The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, visited three families in Sham Shui Po today (March 19) to understand the impacts of the epidemic on their daily life and send them face masks and anti-epidemic disinfectant packs. 

     In view of the tight global supply of face masks as a result of the epidemic outbreak, the Government has earlier announced that all face masks donated by various sectors to the government be sent to non-government organisations for their distribution to the elderly and underprivileged groups. The aim is to share resources with the community with a view to fighting the virus together. 

     Mr Nip today delivered the donated face masks to the Society for Community Organisation for sending to the elderly, underprivileged families and new arrivals in need.

     Mr Nip also paid visits to a singleton elderly and two new-arrival families, handing them masks, alcohol-based handrub and sanitary packs. He also explained to them the health tips to fight the disease. 

     Mr Nip said that mutual support from various sectors in the community is crucial in fighting the epidemic. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will keep up its anti-epidemic effort under the three major principles, i.e. speedy response, full preparedness as well as openness and transparency. He also appealed to the community to stay united regardless of backgrounds and races, and to always maintain personal hygiene, minimise social contacts and avoid non-essential travel in a joint effort to win this "anti-epidemic battle".  

Ends/Thursday, March 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 13:28

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