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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold its meeting this Wednesday (October 15) at 2:30 pm in the Chamber of the Legislative Council. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on better contingency mechanism and preventive measures on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
The motion, to be moved by Hon Michael MAK, says:" That, in view of the possible resurgence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), this Council urges the Government to devise a better contingency mechanism and adopt preventive measures to safeguard public health and ensure that the spread of the disease can be effectively contained in case of an outbreak, with a view to minimizing the damage; these measures should include:
(a) enhancing the coordination and collaboration of the work of public and private medical institutions as well as residential care homes for the elderly in the treatment and prevention of SARS, and issuing standardized guidelines in this respect;
(b) providing sufficient and proper protective gears as well as infection control training to front-line health care workers to ensure that they work in a safe environment;
(c) expediting the construction of isolation facilities in public hospitals;
(d) establishing a clear mechanism for reporting confirmed and suspected SARS cases for public and private medical institutions;
(e) implementing primary health education more extensively in the community and at schools so as to enhance public understanding and awareness of infectious diseases;
(f) promoting continuously with all efforts the territory-wide participation in sustainable measures on public health and cleanliness; and
(g) vigorously enforcing quarantine and health measures at exit and entry points."
Hon CHAN Kwok-keung and Hon Mrs Sophie LEUNG will move amendments to Hon Michael Mak's motion separately.
Members will also debate a motion on boundary crossing arrangements for Mainlanders visiting Hong Kong individually. The motion, to be proposed by Hon Miriam LAU, states:" That, as the relaxation of restrictions on Mainlanders visiting Hong Kong individually has led to a substantial increase in the tourist arrivals from the Mainland, imposing heavy pressure on immigration and customs clearance at border control points, this Council urges the Government to expedite and implement the various boundary crossing infrastructural projects, upgrade the supporting facilities for immigration and customs clearance at border control points, and make flexible arrangements as well as deploy sufficient manpower for clearance processing at border control points, so as to facilitate the cross-boundary passenger flow to the fullest extent."
Hon James TO will move an amendment to Hon Miriam LAU's motion.
Meanwhile, Hon Miriam LAU will move a motion under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Regulation 2003, the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (Office of the Commission of the European Communities) Order, the Administration of Estates by Consular Officers Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2003, the Consular Conventions (Application of Section 3) Order, and the Statutes of the University of Hong Kong (Amendment) (No.2) Statutes 2003,laid on the table of the Legislative Council on 9 July 2003, to the meeting of 5 November 2003.
During the meeting, Members will ask the Government 20 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the Legislative Council InfoFax Service (Tel: 2869 9568) or the Legislative Council website (http://www.legco.gov.hk).
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber. They may reserve seats by calling 2869 9399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
End/Monday, October 13, 2003
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