The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (February 24) announced the HA Board's approval for Special Emergency Response Allowance (SERA) for staff engaging in high risk duties under Emergency Response Level in response to COVID-19 epidemic.
The HA spokesperson said that the allowance is granted to staff members performing duties in high risk areas and surveillance wards since the activation of Emergency Response Level by HA on January 25.
"It is a token of appreciation and recognition for the intense pressure and extra preparation time for their high risk duties in caring and managing suspected and confirmed patients of COVID-19."
According to the number of days worked in high risk areas, the allowance is set at 20% of the daily basic salary of the staff or $500 per day, whichever is higher. "The allowance, with retrospective effect from January 25, will be applicable until the lowering of the Emergency Response Level," added the spokesperson.
The HA expresses the deepest gratitude to staff members for their professionalism and dedication in combating the epidemic. "We trusted that with the joint efforts of staff of all disciplines, from frontline to backend support, we can overcome the challenge of the epidemic eventually."
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