Hong Kong authorities will make mental health support for people affected by the Tai Po blaze a priority in the aftermath of the tragedy, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has announced, as the government said it intended to push for a blanket ban on smoking at construction sites.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Lee said that not only the residents of Wang Fuk Court, but the entire community could move out of deep sorrow with proper mental health support.
“Everyone is experiencing this fire,” he said. “The whole of society is emanating sadness. I am concerned about those affected and the mental health services and support for all of society, and how to improve it.”
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Lee said the demand for psychological support was so strong that one NGO had received 600 calls for help at one stage, and authorities had put in place other support measures for the affected residents.
He also promised to take action at the first Legislative Council meeting following the election on Sunday and push through systemic reforms to plug loopholes in the construction sector’s practices, which has come under heavy scrutiny in the aftermath of the tragedy.
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