The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo Non-official Members) visited the home quarantine monitoring centre of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) at Hong Kong City Hall this afternoon (April 15) to learn about the Government's use of innovation and technology to assist in the implementation of compulsory quarantine measures and to show support to staff who take part in anti-epidemic work.
The ExCo Non-official Members were first briefed by the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam, on the different technology solutions currently adopted for monitoring persons undergoing quarantine. These include electronic wristbands, mobile app, real-time location sharing function of communication software, video calls, geo-fencing technologies and big data analysis. Members noted that the OGCIO has set up four home quarantine monitoring centres and that OGCIO staff and volunteers from the civil service have been assisting in implementing the compulsory quarantine measures at these centres and three border control points.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi, the ExCo Non-official Members then visited the home quarantine monitoring centre at Hong Kong City Hall. Members spoke with staff of the centre, comprised of both incumbent and retired civil servants from different government departments, to gain a deeper understanding on how communication software with location sharing function was utilised by staff of the centre to ensure that those under quarantine were staying at their dwelling places. The staff also explained the arrangements of the quarantine to and shared health information with those who were under quarantine.
The ExCo Non-official Members expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the civil servants and volunteers for participating in the anti-epidemic work which enabled the centre to provide unceasing support over the past two months to the city's home quarantine measures. The ExCo Non-official Members said that the fight against the epidemic was at a critical stage and called on members of the community to keep up their concerted efforts by refraining from going out and maintaining personal hygiene.
ExCo Non-official Members joining the visit today included the Convenor Mr Bernard Chan, Professor Arthur Li, Mr Chow Chung-kong, Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Ip Kwok-him, Mr Joseph Yam, Dr Lam Ching-choi, Mr Kenneth Lau and Mr Horace Cheung.
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