Financial Secretary has delivered the 2024-25 Budget at the Legislative Council earlier today. 
For more details, you may wish to visit the Budget website

Congratulations!!🎉🎊to Sahal Zaman, the first South Asian actor to win the best new performer at the Hong Kong Film Awards this year. He shared his feelings about having an opportunity to act in the movie, “The Sunny Side of the Street” and his experience of getting into the film industry in this feature article.
Read this article to get to know about him.🎬

The Home Affairs Department has handed over anti-epidemic service packs and COVID-19 rapid test kits to the LINK Centre for their onward distribution to the ethnic minorities.

Let us be united and fight the virus!!

 

It is our honour to have Miss Alice MAK Mei-kuen, SBS, JP, Secretary from Home and Youth Affairs along with other VIPs to visit LINK Centre today!​



 
   


Hello everyone, we are arrange some programmes on emotional support/mental to ethnic minorities.🤗🧕

Let’s take a rest and relaxation for you body and soul!☺️

For registration/enquiry, please contact staff at 39551556/ 62308530.☎️


























Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed?
Let’s try doing a simple but useful grouding exercise, to help focusing on the present and regain a sense of control!

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        CHP acknowledges WHO’s statement on antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines

Acknowledging the updated statement on antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health stressed that receiving COVID-19 vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of serious illness and death from infection and called on members of the public who have not received the first three doses of vaccine to get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/19/P2023051900675.htm

2.        Government responds to enquiries on latest advice of WHO

Following WHO’s announcement that the COVID-19 epidemic situation no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the Government would make reference to WHO’s latest advice on the epidemic situation in assessing the local situation and relevant risks, as well as the mutation of COVID-19 strains, thereby appraising the epidemic prevention and control response level, and adjusting the remaining measures and arrangements in relation to the epidemic accordingly. Announcements would be made in due course as appropriate.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/06/P2023050600622.htm

3.        Community testing centres and community testing stations completely ceased operation

The Government announced that five COVID-19 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) had completely ceased operation from May 13.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/05/P2023050500431.htm

4.        Government’s response on arrangement of extending shelf life of COVID-19 oral drugs

A Government spokesman stressed that all COVID-19 oral drugs currently prescribed to confirmed COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong have been tested and confirmed by the drug manufacturers as effective and safe, and comply with the relevant drug safety regulation. The practice of shelf life extension of the two COVID-19 oral drugs is also an established practice in the global pharmaceutical industry. The spokesman reiterated that the COVID-19 oral drugs is safe and effective while the local supply is sufficient. The Government would ensure that there are sufficient medical resources to meet local needs.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/12/P2023051200653.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Proposals on Improving Governance at the District Level

(Enlglish version)


(Punjabi version)


(Thai version)

(Bahasa Indonesia version)

(Hindi  version)

(Nepali version)
(Tagalog version)

(Urdu version)

(Vietnamese  version)

 

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines


  1. Government announced latest arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination services and vaccination venues with effect from end of April

The Government announced that further adjustment would be made to the COVID-19 vaccination service arrangements and vaccination venues starting from the end of April to align with the updated COVID-19 vaccination arrangement in the new phase of resumption of normalcy, with a view to sustaining sufficient capacity to cater for public demand while ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the arrangements.


For details, refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202304/20/P2023042000559.htm


  1. Heightened vigilance against COVID-19 and influenza urged

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged members of the public to heighten their vigilance against COVID-19 due to its increased activity as indicated in local surveillance data. Persons who are symptomatic, even if having mild symptoms, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly with a view to lowering the risk of spreading the virus to high-risk persons. Strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene should also be observed at all times. The CHP stressed that vaccination can effectively prevent infection and serious cases.


For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202304/18/P2023041800574.htm


  1. Amount of COVID-19 oral drugs requested by private doctors via online platform adjusted

A Government spokesman reiterated that it has been closely monitoring the usage of COVID-19 oral drugs, and in light of the recent epidemic situation, the number of standard courses of each of the two COVID-19 oral drugs private doctors can request via the dedicated online platform set up by the Government has been increased to 10 courses per order with immediate effect.


For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202304/24/P2023042400650.htm


  1. COVID-19 vaccination new arrangement

In light of local experts’ advice, the Government announced a new phase of COVID-19 vaccination arrangement.


