing supplies, he opined that education was also very important. He suggested the YTMDO consolidate some handy information, such as the helplines of relevant departments, proper handwashing, basic information of the disease, etc., and print them on cards for distribution to residents.

19. Mr CHAN Tsz-wai was concerned about the indiscriminate disposal of face masks on the streets, which could spread the virus easily. The FEHD should place enough rubbish bins on the streets for the disposal of face masks.

20. Mr Lucifer SIU expressed the following views: (i) he agreed that distribution of anti-epidemic supplies was urgent and important; (ii) at the first meeting of the YTMDC, he had enquired about the HAD’s guidelines on public events, and DO had responded at that time that the Government had carried out publicity through various channels. He opined that the YTMDC would not need to allocate funding itself for purchasing anti-epidemic packs if sufficient epidemic prevention measures had been taken by the Government in a timely manner; (iii) apart from using the funding for purchasing anti-epidemic packs, he also suggested reserving funds for carrying out education and the relevant complementary work; and (iv) the Government should decide on the contingency arrangements for major community events as soon as possible, especially for the large number of Lunar New Year events which would soon be held. The Government should decide as soon as possible

- 6 - whether it was necessary to cancel those events or provide guidelines to the organisations concerned.

21. Mr LI Owan expressed the following views: (i) as many citizens were still unaware of the serious situation at present, the Government should carry out effective publicity work, including producing APIs and printing leaflets, and educate members of the public on the correct way of epidemic prevention through various social platforms. At the district level, the YTMDO might take the lead to carry out publicity in the district in collaboration with the relevant government departments and the YTMDC, so as to raise public awareness on hygiene; (ii) he agreed that in addition to purchasing anti-epidemic supplies, the funding should also be used for publicity and education; and (iii) the EDB should maintain communication with secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens in the district to ensure that they could obtain the latest information. Besides, the EDB should also draw up detailed guidelines on school closure and resumption. He hoped that a recurrence of the tragedy in 2003 could be avoided with implementation of various measures.

22. Ms Natalie TSUI expressed the following views: (i) her constituency was near the XRL station. She was dissatisfied that the XRL station had only required incoming visitors to complete a health declaration form just now; (ii) the Government should distribute face masks and provide antiseptic handrub at immigration control points; (iii) the Mainland had already closed a number of control points, so she did not understand why Hong Kong had not closed its border; and (iv) cleaning in the district should be carried out properly, and education of citizens and restaurants should be strengthened, including cleaning of places with 1:49 bleach. Disinfection of public places should be enhanced, including cleaning of lift buttons every two hours, placement of sanitising floor mats, enhanced disinfection of public toilets, etc.

23. Mr CHU Kong-wai expressed the following views: (i) he strongly supported allocating the funding promptly; and (ii) the Government should act as a role model to teach citizens how to carry out epidemic prevention in the community properly. For example, government officers, outsourced cleaners, security staff, etc. should wear a face mask in public places.

24. Mr CHUNG Chak-fai expressed the following views: (i) he supported the allocation of funding for purchasing anti-epidemic supplies and hoped that the procurement could complete as soon as possible; (ii) despite having a small population of over 300 000, YTM District had a very large incoming mobile population. The allocation of $1.2 million for purchasing supplies might not be able to meet the needs of residents and the mobile population, so the YTMDC should consider the actual operation; (iii) he hoped that the Government could publicise the correct information on epidemic prevention through various channels, including electronic media. Some incorrect information had been spread on the Internet from time to time. Such problem, if not dealt with, would worsen the situation; (iv) the Government should install handrub dispensers at all public facilities; (v) as the largest public transport carrier in Hong Kong, the MTR had a large daily patronage and could spread diseases easily. He hoped it would provide face masks to passengers in need; and (vi) the epidemic prevention measures at control points should be strengthened. Apart from the implementation of health declaration, promotional leaflets should also be distributed to tourists to raise their awareness on epidemic prevention.

25. Mr Lucifer SIU enquired whether the Government could provide a table showing the

- 7 - cost-effectiveness of various promotion and education initiatives to facilitate Councillors’ decision on the priority of funding arrangements.

26. Mr LEE Wai-fung expressed the following views: (i) he agreed with Mr CHUNG Chak-fai that the YTMDC’s allocation might not have a very significant effect, and proper implementation of epidemic prevention measures by the Government was of most importance. That’s why the YTMDC had already raised its concern and suggestions about the issue at the first meeting; (ii) he hoped that the procurement could be conducted as soon as possible upon approval of funding by the YTMDC. If necessary, the procurement could be conducted in batches, so that members of the public could get face masks, hand sanitiser and other basic supplies as soon as possible; and (iii) the most important things were to raise public awareness on epidemic prevention and let citizens know there were sufficient anti-epidemic supplies for their use in the market.

