He made the call during visits to mainland corporations yesterday, including China Resources, China Merchants Group, Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Sinopec (Hong Kong). The companies should "make combating the epidemic their highest priority, to serve their function in guaranteeing product supply and relieving financial difficulties, and to support Hong Kong," Luo said. During his visit to Bank of China (HK), Luo praised the bank for launching a deferral on principal repayments for loans. Airlines have also stopped or reduced flights between Hong Kong and overseas destinations. The Hong Kong Taxi Council demanded Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po distribute HK$5,000 to each taxi driver, saying up to 40 percent of drivers no longer have work available.

Source: The Standard February 17, 2020 19:07 UTC