The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 3,172 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 449 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,723 via rapid antigen tests. Separately, 111 imported cases were detected. Furthermore, seven residential care homes for the elderly and five for disabled people logged 13 cases involving their residents. The Hospital Authority reported that 20 patients passed away in public hospitals. According to a preliminary analysis, the cause of death for nine patients was related to COVID-19, while that of the remaining 11 patients was unrelated. It also registered eight more critical cases, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 93. Separately, to align with the Government’s cancellation of issuing isolation orders from tomorrow, the authority will, starting from the same day, announce at 8.30am and 1pm the information of general out-patient clinics (GOPC) quota reserved for COVID-19
The Food Courts Subsidy Scheme was launched today and opened for applications to provide financial support to operators of eligible licensed food factories in operation, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department announced.
Launched under the fourth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund, the scheme will provide a one-off subsidy ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 to licence holders of food factories according to the floor area of the premises as specified on the business operation licence.
The department explained that "food court" means a place inside a shopping mall comprising licensed food factories and an adjoining seating area with tables and chairs or stools provided by the property management or owner of the mall for non-exclusive use by its visitors, which may include patrons of the licensed food factories.
The scheme requires an applicant to make a declaration, including indicating that the food business is still in operation, and if the business is not operated by the licence holder, consent from every operator in respect of the food business on supporting the application for the subsidy is required.
Application for the scheme will run until March 31. The form and guidelines on how to apply can be downloaded from the department’s website.
Upon receipt of the completed application form and supporting documents and after verification, the department will disburse the subsidy in about two weeks.
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