In response to the latest development of the spread of the novel coronavirus, Hongkong Post announced today (February 21) the arrangements on postal services from February 24 to March 1.

     The volume of inbound mail has sustained at a high level since early February. Hongkong Post has all along been prioritising the handling of Speedpost items containing surgical masks and will have delivered approximately 50 000 such items by this week. It is estimated that we would have delivered more than 120 000 such items since after the Lunar Year until this weekend. Hongkong Post has entirely resumed mail delivery service (including Speepost) from Monday through Saturday since mid last week to cater for the public needs. Hongkong Post will continue to uphold the principle of according top priority for the delivery of surgical masks, committing ourselves to keep our delivery service in order. We aim to take our full strength to have all inbound items of surgical masks delivered to the hands of the public within the following week. We will also continue with the practice of calling recipients prior to delivery to ascertain their choice for door delivery or collection from post office.

     All post offices will continue to open from 11am to 3pm from Monday to Friday and 9:30am to 1pm on Saturday, during which all forms of counter services will be available (mobile post office services will be suspended). Mail collection from posting boxes will be maintained on alternate days.

     As the opening hours of post offices have been shortened, members of the public requiring counter services may expect a longer waiting time. Meanwhile, services for inbound and outbound mail may be subject to delays due to the reduction in the flight frequencies of airlines. Members of the public are advised to visit the Hongkong Post website ( www.hongkongpost.hk/tc/about_us/whats_new/service_delay_suspension/index.html) for the latest updates.
Hongkong Post will review the arrangements on postal services from time to time and make necessary adjustments taking into account the mail volume.

     For further enquiries, please call the Hongkong Post Enquiry Hotline at 2921 2222.

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, welcomed the passage of the funding application for the Anti-epidemic Fund by the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (February 21).

     "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to LegCo Members for their support and approval of the funding application for the $30 billion Anti-epidemic Fund to achieve the objective of fighting the disease together to ride out these difficult times. All relevant bureaux will spare no efforts in implementing various measures as pledged and try to ease procedures so as to benefit enterprises and members of the public as soon as possible. The Government is pleased to submit a quarterly report to LegCo on the implementation of every measure.

     "The Government will continue to assess the impact of the epidemic on society and listen to comments from all sectors, while introducing more support measures as necessary. The Financial Secretary will announce the 2020-2021 Budget next Wednesday (February 26) and will introduce measures as in the past to support the economy and relieve people's burden.

     "In addition to the assistance provided by the Government, I appeal again to all sectors in society to stand united in this difficult time and support each other with the spirit of mutual care and assistance to prevail in this challenging period."

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (February 21) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lady MacLehose.

     "Lady MacLehose took an active part in public and community service during her stay in Hong Kong, showing care for people in the community. She was the Chairperson of the Community Chest between 1971 and 1976. She also rendered tremendous support to children and adults with disabilities to unleash their potential to the greatest extent and build up confidence through horse riding. She founded the Riding for the Disabled Association in 1975 and later facilitated the establishment of the riding school at Pok Fu Lam to promote the activity.

     "I am saddened by the passing of Lady MacLehose. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family," Mrs Lam said.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (February 21) appeals to members of the public to stay alert against fraudulent act to collect information and request for quotations on behalf of HA.

     The HA has recently received reports from some suppliers that fraudulent emails from HA were received with fake supplier registration application form, inviting individual companies to register as HA supplier and request for quotations.
      
     Companies interested in becoming an HA supplier should obtain the necessary information and download the supplier registration application form on the HA official website (www.ha.org.hk), instead of obtaining these information from other channels. 
      
     The HA has referred the incident to the police for further investigation. At the same time, the public is reminded that the email sent by HA ends with "@ha.org.hk", and appeals to members of the public to be vigilant towards fraudulent emails.

     To tie in with the Government's announcement on the extension of the special work arrangements for government departments until March 1, a spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (February 21) that the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing) will continue to receive building control applications related to building plan submissions under the Building Ordinance and the specified forms and supporting documents required to be submitted under the Minor Works Control System, the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme. Applicants can place their submissions in the drop-in box located at 8/F, Lung Cheung Office Block, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, from 10am to 4pm during the period from February 24 to 28 (Monday to Friday). The ICU will issue receipts/acknowledgements of the submissions in due course.

     For emergency reports and general enquiries, people may call 1823 or inform the ICU by email, fax or post:

Email: icuebt@hd.gov.hk

Mailing address: 8/F, Lung Cheung Office Block, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon

Fax: 3162 0069

     Furthermore, appeal hearings on terminations of tenancy agreements scheduled for February 26, 27 and 28 will be rescheduled. The Secretariat of the Appeal Panel (Housing) will inform the parties concerned separately.