Following is the transcript of remarks by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 26):
Reporter: Mr Chan, how would the government help the medical sector and also in the hospitals to deal with the outbreak of the new coronavirus, would the government inject more money in the upcoming Budget to support the sector?
Financial Secretary: Money is not a constraint in this current fight against the outbreak of the virus. We have made this very clear at the beginning. Even at yesterday's meeting, we specifically mentioned this to the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority. In case they need any additional resources, they should feel free to let us know and we will make the provisions accordingly. They told us that so far, they had enough resources to cope with what they needed, and they were very well aware of the fact that resources should not be a constraint. Say, for example, last year in the Budget, I earmarked a $10 billion funding to ensure that if they need emergency money, if they need stability in their funding, they can call upon it anytime.
Reporter: Mr Chan, just one question. I see that you are wearing a mask today, can you just say, are you feeling sick or are you just wearing a mask for a precautionary measure?
Financial Secretary: I am fine, thank you very much. It is precautionary measure. It is an advice by the government, when people go to gatherings with mass participation of people, for public health, we'd better wear a mask. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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