In view of the local epidemic situation and the need to reduce people flow and social contacts, a spokesman for the Government announced today (August 13) that the special work arrangement for government employees will be extended for one week until August 23. Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services, all other government employees will continue to work from home. In the coming week, government departments will closely monitor the development of the epidemic and keep the provision of various public services under review so as to make preparations for the gradual resumption of more services.

     "The special work arrangement has been implemented for almost a month. Taking into account the need to fight the virus for the whole community, the provision of many public services has been reduced to a various extent, or the waiting time for public services has been lengthened, or a longer time has been taken to complete the processing of the applications, which have affected and caused inconvenience to the public. We appeal for their understanding," the spokesman said. 

     "The fight against the virus is a prolonged exercise. In the coming week, we will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic and keep the provision of various public services under review. When the epidemic situation further stabilises, government departments will resume the provision of other basic public services gradually. Individual government departments will announce the latest arrangements of their services separately in due course."  

     The spokesman appealed to members of the public to use alternative means, such as the post, drop-in boxes or online channels to receive the services they need as much as possible. Meanwhile, members of the public should wear surgical masks at all times when they are entering or are present in any government buildings or offices, and comply with the infection control measures implemented by relevant departments including temperature checks and crowd control arrangements.

Ends/Thursday, August 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:53

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