One-off Ex-gratia Cash Allowance for Local Confirmed COVID-19 Patients
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
Social Welfare Department
7-10/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Email: dsw@swd.gov.hk
CC: cso@cso.gov.hk, slwo@lwb.gov.hk
To: Mr. Gordon Leung Chung-tai, Director of Social Welfare
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Social Welfare Department
February 26, 2022
Dear Director Leung,
One-off Ex-gratia Cash Allowance for Local Confirmed COVID-19 Patients
I am writing on behalf of our association to address the recently announced cash allowance for COVID-19 patients.
- On February 25, 2022, the government announced its decision to accept positive COVID-19 test results following an online declaration submitted to the authorities, utilizing rapid testing methods.
- Many individuals who received positive test results found themselves unable to access treatment at government hospitals. In response to this challenge, the government has initiated the "Stay Home Safe" Scheme enabling citizens to stay at home as a means to fight the virus and help avoid straining the healthcare system.
- Additionally, Mr. Mofiz Chan, the author of this letter, has yet to receive a report regarding his nucleic acid test submitted to the government, despite it being over a week since the submission. He has also attempted to report online for two consecutive days but has not been contacted by any government representatives.
- The second criterion for qualifying for this cash allowance specifies that "currently employed individuals without paid sick leave, as well as self-employed individuals experiencing financial hardships due to hospitalization in a public facility for COVID-19 treatment," are eligible. In light of the current situation surrounding the three points outlined, numerous individuals fail to satisfy the eligibility requirements for application, which raises concerns about fairness.
- Is it possible to apply for the allowance if hospitalization is not necessary? For individuals who might be eligible, is it mandatory to undergo government testing to establish their eligibility? Furthermore, could this process elevate the risk of transmission?
- Falsifying a self-test result for $5,000 is ultimately not a wise decision, considering it necessitates a 14-day quarantine, which would likely result in an income loss exceeding $5,000.
For further discussion or inquiries, please contact me directly at () or reach out to Mr. Chan Chi-wah, our Industry Concern Director, at ().
Wishing you a serene spring season,
Wong Kwok-on David
Chairman
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association
CC:
Mr. John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Secretary for Administration
Dr. Law Chi-kwong, Secretary for Labour and Welfare