27. Ms Natalie TSUI suggested the Government regulate the selling price of face masks, so that members of the public could still buy face masks in these difficult times.

28. The Chairman thanked the Environmental Improvement Campaign Organising Committee for its follow-up after the approval of funding by the YTMDC. The Organising Committee would also take into account the views expressed by Councillors just now. He hoped that the arrangements could be implemented promptly.

29. Mrs ARON Laura Liang responded as follows:

(i) The YTMDO would relay Councillors’ views to the relevant departments for consideration.

(ii) The YTMDC did not need to allocate funding for matters that should be the responsibility of relevant departments, such as the improvement to the hygiene of markets and public toilets managed by the FEHD and the provision of handrub dispensers as suggested by Councillors. Such matters should be referred to the FEHD for follow-up. As for the provision of handrub dispensers and other equipment in schools, the matter would be referred to the EDB for communicating with schools.

(iii) Regarding the YTMDC’s plan to allocate funding for the procurement of anti-epidemic supplies, as similar procurements were conducted by a number of organisations at the same time, pressure would be generated on prices and the time needed for procurement. The YTMDO had preliminarily understood from the relevant suppliers that a number of District Councils had already ordered from them. Moreover, since factories would cease to operate during Lunar New Year, there would be a delay in goods delivery. She hoped Councillors would consider whether it was really necessary to make a bulk purchase at this time.

(iv) If the YTMDC had higher requirements for the goods (e.g. origin) in addition to the required compliance with basic specifications, the time needed for procurement would also be affected. This could be considered by the Organising Committee when taking follow-up actions.

- 8 - (v) Recently, the Consumer Council had also provided the relevant information for reference by the public. Councillors might also disseminate such information through their local networks.

(vi) As regards Councillors’ suggestion of producing publicity materials with the funding, the Government had in fact already set up a dedicated webpage to disseminate the information about public hygiene and fighting the virus. Compared with self-production by the YTMDC, relaying the Government’s information would be faster and more accurate, and updated information on the pandemic could also be provided.

(vii) Councillors’ enquiry about the guidelines on major public events had been relayed to the Department of Health (“DH”) by the YTMDO. She believed that the department would follow up.

(viii) The YTMDO would reflect to the relevant departments the Councillors’ suggestion that government officers and outsourced workers should act as role models.

(ix) The YTMDO would relay to the relevant departments the Councillors’ suggestion of carrying out anti-epidemic work and publicity in the district in collaboration with government departments. The YTMDO would also provide assistance if necessary.

30. The Chairman said that the Vice-chairman had moved a motion in YTMDC Paper No. 33/2020. As the content of the original motion had not included the funding allocation, ----- the Vice-chairman now amended his motion as follows (Annex 1):

“Request that District Council allocate $1.2 million for epidemic prevention in the community, including but not limited to the purchase of face masks, hand sanitiser, hand-washing machines and the relevant implementation expenses, or community cleaning, etc.”

The seconders were: The Chairman, Mr Leslie CHAN, Mr CHAN Tsz-wai, Mr Leo CHU, Mr Ben LAM, Mr LEE Kwok-kuen, Mr LEE Wai-fung, Mr LI Owan, the Hon James TO, Mr TSANG Tsz-ming and Ms Suzanne WU.

31. The Chairman asked Councillors to vote on the amended motion.

32. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming requested to vote by open ballot. There was no objection.

(Post-meeting note: Only 18 Councillors were in the conference room. The Chairman did not vote.)

33. The voting result: 17 votes for the amended motion (i.e. the Vice-chairman, Mr Leslie CHAN, Mr CHAN Tsz-wai, Mr CHU Kong-wai, Mr Leo CHU, Mr CHUNG Chak-fai, Mr Isaac HO, Mr Derek HUNG, Mr Ben LAM, Mr LEE Kwok-kuen, Mr LEE Wai-fung, Mr LI Owan, Mr Lucifer SIU, the Hon James TO, Mr TSANG Tsz-ming, Ms Natalie TSUI and Ms Suzanne WU). 0 vote against it. 0 abstained.

- 9 - 34. The Chairman declared that the amended motion was passed. He thanked the representatives of the YTMDO for joining the discussion on this item.

