The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     Apart from providing affordable housing to low-income families, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) also cares for special needs of elderly tenants. The latest initiative is the extension of the subsidy for the Emergency Alarm System (EAS) to cover mobile devices.
 
     "A traditional EAS installation consists of a main unit connected to a fixed telephone line. With the enhancement of the EAS Grant, elderly tenants can now choose from various mobile EAS products, including EAS mobile phones and watches, a mobile app for smart phones and other products, on top of the traditional products," a spokesman for the HA said today (February 14).
 
     The EAS is a 24-hour support service provided by commercial or non-governmental organisations for individuals who may press the alarm button for assistance in case of emergencies.
 
     To encourage more elderly tenants, particularly those living alone to use the facility, the HA has been providing a one-off EAS Grant for the installation cost up to a maximum of $2,500 to eligible elderly tenants on a reimbursement basis. As of now, more than 21 000 applications have been approved.
 
     "Noting the rapid technological development and popularity of mobile devices, and the emergence of various types of EAS products like mobile phones and app for smart phones, the HA enhanced the EAS Grant to include mobile EAS devices and relevant service charges," the spokesman said.
 
     "The Grant to cover mobile devices would be particularly welcomed by elderly residents who may not want to keep a fixed telephone line," the spokesman added.
 
     Eligible households may approach the respective estate/interim housing offices for enquiries. 

Ends/Sunday, February 14, 2021
Issued at HKT 11:00

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