Dear Colleagues,

To Help the Community Combat Atypical Pneumonia

The recent outbreak of Atypical Pneumonia (AP) in Hong Kong has been affecting more and more people, including some of our colleagues. The Government has already taken a series of preventive measures to contain the spread of AP. In support of these actions, the Civil Service Bureau has requested departments to provide their staff with guidelines on the prevention against AP, announced the arrangements for the granting of sick leave under circumstances related to AP, and advised departments to step up cleansing work in government offices and facilities.

In face of the threat of AP, it is important that the civil service should remain the cornerstone of the community and serve the people with dedication and professionalism. To give colleagues a boost, tomorrow I shall start visiting offices where there are confirmed cases of AP. I wish to understand the situation on the ground and to listen to the views of colleagues.

I am confident that colleagues will continue to carry out their duties conscientiously, not only performing the urgent tasks of helping the infected, but also maintaining the provision of other public services. Hong Kong has a world-class public health system and facilities as well as an excellent team of experts and medical staff. With one heart and one mind, we shall surely overcome the present difficulty. I call upon colleagues to adhere to the fine tradition of the civil service by sparing no efforts to help the community combat AP. Meanwhile, colleagues must pay heed to personal hygiene and take good care of themselves.

I wish you all good health.

Yours sincerely,

(Joseph W P Wong)
Secretary for the Civil Service