Item 2: Discussion on Request That Government Departments Concerned Make Every Effort to Protect Hong Kong Citizens and Be Well Prepared for Wuhan Pneumonia and Other Highly Infectious Diseases (YTMDC Paper No. 34/2020)

35. The Chairman invited Councillors to discuss YTMDC Paper No. 34/2020.

36. Mr LI Owan provided supplementary information on the paper. He would like to take this opportunity to indicate his stance at the District Council level and reflect to the Government that the YTMDC and the public were very concerned about this issue. He urged the Government to deal with the pandemic as soon as possible with a positive attitude. The Government must be vigilant against the spread of the disease in Hong Kong and respond to citizens’ demands proactively with substantive actions.

37. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming provided supplementary information on the paper and expressed the following views: (i) he requested to temporarily stop public transport from entering the area of West Kowloon Station. He had received complaints from transport operators. For instance, minibus route No.13 had planned to avoid entering West Kowloon Station temporarily to free passengers from worries. However, the TD had opposed it and forced the operator to follow the original route to enter West Kowloon Station. The operator’s licence would be affected in case of non-compliance. In addition, West Kowloon Station was a bus hub in the district, which was the terminus of routes such as No. 268X. As it was a control point connecting to the Mainland, he was worried that the citizens waiting for buses there would be easily infected; (ii) West Kowloon Station should be closed; (iii) immediate isolation, compulsory declaration and compulsory health check should be imposed on the people coming from the Mainland; (iv) immigrants must complete a health declaration form; and (v) major celebrations should be cancelled. In fact, some events had already been cancelled recently because of the pandemic, which he welcomed. Yet, a number of major events would continue to be held, like the Chinese New Year Raceday. He hoped the relevant authorities would consider cancelling the events.

38. Mr LEE Wai-fung provided supplementary information on the paper. He was concerned about certain re-routings by some minibus operators aiming at ensuring the safety of drivers. In fact, social movements had recently taken place at night from time to time in YTM District, during which minibuses would also change their routes to strive to maintain operation. The TD had had no comment on it at that time. He did not understand why the TD had opposed the current re-routing of minibuses in response to the pandemic. Minibus operators were worried about the safety of their staff and passengers. If the TD put too much pressure, some drivers might refuse to work and operators might even suspend the service of whole routes, causing a bigger impact on transport services.

39. Mr Ben LAM provided supplementary information on the paper and expressed the following views: (i) “Incompetent Government, Community Self-rescue”. The YTMDC considered that the Government basically lacked the determination to fight this tough war, which was one of the reasons why the YTMDC allocated $1.2 million for epidemic prevention. They were not asking for a complete ban on the entry and exit of visitors; (ii) he

- 10 - was dissatisfied that despite there had been confirmed cases in Hong Kong, the CE still visited Switzerland, which was divorced from reality; (iii) he was dissatisfied that the Government had been refusing to require immigrants to complete a health declaration form; (iv) he considered that the Government’s fault had caused the arrival of a sick Mainland tourist in Hong Kong, who had stayed in a hotel and even travelled from Hong Kong to Manila in the Philippines afterwards. The second confirmed patient had also stayed in a hotel. The virus had spread in the community; (v) he requested the Government to strengthen its cordon lines to prevent the penetration of the virus. The most basic measures included closure of the XRL station. The epidemic situation in the Mainland was very serious, and a large number of people were travelling between Mainland China and Hong Kong every day by the XRL; and (vi) apart from the XRL, consideration should also be given to suspending the operation of other cross-border transport, such as cross-border coaches, as the arrival of a large number of Mainland tourists in Hong Kong would increase the risk of disease outbreak in Hong Kong.

40. Mr Leo CHU provided supplementary information on the paper, and said that YTMDC Members and the general public were very disappointed with the Government’s lack of awareness. Human beings never learned a lesson from history. He now felt very fortunate that a pan-democratic Councillor had earlier applied for a judicial review, which had caused the suspension of the anti-mask law. Some officials such as Mr Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, Prof Sophia CHAN Siu-chee and the Director of Health had still refused to wear a face mask, he was unsure whether it was caused by the Government’s worry about losing the lawsuit. If even senior officials were unwilling to wear a face mask, how could they act as role models for citizens and fight the virus with the citizens. He was very disappointed with this.

