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I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all EO colleagues for staying committed to their roles and making their best endeavour to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 in these difficult and trying times.
The COVID-19 epidemic started in Hong Kong in early 2020. Two years have passed but the epidemic situation remains fluid. In particular, the fifth wave which started in January this year has brought unprecedented challenges to Hong Kong. To combat the epidemic, the Government has been mobilising a large amount of manpower and resources and adopting all necessary measures to safeguard the lives and health of the people in Hong Kong and to maintain the stability of the city. Being an indispensable part of the civil service, the EO Grade has taken part in the anti-epidemic battle from the start.
Possessing key qualities of versatility and resourcefulness, EO colleagues have played a pivotal role in facilitating the effective coordination and expediting implementation of Government’s anti-epidemic measures and relief measures. On the public services front, colleagues have been mobilised for various tasks such as arrangement of quarantine facilities and contact tracing work, participation in large-scale testing operations, provision and promotion of COVID-19 vaccination, disbursement of Anti-epidemic Fund through various subsidy schemes and measures, participation in and coordination of Restriction-testing Declaration (RTD) operations, provision and distribution of anti-epidemic service bags and necessities packs, etc. Specifically, Departmental Secretaries and their teams have shouldered large amount of additional coordination and liaison work arising from these measures.
EOs in home vaccination service (top), RTD operation (middle) and vaccination programme command centre (bottom)
While many of the tasks mentioned above are tough, large in scale and under great time pressure, our EO fellows have consistently demonstrated professionalism, commitment to duty and devotion to serving the community in undertaking the tasks. Colleagues have made strenuous efforts and worked together collaboratively with different parties, both within and outside the Government, to accomplish the tasks. At the same time, colleagues have exerted their utmost to maintain the smooth operation of offices as well as delivery of essential services. All their proactive and vigorous efforts are conducive to safeguarding public health, addressing the imminent needs of individuals in the community and helping the city to resume normal as soon as possible.
Looking ahead, I wish all EO colleagues will continue to demonstrate professionalism, embrace the “can-do” spirit and commit to serving the community. With our concerted efforts and expertise developed both in front line operations and back office coordination, I am confident that we shall be able to overcome whatever challenges ahead together and uphold the EO Grade as a team of versatile and connected professional resource and system managers.
Finally, I wish you all good health and happiness!
Hermes Chan
Director of General Grades
EOs in home vaccination service
RTD operation
vaccination programme command centre
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