The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, visited the anti-epidemic kit distribution centre located at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) headquarters today (March 10) to encourage members of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the ICAC to overcome challenges ahead and mobilise manpower from all fronts to step up the distribution of the anti-epidemic kits.
 
     Accompanied by the ICAC Commissioner, Mr Simon Peh, Mr Sit inspected the distribution centre to learn about its operation. The ICAC has deployed substantial manpower to support the anti-epidemic work and contributes to Hong Kong's effort in fighting against the virus with its efficiency, professionalism, strong resilience and team spirit.
 
     The OGCIO has started distributing anti-epidemic kits to confirmed patients pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities and their household members in accordance with the Centre for Health Protection's instructions since late February this year to provide them with anti-epidemic supplies and relevant support during the waiting period. The kits are delivered outside each household and contain supplies such as rapid antigen test kits and thermometers. The anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicine "Lianhua Qingwen Jiaonang" is also newly added to the kits and will be distributed to the confirmed patients as well.
 
     "I would like to thank the ICAC for setting up the distribution centre. Over 100 colleagues were mobilised at its peak to work side by side with the OGCIO to cope with the challenges arising from the rapid surge in the number of infected persons and the huge increase in demand of the anti-epidemic kits. In addition to the help from the ICAC, post-retirement service contract staff and members of the tourism industry also participated. The OGCIO is committed to engaging more service providers including logistics companies and logistics platforms with a fleet of vehicles, with a view to increasing the delivery rate so that the kits can reach the people as soon as possible. With the unremitting efforts of the OGCIO, the kits were distributed to over 20,000 households with around 50,000 people yesterday (March 9)," Mr Sit said.
 
     "In view of the severity of the fifth wave of the epidemic, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been taking all necessary measures to stabilise the epidemic situation and make this the most imminent mission. All bureaux and departments have been fully committed to the anti-epidemic work, and with our concerted efforts and everyone working as a team, we can cope with the challenges brought about by the epidemic together. At this difficult juncture, Hong Kong must stay united and do our best in overcoming the epidemic. With the powerful backing and staunch support from our country, and the public remains confident and united in fighting the virus, I am sure Hong Kong can win the anti-epidemic battle."

Ends/Thursday, March 10, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:16

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