'HK$5,000 Covid Payment Only For Those Struggling'

The government announced on Monday that coronavirus patients can get a one-off payment of HK$5,000 if their income drops substantially and they're struggling to cope financially because they can't work.

Labour and Welfare Secretary Law Chi-kwong said while grassroots residents are the intended beneficiaries of the scheme, it won't be means-tested and any Covid patients in financial difficulty and not receiving sick pay while they're in hospital will be able to apply.

Law said people who are usually paid on a daily basis are likely to be eligible, as well as taxi drivers and casual workers.

Hong Kong residents who catch Covid-19 overseas will not be covered by the scheme.

The minister explained the decision not to require a means test, saying this could make life even harder for poorer Covid-19 patients.

"To do a means-test would prolong the application process. And it could be hard on the applicants too, because they may have to provide a lot of information before the application is approved," he said.

Law said applicants will have to declare that their income has been greatly slashed and it would be a criminal offence to make a false declaration.

He told the press that the government is still working out how much the scheme will cost but said he doesn't think that many workers will be eligible because most will have sick pay covered by their employers.

He also dismissed concerns that the system could be abused, adding that the move is not aimed at encouraging people to get tested.

"We are just targeting those belonging to the grassroots, and those who are employed or self-employed and suffering from a loss of income. So we do not expect that would create any substantial abuse."

The scheme covers those who were confirmed to have the virus from November 22. Application opens this Friday via Hospital Authority social workers.