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Hong Kong rolls out fresh COVID relief of US$826M despite deficit

蘋果日報 2020/12/18 05:55


The Hong Kong government has committed HK$6.4 billion (US$826 million) in its latest round of COVID-19 relief measures, targeting the “hardest-hit” businesses and institutions, from massage parlors to kindergartens.
Some HK$5.5 billion has been designated for organisations embroiled in the latest wave of infections, with another HK$900 million reserved for emergency use, officials say.
The city has been suffering a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases since last month, with some 100 people falling ill with the coronavirus each day. Some of the strictest social distancing requirements have returned, including bans on nighttime dining and the closure of facilities such as gyms and beauty salons.
Critics are slagging off the authorities for failing to prevent the latest outbreak, caused by imported cases and exacerbated by the “dancing cluster,” involving dance venues that did not close as the virus continued to circulate in the community.
Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung on Thursday declined to say whether more rounds of relief measures could be expected.
Earlier, the city government insisted no more handouts would be made available after the implementation of three schemes that were set to lead to an unprecedented fiscal deficit this year, totaling some HK$300 billion. Cheung said the government had to change its mind because the pandemic had worsened.
A wide range of businesses and institutions are set to benefit from the fresh round of relief, including bathhouses, eateries, beauty salons, kindergartens, massage parlors and gyms. Businesses catering for schools will also be covered, such as meal providers and school bus operators.
The funding plan will be scrutinized in the Legislative Council next Monday. Cheung urged lawmakers to give their approval as quickly as possible for the benefit of the embattled businesses.
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