About 30 doctors and dignitaries from various sectors attend a ceremony for the formation of an alliance to combat novel coronavirus in Hong Kong, Feb 6, 2020. (CALVIN NG/CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - About 30 distinguished doctors and dignitaries from various sectors formed an alliance on Thursday to unite residents in the battle against the novel coronavirus outbreak that has infected 24 people and claimed one life so far in the city.

Spokesman Bunny Chan Chung-bun said the alliance will strive to raise social donations to combat the virus

Addressing the opening ceremony, alliance spokesman Bunny Chan Chung-bun said the alliance will strive to raise social donations to combat the virus. In the meantime, the alliance will seek ways to provide medical supplies and necessities to assist residents in their daily lives.

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Hoping to restore Hong Kong people’s life back to normal soon, the alliance said it would try its best to boost citizens’ confidence in battling the epidemic in solidarity with the government.

In a bid to do that, a positive vibe that involves positive stories is important to boost the morale of the public in the battle against the deadly pathogen, said Chan, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress and a former chairman of the Kwun Tong District Council.

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Also speaking at the ceremony was former food and health secretary Ko Wing-man, who called on society to stand in solidarity with the government to fend off the virus.

He also appealed to medical workers going on strike to return to their posts and take care of patients.

The ceremony was also attended by about 30 high-profile dignitaries from all sectors of the city.