EPD distributes rapid antigen test kits and anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines to personnel of recycling trade (with photos)

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 25) said that the EPD has distributed a total of about 24 000 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits and 24 000 boxes of anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines donated by the Central Government to various recycling trade associations and recycling service contractors. The department called for the concerted efforts of these frontline personnel to safeguard the health of themselves and their families by undergoing testing on a voluntary basis and fighting the virus together.
 
     Since the outbreak of the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, frontline recycling staff have been serving the public dutifully. Some of them work in settings with exposure to higher health risks. The EPD thanked them for continuing to relentlessly provide the service amid the epidemic. 
 
     "Following the distribution of about 27 000 RAT kits to frontline staff through various recycling service contractors and recycling trade associations in late February, the department provides continuous support for these personnel by distributing additional RAT kits and anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines to them," the spokesman said.
 
     In addition, the EPD will provide further support to the frontline staff of the recycling business. A sum of $100 million has been earmarked under the Recycling Fund for the implementation of the One-off Frontline Recycling Staff Support Scheme. A monthly allowance of $2,000 for five months per person (i.e. total of $10,000) will be disbursed to the frontline recycling staff. About 7 000 frontline workers will benefit from the scheme.
 
     The spokesman said the department expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its help with Hong Kong's anti-epidemic work and co-ordination in the procurement of a large quantity of proprietary Chinese medicines and other medical supplies for fighting the epidemic. With the staunch support of the Central Government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is making all-out efforts to fight the epidemic. The EPD will work closely with the trade to provide service to the public while protecting the health of personnel.