Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong today extended his gratitude to Chinese enterprises for donating 1,200 hospital beds to a community isolation facility (CIF) at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

He conveyed such appreciation during a donation ceremony where he thanked China Overseas and its subsidiary China State Construction International for its contribution of hospital beds and assistance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to swiftly set up the community isolation facility.

After converting the cruise terminal into a CIF, it will receive frail elderly COVID-19 patients referred by the Hospital Authority for isolation and temporary care, with a view to alleviating the pressure on public hospitals and providing care to the elderly.

Amid the unprecedented threats of the epidemic, the supply of various anti-epidemic equipment remains tight.

Dr Law said he is deeply grateful for the caring donations from Chinese enterprises, coupled with the elderly service sector working in concert and unity to bring timely relief to the Government’s anti-epidemic work.

Managed by the Social Welfare Department, the isolation and holding centre with 1,200 hospital beds will be set up on the terminal's ground floor and the two check-in halls on the second floor.

Dedicated service organisations will provide medical support and care services without charge.

Dr Law said the hospital beds enable care staff to look after the elderly at the bedside, allowing them to take meals and medication safely and comfortably.

In addition, the Government thanked the terminal operator for its full co-operation on the conversion works and other on-site support services.

Upon completion of its ancillary facilities, the CIF will come into operation to receive elderly patients in phases.