For details, refer to:

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=605863158253000&set=a.348153910690594


  1. COVID-19-related hotlines to cease operation

The Government announced that the COVID-19 hotlines (2125 1111/2125 1122/1830 111) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health as well as the enquiry hotline (1836 115) and the Chinese Medicine Service Hotline (1834 511) under the Hospital Authority (HA) ceased operation on 8pm April 18.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202304/14/P2023041400692.htm

  1. Repeal of provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination under Employment Ordinance

The Labour Department (LD) announced that the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 (Commencement) Notice was published in the Gazette on April 14 and would take effect on June 16 to repeal the provisions under the Employment Ordinance (EO) relating to a legitimate COVID-19 vaccination request (vaccination provisions).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202304/12/P2023041100385.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/


Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        Government announces prevention and control measures and vaccination arrangements in new phase of resumption of normalcy

With the local epidemic situation continuing to subside, the management measures being aligned with upper respiratory tract illnesses, and social and economic activities resuming to full normalcy, the Government announced a new phase of prevention and control measures and vaccination arrangements.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/31/P2023033100694.htm

2.        RAT requirement in public hospitals and residential care homes was lifted on March 25

The Government announced that, as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to subside, the existing rapid antigen testing (RAT) requirement applicable to public hospitals as well as residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) was lifted on March 25. Visitors of public hospitals, RCHEs and RCHDs are not required to undergo an RAT prior to their visits, whereas clinical staff of public hospitals as well as staff and residents of residential care homes (RCHs) are no longer required to undergo an RAT on a daily basis.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/22/P2023032200546.htm

3.        Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccine booster in 2023

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened a meeting to discuss and issue the updated consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster in Hong Kong this year.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/29/P2023032900779.htm

4.        Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination

In the preceding month till 11.59pm on March 28, the Department of Health (DH) received 12 reports (Note 1) of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. No death cases were reported by the Hospital Authority (HA) involving individuals who had received vaccines within 14 days before they passed away and had potential association with vaccination.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/31/P2023033100478.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/


The implementation of the 2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme (CVS)

The implementation of the 2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme (CVS) under which consumption vouchers with a total value of $5,000 (for Hong Kong permanent resident and new arrival meeting eligibility criteria (B)(i) of the 2022 (Phase II) CVS) or $2,500 (for eligible person who has come to live in Hong Kong through different admission schemes and meeting eligibility criteria (B)(ii) of the 2022 (Phase II) CVS) will be disbursed to each eligible people by instalments.


The first-instalment voucher of $3,000 or $1,500 will be disbursed on 16 April 2023 to eligible people using the registration information of the 2022 CVS. The remaining value will be disbursed from 16 July 2023 onwards to those eligible people who meet the eligibility criteria of 2023 CVS.


Link to the webpage with details of the 2023 CVS: https://www.consumptionvoucher.gov.hk/en/2023cvs.html


Link to the webpage with details of the eligibility criteria: https://www.consumptionvoucher.gov.hk/en/criteria.html

Introduction

Actions to take for store value facility account become invalid

Arrangement for elderly people who have returned the Octopus card registered for receiving 2022 CVS and wsih to use JoyYou card to receive voucher




Arrangement for elderly people whose Octopus card registered for receiving 2022 CVS is still valid


















Timetable for persons eligible to receive $5,000 voucher in tota

Timetable for persons eligible to receive $2,500 voucher in total























Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Five testing points to continue provision of self-paid nucleic acid testing service from March 22

The Government reminded that starting from March 22, members of the public who need to undergo self-paid nucleic acid testing can receive such service at five community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs), the rapid nucleic acid testing centre at Hong Kong International Airport or local testing institutions. The remaining 16 CTC/CTSs has ceased operation.


For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202303/20/P2023032000588.htm


  1. Government reminds foreign domestic helpers and employers that flexibility arrangements to cope with COVID-19 pandemic will be discontinued on May 1

The Government reminds foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and their employers that the flexibility arrangements to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic will be discontinued on May 1. Employers and FDHs should discuss matters relating to employment, contract renewals or the return to FDHs’ places of origin as soon as possible to avoid breaching the relevant requirements.


For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202303/10/P2023030900588.htm


  1. Public urged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination early

Currently, Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above may choose to receive both COVID-19 vaccination and free SIV at Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs). To encourage and facilitate children in getting SIV, from March 22 onwards, Hong Kong residents aged between 6 months and below 18 years may choose to receive free SIV on-site when they are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at CVCs. They can also make reservations for receiving both COVID-19 vaccination and SIV through the booking system of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk) starting from 9am on March 22.


