Coronavirus: massive HK$30 billion relief package revealed as Hong Kong government plans to bail out struggling industries and fund the fight against deadly bugMore than half the funding will provide one-off to hard-hit industries including retail, food and drink, transport, arts and culture and tourism The rest will go toward Covid-19 combat measures, including enhanced mask production and support for the Hospital Authority
Another HK$10.19 billion would focus on the virus itself, with support given to the Hospital Authority; more investment in technology to boost local production of surgical masks; the purchase of more protective equipment; and aid for various sectors including property management staff, security guards and construction and cleaning workers in their fight against contagion.
Some of this funding would also be set aside for households of two public housing estates designated as temporary quarantine centres.
Chinatowns around the world feel effects of coronavirus fears
The two parts of the funding plus a 10 per cent buffer add up to about HK$30 billion.
Hong Kong NewsNewsletter
Get updates direct to your inbox
Since the outbreak worsened in January, 65 people in Hong Kong have been infected with the virus and two have died. Globally, more than 2,000 people have died since the outbreak began, and more than 75,000 have been infected – the vast majority in mainland China.
The intensifying public health crisis prompted the Hong Kong government to close all but three of its border checkpoints with mainland China. Only the airport, the Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge are still operating.
A total of 47 jurisdictions have issued travel advisories against visiting mainland China, while 28 included Hong Kong as well.
The badly hit taxi industry is in line for a handout. Photo: Sam Tsang
Flights have been cut and cruise tours cancelled while tourist arrivals have plunged to a trough even worse than the depth of the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) in 2003.
Of the funding, the Hospital Authority would receive HK$4.7 billion, which would cover subsidies to its 80,000 staff on rent, extra personal protective equipment and special allowances.
To boost mask production in Hong Kong, HK$1.5 billion would be earmarked for subsidising producers setting up a maximum of 20 production lines while the government was committed to buying 2 million masks a month for a year.
China urges recovered patients to donate plasma as Covid-19 death toll rises above 2,000
The government would spend HK$1 billion on the global procurement of personal protective equipment, including clothes.
As for sectors that had suffered a heavy toll from the outbreak, the city’s 70,000 retailers would share a total of HK$5.6 billion cash subsidy.
Those qualified were defined as “businesses which sell goods at a physical location mainly to the general public for personal/household consumption”, the government said. It said the retail sector employs about 267,000 workers.
For the city’s 28,000 food licence holders, a total of HK$3.73 billion was earmarked for two groups. Those that have a general restaurant licence, a marine restaurant licence or a canteen licence are eligible for a one-off grant of HK$200,000.
Holders of light refreshment licences, such as bakeries, food factories and siu mei or lo mei (Chinese cuisine), would be eligible for a cash grant of HK$80,000 each.
More money, more masks. Photo: Handout
Public transport providers would be subsidised with HK$3.23 billion altogether.
Students are to receive grants of HK$900 million for the 2020/21 academic year.
Tenants of technology hubs in Science Park in Tai Po and Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam would be subsidised with HK$380 million in rent.
The fund will be set up within a week following funding approval and the specific measures discussed would be implemented as a matter of priority. The measures were due to be discussed in a finance committee meeting on Friday.
“As the fight against the epidemic continues, we may identify further measures for enhancing our capability, and other sectors or types of individuals that need financial support or relief,” the document said.
“We therefore propose that some financial buffer be injected into the fund to serve as a ready source for prompt response to such needs.”
.... meanwhile Singapore is feeling inadequate!
COVID-19: Singapore to review support package if things do not improve
COVID-19: Hong Kong government announces relief package to help residents, businesses
