The Chief Secretary has exercised the power to exempt relevant people or projects from complying with the relevant statutory requirements on three types of projects since an emergency regulation began operation on February 24.

The Chief Secretary's Office made the remarks in response to a lawmaker’s question at the Chief Executive’s question and answer session in the Legislative Council today concerning the usage of the Emergency (Exemption from Statutory Requirements) (COVID-19) Regulation.

It said the exempted projects include the construction of a hospital for emergency use in the Lok Ma Chau Loop and the works projects for other community isolation and treatment facilities, all supported by the Central People’s Government, including the temporary bridges for point-to-point transportation and conveyance between Shenzhen and the fenced-off construction site in the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

The other exemption is to allow operators of Residential Care Homes for the Elderly to use suitable premises other than those approved under the relevant licences to separate and take care of COVID-19 confirmed and non-confirmed seniors. The relevant homes only need to obtain the Social Welfare Department’s agreement.

The Chief Secretary has also granted an exemption for Mainland medical support personnel from the relevant legal requirements on registration, providing comprehensive legal protection for their participation in the treatment of patients in Hong Kong.

These exempted projects have been announced to the public after exemptions were granted through different channels such as the Government’s press releases, press conferences on anti-epidemic measures and the Chief Secretary's speeches and blogs, the office added.