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Residents of the affected building 7 at Hong Fuk Court in Tai Po will return to their units in batches starting from the 20th of next month to collect their belongings. Residents will receive notifications from “one household one social worker” about the dates and times for going upstairs, along with relevant guidelines, questionnaires, and information for companions.

The guidelines mention that the building’s electricity, water supply, fire safety, and elevator systems are completely shut down, and debris is scattered on the floors of common areas. Some units may have loose ceiling and wall concrete, and the government has arranged for temporary lighting and cleaning in public areas of the building. Each resident will receive an identification tag on the day they go upstairs, and it is recommended to consider bringing a backpack, wearing loose clothing, and sturdy protective shoes. Those wearing slippers or sandals will be refused entry upstairs. Protective gear, hygiene supplies, small red, white, and blue bags, and garbage bags will be provided at that time. Residents will need to walk downstairs to leave, so large red, white, and blue bags are not recommended to avoid excessive weight and accidents.

After residents leave their units, the police will seal the entrance with tape to indicate that the collection of belongings has been completed. Residents may only enter their own units and are not allowed to enter other units. No open flames or portable fans may be used during the upstairs period, and there is no flushing water in the unit, so the bathroom should not be used. Since items in the refrigerator may have seriously spoiled, residents should avoid opening the refrigerator.

The social services department has issued a questionnaire and video to help residents assess whether it is suitable for them to return to their units, including factors such as “importance of items,” “health and safety,” “mental state,” “expectation management,” and “follow-up plans.” If residents choose not to return to their units, they may consider authorizing others to retrieve their personal belongings.

The department reminds residents to prepare mentally before returning to their units and to adjust psychologically after returning. Clinical psychologists from the social services department point out that returning to the unit may evoke trauma, and residents can discuss with their social workers whether it is appropriate. If residents have relatives who passed away in the incident and wish to return to the unit to say goodbye, they should ensure they have sufficient support from family and friends. It is suggested that residents arrange a little time for a final farewell, symbolizing the closure of a chapter.