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Together we fight the disease

Today is the second day of the Chinese New Year. While sending our best wishes to our friends and relatives at the beginning of the New Year, cases of novel coronavirus infection were confirmed in Hong Kong. The spread of the virus in the Mainland and Hong Kong in the past week has added a lot of worries to us during the festive period. Doing our best to prevent and fight the disease together is the most important task at this stage.

Just like the uncertainties brought by the complex and changing external environment to the economy, the variables and unknown developments in the spread of the virus also pose a major impact on the society and people's livelihood. In facing these challenges, we need to have a comprehensive assessment of the "worst-case scenario". At the same time, we should adopt a positive attitude, prepare and implement response plans, and strive to control and contain the impact.

The Chief Executive announced yesterday that she would personally lead the inter-departmental Steering Committee cum Command Centre to mobilize the society and government departments to join hands in tackling the disease. Looking back, everytime when we faced challenges, we were able to get through the crisis by having comprehensive and scientific assessment, full implementation of formulated countermeasures, close monitoring of the development, and calm response to changes. The new virus has a longer incubation period and cold weather is conducive to its survival, so the spreading may not be easily and quickly stopped. The government will stay alert and do its best to coordinate the response, maintain openness and transparency, and tackle the disease with our people. In this difficult times, we hope that everyone will work together to fight the battle.

We are also closely monitoring the possible economic impact of the evolving disease. Hong Kong’s economy has showed decline since mid last year and has not yet recovered from the violent attacks in the past months. The current virus attack makes things go from bad to worse. As the situation is still evolving, it is difficult to assess the extent of its impact on the economy for now. We will closely monitor the developments and put in place necessary and timely measures to alleviate the economic pressure on our society.

During this unusual festive period, I hope everyone can stay more at home and travel less and enjoy the time with your family. In this year of the Rat, may I wish you all a year full of health and blessings.

26, January 2020