Clean Hong Kong: Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho is hopeful that this territory-wide cleansing exercise can be sustained. "After all, personal and environmental hygiene is an attitude, a way of life," he said

Clean-up events in all 18 districts this weekend will demonstrate the concerted efforts of the entire community in combating atypical pneumonia, the Secretary for Home Affairs says.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, Patrick Ho expressed how pleased he was "to see the tremendous support the community has given to our Territory-Wide Cleansing Day that will take place during the Easter weekend in our fight against atypical pneumonia."

The Government and District Offices are spearheading this campaign to encourage Hong Kong citizens to clean their homes, offices, schools, public areas and districts. It aims to help drive home the message that personal and environmental hygiene is key, "starting at the individual level, with ourselves, our homes, the buildings we live and work in, and extending to public areas," Dr Ho said.

"We will continue to encourage the community to join hands in keeping the environment clean. We are hopeful that this territory-wide cleansing exercise can be sustained, and will turn into a multi-sector, community-based, action-oriented campaign which calls upon every Hong Kong citizen to join together, to fight the disease, and to face this challenge head-on in a positive way.

"After all, personal and environmental hygiene is an attitude, a way of life," he said.

Support from all quarters

Joining Mr Tung and Mr Ho were Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Shelley Lee, Acting Director of Home Affairs Janet Wong, Director of Buildings Marco Wu, Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Gregory Leung, Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Anissa Wong, and Deputy Director of Housing Lau Kai-hung.

* Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa will visit Tai Po District to see the cleansing work carried out in a rear lane near Wai Yan Street, Tai Tak House in Tai Yuen Estate and a tenement building.

* Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao will visit MTRC Limited, Telford Gardens and Telford Plaza at 10.45 am. Dr Liao will see the public transport operator's efforts in keeping all trains and stations clean and disinfected. She will also inspect how the property management of Telford Gardens enhances the environmental hygiene and sewage system of the residential estate. After that she will visit shops at Telford Plaza to see how business is faring.

* Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen will visit Yiu Tung Estate in Shau Kei Wan at 11am to inspect cleaning efforts in the estate, including the lift lobbies, lift cars, canopies and playground equipment. Mr Suen will also tour the estate's Shopping Centre.

* Director of Social Welfare Carrie Lam will lead staff volunteers to visit and help clean the homes of single seniors in the Hung Hom District. The event will be held at 11.30am at the gardens outside Hung Fai House, Hung Hom Estate, in Kowloon. Thirteen district social welfare offices will also mobilise volunteers to visit and help clean the homes of vulnerable groups this weekend.