Lawmakers urged to approve virus relief package as soon as possible

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung urged lawmakers to approve the HK$137.5 billion package of coronavirus relief measures as soon as possible as Hong Kong is facing unprecedented challenges and a wave of pay cuts, layoffs and business closures is expected.

In a blog post today, Cheung said the Legislative Council Finance Committee will hold a special meeting to scrutinize the funding proposal on Friday and he and 12 bureau chiefs will answer lawmakers' questions.

Cheung said that the government has launched few rounds of relief over the past few months, which is the largest and boldest government measure in Hong Kong and results in huge fiscal deficits.

But he stressed that the current situation is special and the city has a solid foundation and public finances still remain sound.