Government expresses gratitude to Mainland's goodwill in supporting Hong Kong's fight against epidemic and making donations
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A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, "The HKSAR Government is very grateful to the care and support offered by the warmhearted Central Authorities, provinces, autonomous regions, as well as community organisations and individuals in relation to the HKSAR's anti-epidemic efforts during this difficult time. This is a clear demonstration of the Chinese spirit that 'when one place suffers misfortune, help comes from all quarters'."
While the HKSAR Government is thankful to the support offered by various sectors, it would not be appropriate for the Government to receive cash donations as a matter of principle. The Government will handle the donations along the following principles:
(i) The donating associations or enterprises can directly approach enthusiastic local associations or any charitable organisations recognised by the Social Welfare Department (SWD). The HKSAR Government will be pleased to assist in doing the matching as needed.
(ii) If the donated items are already on the list of medical supplies which the HKSAR Government has sought assistance from the Central Government, the task force of ensuring medical supplies of the two sides will co-ordinate on the handling. If the donated items are not on the list, the donating association or enterprise can approach any enthusiastic local associations, or any SWD-recognised charitable organisations themselves for the latter to arrange to distribute the donated items to members of the public in need.
So far, the items donated by various sectors in the Mainland include 1.41 million sets of rapid antigen test (RAT) kits, 0.3 million masks, 11 000 protective gowns, 2 200 hospital beds, and cash donations of $15 million. The HKSAR Government again expressed sincere gratitude to them.
Besides, in view that the cross-boundary transport at the land boundary control points between Guangdong and Hong Kong is already under pressure, it would help ease the overall pressure of the HKSAR in cross-boundary transport if the donated items can be shipped to Hong Kong via air or sea routes.
Ends/Sunday, March 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 22:03
Issued at HKT 22:03
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