CS inspects handover of San Tin community isolation facility (with photos/video)

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, today (March 9) visited the second community isolation facility (CIF) constructed with Mainland support at San Tin Tsuen Road, Yuen Long. The facility is located at the former site of the Boxes in San Tin and has been built on land lent by developers to the Government for the swift construction of temporary isolation facilities.

     Upon arrival, Mr Lee visited the newly constructed units and facilities of the San Tin CIF, and was briefed by relevant staff about the preparatory work on anti-epidemic equipment, manpower and medical supplies.
 
     Afterwards, Mr Lee attended a handover seminar with Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) Mr Yin Zonghua and the Chairman of the contractor, China State Construction International Holdings Limited. Also joining the seminar were the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Chui Tak-yi; the Director of Architectural Services, Ms Winnie Ho; and the Director (Strategy and Planning) of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee.
 
     Speaking to the construction personnel and staff responsible for operating the facility on site, Mr Lee said, "I sincerely thank the Central Government for its full support for the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and for assisting the HKSAR Government to construct community isolation and treatment facilities. I am also grateful to the LOCPG for its effective co-ordination to press ahead with the work."
 
     "I am thankful to China State Construction International Holdings Limited for its multifaceted efforts in overcoming various difficulties, and working round the clock to complete construction of the facility in San Tin in less than two weeks, providing 720 rooms and 2 800 emergency isolation beds. This project fully demonstrates the professional commitment, dedication and affection for nationals of the construction profession."
  
     "The facility will commence operation after it is handed over to the HKSAR Government today. I would like to thank the Development Bureau, the Architectural Services Department, the Security Bureau, the Food and Health Bureau, the Hospital Authority and other departments and organisations for their close co-operation, as extensive preparation work has been done to facilitate the handing over and operation of the facility."
 
     "Since receiving the first CIF constructed with Mainland support in Tsing Yi on March 1, the Security Bureau's anti-epidemic task force has taken a number of measures to enhance its services. Firstly, the Fire Services Department has launched a dedicated service hotline to accelerate the admission process and the responses are favourable. At present, about 1 000 rooms have been occupied at the Tsing Yi CIF. The task force has also been constantly improving its measures and workflow to better cater for the needs of the persons admitted for insolation, including the provision of food choices, newspapers, toys for children, and the adoption of small-district management approach to increase contact with occupants. I am very confident in the management of the CIF in San Tin."
 
     "I believe that as long as we work together, stay united and do our best, Hong Kong will win this battle against the epidemic!"