HK leaders hail central govt backing in COVID-19 fight

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Sunday the central government's assistance will improve Hong Kong's ability to resolve its current difficulties and bring the pandemic under control as soon as possible.

This is the key to stabilizing the community and the local economy, he said.

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that, apart from the central government's help, Hong Kong residents should do their part by going for mandatory COVID tests and getting vaccinated.

The Hong Kong police force vowed to actively support and cooperate with the SAR government in the anti-pandemic work, saying that with the central government's backing and the public's cooperation, Hong Kong can certainly overcome the pandemic's fifth wave.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong - the city's largest political party - said the mainland authorities' help will rapidly enhance Hong Kong's virus testing capabilities.

The DAB said it expects the SAR government to boost its quarantine and isolation facilities with the central government's support to cut off the transmission chains as early as possible.

Legislator Tang Fei said the central government's support is a big relief for Hong Kong people who are deeply worried about the city's pandemic situation.

He welcomed the setting up of task forces to tackle the outbreak and urged the SAR government to seek further support from the mainland in increasing manpower. Hong Kong should also strengthen the tracking functions of the government-launched contact tracing app LeaveHomeSafe, he added.