The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) this March in Hong Kong has badly affected our daily lives, the economy and our health care system. With the SARS situation now under control and the World Health Organisation (WHO) travel advisory against Hong Kong lifted, we now must unite to deal with the challenges following the crisis to revive Hong Kong as soon as possible.

The government established a HK$3.5 billion loan guarantee scheme, especially to provide loans to the four hardest-hit sectors -- tourism, retail, restaurant and entertainment -- so that they can pay staff salaries. While the intention is good, strict application requirements have discouraged businesses from applying for a loan.

For example, employers applying for the scheme are required to provide a personal guarantee, meaning that they have to repay the debt themselves if their company is forced to close down. As such, many employers will choose to suspend business rather than apply for a loan if prospects are poor. Moreover, firms with two or more shareholders, especially restaurants, will find it very difficult to get their shareholders holding 90 percent or more of the equity interested in guaranteeing the loans.

The fund, which I initiated together with some Chamber members and business friends, offers immediate financial assistance to SARS patients and the surviving family members of victims who died of SARS in a bid to help them overcome their immediate difficulties. The fund has already raised about HK$30 million, half of which will be used to help local victims and the rest will be used for Mainland victims.

For Hong Kong, the Social Welfare Department has been entrusted to assist in the processing of applications and distribution of funds. The families of deceased patients may receive a one-off donation of HK$50,000 to HK$200,000, while recovered patients may receive a maintenance allowance of between HK$3,000 and HK$8,000 for up to three months.

For China, The Red Cross Society of China has been entrusted to do the same job. The families of deceased patients in the Mainland may receive a one-off donation of 10,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB, and recovered patients may be given a one-off maintenance allowance of 1,000 RMB to 2,000 RMB.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated to the fund. If it were not for your active support, the fund would not have raised the considerable sum that it has done in such a short time to help SARS victims. I hope that you will remain united to support the community relief work and help Hong Kong recover its vitality as soon as possible.