Government employees fully committed to anti-epidemic efforts
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The spokesman said that in view of the rapid development of the epidemic, in order to take the lead to reduce the flow of people and social contact in the community and curb the spread of virus in the community, the Government expanded the special work arrangements for government employees from February 4 onwards and maintained emergency services and essential public services to release manpower for anti-epidemic work. All government employees, whether they have been arranged to work in the office or otherwise, should stand ready at all times and participate in anti-epidemic work when called upon by their departments, no matter what their original/usual duties are. As a team serving the people of Hong Kong, all government employees should accord top priority to fight against the epidemic.
"To cope with the past four waves of the epidemic, the Government has mobilised over 70 000 staff members to participate in various anti-epidemic operations. Containing the fifth wave of the epidemic is now of paramount importance to the Government. Over the past several weeks, bureaux and departments swiftly mobilised a large amount of manpower to launch various anti-epidemic measures, including large-scale 'restriction-testing declaration' operations, contact tracing, assistance in the issuing of quarantine orders, distribution of wristbands and support for call centres for persons subject to home quarantine," the spokesman said.
"The Government appeals to members of the public for their understanding on the inconvenience caused by the reduction in public services in view of the epidemic. Individual departments, having regard to the latest demand for their services, will make suitable arrangements and announcements separately. To reduce the flow of people in government buildings and offices, members of the public are encouraged as far as possible to use means such as the post, drop-in boxes or online channels to receive the services they need. Meanwhile, members of the public should wear surgical masks at all times when they are entering or are present in any government buildings or offices, and comply with the infection control and social distancing measures implemented by relevant departments including the use of the 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile app, temperature checks and crowd control arrangements."
The spokesman strongly appeals to all employers in Hong Kong to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible so as to drastically reduce the flow of people and social contact in the community and to slow down the spread of the virus as much as possible.
Ends/Thursday, February 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:55
Issued at HKT 17:55
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