Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor holds a press conference at Central Government Offices on Aug 18, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government is set to organize a third round of anti-epidemic disbursal to help the city's pandemic-battered industries and individuals, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced on Tuesday.

In the first phase of this program, HK$43.9 billion (US$5.66 billion) has been disbursed to cover 1.9 million employees, Lam said.

Speaking to reporters before an Executive Council meeting, the Hong Kong leader also said the second phase of Employment Support Scheme – a financial leg-up for employers aimed at retaining employees – will be open to applications starting Aug 31. 

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In the first phase of this program, HK$43.9 billion (US$5.66 billion) has been disbursed to cover 1.9 million employees

Lam said she will deliver this year’s Policy Address, fourth in her term, on Oct 14 and take questions from lawmakers the following day. 

Twelve public consultations on the annual government plan will be conducted via online video conferencing starting next week, she added.

“To maintain social distancing, I will conduct theme-based consultation sessions to listen to the views of stakeholders from the relevant sectors via video conferencing. Apart from fighting the epidemic, it is incumbent upon the Government to help the economy recover and relieve people's burdens,” said Lam.

“I sincerely invite members of the public to give their views on the 2020 Policy Address, so that we can formulate policy initiatives that meet the needs of our society.”

The Executive Council ended its summer break a week earlier than it was originally scheduled in order to manage the pandemic-induced crisis.

READ MORE: HK records 44 new virus cases as social distancing curbs extended

Contact the writer at jefferygu@chinadailyhk.com