Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, "Project Gemstone" of Yau Tsim District (YTDIST) joined hands with the community to combat the disease. The non-ethnic Chinese members of "Project Gemstone" reached out to needy people in the district to distribute around 2 000 face masks donated by an Indian organisation and representatives of Chungking Mansions.

On February 7, 11 and 17, a dozen members distributed face masks to single elderly people and frontline cleaning workers at elderly centres, parks and refuse collection points in the district. The members also took the opportunity to disseminate anti-epidemic information to community members and the elderly. The recipients were thankful for the donation and members' care for the community, which helped promote social inclusion.

Besides, noticing that hikers have been leaving more litter on trails during the epidemic, "Project Gemstone" organised a clean-up event on February 23, which was the seventh anniversary of the Project. Bringing their cleaning gear along, more than ten members cleared litter on the trails on Devil's Peak and the Wilson Trail to help protect the environment and prevent the spread of disease.

Since the inception of "Project Gemstone", 13 members have joined the Force while four members have joined the Correctional Services Department, the Fire Services Department and the Customs and Excise Department.