HK donates $143m, medical gear to help mainland fight virus

The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR pledged on Monday to extend Hong Kong's assistance to help the mainland battle the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) in a timely and efficient manner.

The office also voiced full support to the Hong Kong SAR government and the city's various sectors as they take effective measures to prevent and control the disease and treat the patients.

In an online statement published Monday, the office said that Hong Kong society has donated 1 billion yuan ($143 million) through different channels.

Among the cash donations, over 130 million yuan was given directly to the Liaison Office for transfer to the mainland. The office said it will transfer the money to the Red Cross Society of China, which will be in charge of distributing it across the mainland according to needs.

Some associations and institutions also purchased medical supplies from overseas and sent them to the front line of the fight against the NCP on the mainland. The supplies include masks, goggles, protective clothing, surgical clothing, medical gloves, and alcohol disinfectants, which are of great need in affected areas on the mainland.

The Hong Kong community's donations to the mainland reflected the mutual support and solidarity between the compatriots in Hong Kong and the mainland, the Liaison Office said.

Hong Kong institutions that donated through the office include the Li Ka Shing Foundation (HK$100 million, or $12.8 million), Shimao Property Holdings (HK$30 million), the Hong Kong Fukien Athletic Club, the All-China Women's Federation Hong Kong Delegates Association, and other social groups, political dignitaries as well as ordinary citizens.

As of Monday, the mainland had recorded over 40,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and more than 900 people had died of the disease.

Macao compatriots also channeled support to the battle. According to a statement on Friday by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Macao society has donated funds and supplies worth more than 300 million patacas ($37.5 million) to help the nation curb the coronavirus spread.

As of Thursday, the Macao liaison office has collected about 102 million patacas and HK$36.32 million from various sectors, according to the office. As well as directing donations, the office said all funds raised will be transferred to Hubei Charity Federation. The first batch of the funds was transferred on Friday.