41. Mr Leslie CHAN provided supplementary information on the paper and expressed the following views: (i) some officials of government departments, who had come back after visiting Wuhan, had not worn a face mask even when feeling unwell. The performance of Prof Sophia CHAN Siu-chee in the fight against the virus was particularly disappointing, because senior officials should act as role models, so that citizens would know that they must wear a face mask; (ii) the Mainland often concealed information, but it was willing to announce the epidemic situation this time, so we could see that the situation had become very serious; (iii) although the Hong Kong Tourism Board had cancelled the carnival in West Kowloon, many major events would still be held, such as Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair. This event involved the gathering of a large number of elderly people and crowds, causing possible concern over public safety. The Police should not issue a Letter of No Objection regarding the event.

42. Mrs ARON Laura Liang responded that she had earlier briefed Councillors on the Government’s anti-epidemic measures. The YTMDO would also relay Councillors’ views to the relevant departments.

43. The Hon James TO expressed the following views: (i) different priorities should be given to different matters. Although it might not make a big difference, the CE should come back to Hong Kong from Switzerland immediately because of the pandemic; and (ii) in this key moment, the CE still thought that promoting Hong Kong in Switzerland was more important than fighting the virus and had not returned earlier. He considered that it was not a demonstration of responsibility, and believed that the Central Government would also feel strange seeing it. Although the handling of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance had been

- 11 - messy, members of the public had nonetheless considered Mrs Carrie LAM possessed higher administration ability than Mr Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung. He was dissatisfied that the CE had not returned earlier to deal with the pandemic.

44. The Vice-chairman raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he agreed with the Hon James TO. Fighting the virus was a livelihood issue and was irrelevant to political stance. The CE had been claiming that she had been dedicated to people’s livelihood, but she was still staying in Switzerland and did not want to come back. How could she handle the problem given that she was not in Hong Kong; (ii) he asked whether the MTRCL would close West Kowloon Station and carry out a large-scale cleansing operation at West Kowloon Station and the nearby Austin Station; (iii) he hoped that the organisations concerned would cancel major events, such as Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair. As it was very likely that this virus was transmitted through respiratory droplets, the large-scale pun choi feast to be held during the Temple Fair could easily spread the virus. The objective of the Temple Fair was to pray for everyone’s safety. If any participant contracted the disease because of the event, it would go against the intent.

45. Mr LI Owan said, “The incompetent administration brought in the virus. All Hong Kong citizens fight the virus for self-rescue.” He could not imagine that these 16 words would be spoken at a YTMDC meeting. There would soon be an outbreak of Wuhan Pneumonia in Hong Kong, but the Government reacted slowly. Even though the acting CE, Mr Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, and Prof Sophia CHAN Siu-chee had coughed continuously at a media session, they had used other excuses to not wear a face mask. If a person who claimed to have come from Wuhan coughed on the street, the person would surely trigger strong reaction from the people close to him/her. The problem had become very serious, so he strived to ensure the safety of the residents in YTM District at the District Council level. He sincerely appealed to government departments to respond promptly, instead of only taking measures which treated the symptoms but not the root cause.

46. Ms Natalie TSUI expressed the following views: (i) a lockdown had already been imposed on areas in the vicinity of Wuhan, so she hoped Hong Kong would close the XRL station; (ii) the present situation was even more serious than that of the atypical pneumonia in 2003 and continued to deteriorate. However, even face masks were either very expensive or in short supply, how then could the public fight the virus; and (iii) the occupancy rate of public hospitals had reached 120% and healthcare workers were working under extremely dangerous conditions. The Government should protect healthcare workers and temporarily reduce the number of incoming Mainland residents, so as to give healthcare workers and Hong Kong people a chance to take a breath.

47. Mr Derek HUNG said that the cases that had been confirmed now had clearly been imported through West Kowloon Station of the XRL. He had mentioned in his paper submitted for the second YTMDC meeting that West Kowloon Station of the XRL had been close to residential buildings and the residents would be the first to be affected. He expressed his great worry that the virus would spread in the vicinity. The Government should carry out a comprehensive enhancement to the quarantine and monitoring of sea, land and air transport. Temporary closure of stations was worth considering as well.

