The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, today (March 4) extended his gratitude to China Overseas Holdings Limited and its subsidiary China State Construction International Holdings Limited for its donation of 1 200 hospital beds and assistance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to swiftly set up a community isolation facility (CIF) at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) to meet imminent needs.

     After his inspection of the newly installed isolation beds and ancillary facilities, Dr Law said at the donation ceremony, "After the KTCT's conversion into a CIF, it will receive frail elderly COVID-19 patients referred by the Hospital Authority for isolation and temporary care, with a view to alleviating pressure of public hospitals and providing care to the elderly. Amid the unprecedented threats of the epidemic, the supply of various anti-epidemic equipment remains tight. The caring donations from Chinese enterprises, coupled with the elderly service sector working in concert and unity, bring timely relief to our anti-epidemic work, for which we are deeply grateful."

     Managed by the Social Welfare Department, the isolation and holding centre with 1 200 hospital beds will be set up on the ground floor and the two check-in halls on the second floor of the KTCT. Dedicated service organisations will provide medical support and care services without charges. The hospital beds enable care staff to look after the elderly at the bedside, allowing them to take meals and medication safely and comfortably. In addition, the Government thanked the terminal operator for its full co-operation on the conversion works and other on-site support services. Upon completion of its ancillary facilities, the KTCT CIF will come into operation to receive elderly patients by phases.

     Dr Law stressed, "We are facing a very dire epidemic situation but we are determined to win the fight. The HKSAR Government will mobilise all available manpower and resources to make all-out efforts to save lives and protect our elderly."

Ends/Friday, March 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:59

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