Special work arrangement for Government employees to be extended

     As the local epidemic situation remains severe, it is necessary for the Government to continue to take measures to significantly reduce the flow of people and social contacts in order to stop COVID-19 from further spreading in the community. A spokesman for the Government announced today (July 23) that the special work arrangement for government employees will be extended for one week until August 2. Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services, all other government employees will continue to work from home. The Government will closely monitor the epidemic situation and review the arrangement in due course.

     The spokesman said that government departments will continue to provide emergency services and essential public services. Individual government departments will announce the latest arrangements of their services separately. The Government appreciates that the reduction in public services in view of the epidemic will bring inconvenience to the public, however it appeals for their understanding. Members of the public, if necessary, are encouraged to use alternative means, such as the post, drop-in boxes or online channels to receive the services they need. Meanwhile, members of the public should wear surgical masks at all times when they are entering or are present in any government buildings or offices, and comply with the infection control measures implemented by relevant departments including temperature checks and crowd control arrangements.

     The spokesman appealed to employers of private organisations to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible according to their operational needs so as to reduce the flow of people and social contacts in the community.