Anti-epidemic Fund allowance supporting frontline cleansing and security workers to be rolled out
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     A government spokesman today (Mar 20) said that bureaux and departments and the Hong Kong Housing Authority ("HA") are approaching service contractors under their appointment to appeal for their assistance in transferring the monthly allowance of $1,000 under the Anti-epidemic Fund to frontline cleansing workers, toilet attendants and security workers.

     Being one of the measures under the Anti-epidemic Fund, the allowance aims at supporting frontline cleansing workers, toilet attendants and security workers employed by service contractors of the Government and HA in anti-epidemic efforts.  Eligible frontline workers will receive a monthly allowance of $1,000 for a period of no less than four months.  The Government and HA are now working with their contractors to confirm implementation details and enter into agreements, so that the contractors can transfer the monthly allowance to eligible workers.

     The Government spokesman emphasised, "Frontline workers are not required to submit any application to the Government for the allowance.  Our target is to effect payments for the first round of the monthly allowance to the contractors by the end of this month, and for contractors to transfer the allowance to their eligible employees."

     The Government spokesman extended appreciation to relevant contractors for their proactive assistance in transferring the allowance, so that frontline workers would benefit as soon as possible.  Contractors may direct enquiries to the government departments and/or HA by which they are appointed.

     In view of the development of the epidemic, outsourced cleansing workers and toilet attendants have been rendering assistance in the enhanced cleansing and disinfection of premises and public areas of the Government and HA, so as to upkeep good environmental hygiene.  Outsourced security workers have been maintaining frequent contacts with the general public as part of their duties.  The allowance disbursed under the Anti-epidemic Fund gives recognition to these outsourced frontline workers for their committed services provided at this critical juncture, and seeks to support their anti-epidemic efforts.
     

Ends/Friday, March 20, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:16

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