48. The Chairman said that although no representatives from other government departments attended today’s meeting, he believed that DO would fully reflect to the relevant departments the Councillors’ views. He continued that Mr LI Owan had moved the

- 12 - following motion in YTMDC Paper No. 34/2020:

49. The Chairman said that Mr TSANG Tsz-ming had moved an amended motion ----- (Annex 2) in respect of the original motion. The seconders were: The Chairman, the Vice-chairman, Mr Leslie CHAN, Mr CHAN Tsz-wai, Mr CHU Kong-wai, Mr Leo CHU, Mr Isaac HO, Mr Ben LAM, Mr LEE Kwok-kuen, Mr LEE Wai-fung, Ms Natalie TSUI and Ms Suzanne WU. The content of the amended motion was as follow:

“The Yau Tsim Mong District Council requests various departments of the SAR Government to immediately raise awareness and take all anti-epidemic measures carefully to prevent the spread of Wuhan Pneumonia (novel coronavirus) in Hong Kong territory and protect the residents in Yau Tsim Mong. Such measures should include compulsory quarantine, isolation arrangement, requirement on immigrants to complete health declaration forms, temporary closure of West Kowloon Station of the XRL, and implementation of all measures to ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of the roads and streets in the district, in particular the hygiene of private roads; to initiate suspension of classes for schools in the district to prevent the spread of the virus; and suspension of major celebrations.”

50. The Chairman asked Councillors to vote on the amended motion.

51. Mr LI Owan requested to vote by open ballot. There was no objection.

(Post-meeting note: Only 17 Councillors were in the conference room. The Chairman did not vote.)

52. The voting result: 16 votes for the amended motion (i.e. the Vice-chairman, Mr Leslie CHAN, Mr CHAN Tsz-wai, Mr CHU Kong-wai, Mr Leo CHU, Mr Isaac HO, Mr Derek HUNG, Mr Ben LAM, Mr LEE Kwok-kuen, Mr LEE Wai-fung, Mr LI Owan, Mr Lucifer SIU, the Hon James TO, Mr TSANG Tsz-ming, Ms Natalie TSUI and Ms Suzanne WU). 0 vote against it. 0 abstained.

53. The Chairman declared that the amended motion was passed. He thanked the representatives of the YTMDO for joining the discussion on this item.

Item 3: Any Other Business (1) Funding Application Form

54. The Secretary indicated that, in response to the YTMDC’s endorsement of the allocation of $1.2 million for purchasing anti-epidemic packs, covering the relevant implementation expenses, carrying out community cleaning, etc., the Environmental

- 13 - Improvement Campaign Organising Committee under the YTMDC had formally submitted a funding application form to facilitate the follow-up of procurement and other related work. Copies of the application form were on the conference table. She asked Councillors to consider and approve the application.

55. Mr Derek HUNG said that, in order to procure the necessary supplies as soon as possible, he suggested adopting the time of delivery as the prime consideration in choosing suppliers, followed by price. The origin and manufacturer were rather secondary considerations.

56. Councillors present at the meeting unanimously endorsed the funding application after consideration.

(2) Suggestion for Appointment to Regional Advisory Committee of Hospital Authority

57. The Chairman said that the Secretariat had received an email from the Hospital Authority (“HA”) on 22 January 2020, in which the HA had invited the YTMDC to nominate one Councillor to join its Kowloon Regional Advisory Committee. The letter was on the conference table. The Chairman invited Councillors to discuss the appropriate nominee.

58. Mr Leslie CHAN nominated Ms Natalie TSUI. Mr CHAN Tsz-wai supported.

59. Ms Natalie TSUI accepted the nomination.

60. The Vice-chairman asked whether the meetings of the committee were conducted in English.

61. The Secretary said that she had to ask the responsible person and would give a reply later.

(Post-meeting note: According to the reply of the HA’s responsible person, the meetings were mainly conducted in Cantonese.)

62. Ms Natalie TSUI indicated that conducting the meetings in English would not cause her any difficulties.

63. The Secretary added that the HA would proceed with the appointment according to the established procedure upon receiving the nomination from the YTMDC.

64. Mr LI Owan asked whether the HA had the power to not appoint the person nominated by Councillors.

65. The Chairman said it was correct in theory.

66. The Hon James TO thought that even if the meetings of the committee were conducted in English, it would not cause any problems. The YTMDC might go ahead with the nomination, so long as the YTMDC considered that the Councillor was the appropriate person to be a member of the committee because of the Councillor’s professional background, knowledge, understanding on the community or other reasons. Moreover, the YTMDC did

- 14 - not need to consider what criteria would be used by the relevant authority in deciding whether to appoint the person nominated by the YTMDC.

67. There was no other nomination. The Chairman asked whether Councillors agreed to nominate Ms Natalie TSUI as a member of the Kowloon Regional Advisory Committee of the HA. No objection was raised.

68. There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 4:02 p.m.

Yau Tsim Mong District Council Secretariat February 2020

- 15 - Only Chinese version is available Annex 1 Only Chinese version is available Annex 2