Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (May 9):
 
Reporter: Secretary, will you apologise for this...... Some people calling this a "PR disaster", and also some experts have expressed concerns about the safety of these masks, saying that it could be a problem if you inhale the copper particles. Does the Government have the safety report to prove that these masks will be safe to use even after it has been washed for like 60 times?
 
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology: Thank you for your question. For your second part of the question, I have to emphasise that all the products have been gone through a very comprehensive and very clear testing and certification process. The product can fully comply with the ASTM F2100 Level 1 requirement so that the product can fully meet the need to protect our people from COVID-19. I have to emphasise that this process must be done by proper laboratories. That's what we have done. For those people who may not have complete understanding about the product, you may visit our website and see the reports and certificates. I fully hope that this product can help our people to combat COVID-19. That’s what we would like to do.
 
Reporter: Sorry, my first question regarding whether you will apologise for this "PR disaster"......
 
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology: The major purpose of this project is to provide reusable masks to our people, the Hong Kong people and we have already fully meet our target. That's what we need to do and we have already done that. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, May 9, 2020
Issued at HKT 13:21

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