For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202303/21/P2023032100572.htm


  1. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination

In the preceding month till 11.59pm on February 28, the Department of Health (DH) received 21 reports of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. No death cases were reported by the Hospital Authority (HA) involving individuals who had received vaccines within 14 days before they passed away and had potential association with vaccination.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202303/01/P2023030100666.htm


More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/


Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        ​​ Government lifts all mandatory mask-wearing requirements

Having assessed the latest epidemic development, the Government announced that all mandatory mask-wearing requirements will be lifted with effect from March 1, thereby enabling the society to resume normalcy in full.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800677.htm

2.        Hospital Authority supports resumption of normalcy measures

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman said the HA will implement a series of measures to fully tie in with the Government’s latest resumption of normalcy measures from March 1 onwards, embracing the full recovery of Hong Kong with the whole society.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800473.htm

3.        New arrangements for nucleic acid testing service to commence from Wednesday

​The Government reminded members of the public that the nucleic acid testing requirement for public hospitals, residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) has been replaced by rapid antigen tests (RATs) starting from March 1. Following the complete lifting of compulsory nucleic acid testing requirements, free nucleic acid testing service in the community testing network ceased accordingly from the same day onwards. A total of 21 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) will be retained for provision of self-paid nucleic acid testing service to members of the public from 10am to 8pm daily (closed from 1.30pm to 2pm/2.30pm for deep cleaning and disinfection).For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700235.htm

4.        Health Bureau’s response on regulatory mechanism of nucleic acid testing services

The Government has been maintaining a robust regulatory mechanism for community nucleic acid testing services to strictly monitor the quality of the relevant services in order to safeguard the credibility of testing results and the proper use of public money. In addition, the Government has all along been requiring all testing contractors to ensure that community testing centres and stations (CTC/CTSs) are run properly as stipulated and in compliance with various daily operation and infection control requirements.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/26/P2023022600276.htm

5.        Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation assesses serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccination

The Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation, set up under the Department of Health (DH) to provide independent assessment on the potential causal link between Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) and COVID-19 vaccination in Hong Kong, convened a meeting on February 27 to assess serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccination.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700637.htm

6.        Government reminds public not to resell or provide to others COVID-19 oral drugs

The Government reminded members of the public not to resell or provide to others COVID-19 oral drugs, nor should they attempt to obtain COVID-19 oral drugs through improper means. It is an offence to illegally possess, sell or resell (including supply without payment) COVID-19 oral drugs. Obtaining COVID-19 oral drugs through improper means may well constitute the related criminal offence, liable to imprisonment.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800529.htm

7.        Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility closing ceremony

The closing ceremony of the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility (PBCIF) was held on March 1. It was officiated by the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk. Representatives from various departments and organisations which had provided services for the PBCIF also attended the ceremony to witness the important moment marking the completion of mission by the anti-epidemic facility.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100631.htm

8.        AMS completes COVID-19 anti-epidemic duties

The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) announced that the Headquarters Control Room, which was activated in view of the epidemic, ceased operation on March 1. The AMS also held a lights-off ceremony in the Headquarters Control Room today, signifying the completion of its COVID-19 anti-epidemic duties. The Commissioner of the AMS, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chief Staff Officer, Mr Wong Ying-keung; volunteer members and staff members joined and witnessed this ceremony.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100559.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/


Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. ​​ Government adjusts nucleic acid testing service starting March 1

The Government announced that, in view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic and the overall demand for nucleic acid testing, starting from March 1 , the requirement for nucleic acid tests for public hospitals and residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) will be replaced by rapid antigen tests (RATs). Moreover, from the same day onwards, free nucleic acid testing service will no longer be provided at the community testing network, and the operation of nucleic acid testing will be scaled down.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/17/P2023021700645.htm

  1. COVID-19 vaccination programme enters new phase at end of this month

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is entering a new phase. Community Vaccination Centres (CVC) located at the Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre, the MTR Tsing Yi Station and the Millennium City 5 will operate until noon on February 28 and be closed afterwards. The vaccination programme will take public and private medical facilities as prime vaccination venues under the new mode of operation.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/17/P2023021700304.htm

  1. Public may download local COVID-19 records compatible with EU Digital COVID Certificate mechanism from March 7

The Government announced that, starting from March 7, members of the public can download local vaccination, testing or recovery records compatible with the European Union Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC) mechanism for outbound travel purposes via the COVID-19 Electronic Vaccination and Testing Record System (eVT) or the “iAM Smart” mobile application. A Government spokesperson reminded members of the public to ascertain the latest immigration requirements of their destinations, including those for vaccination or testing, before departure.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/21/P2023022100292.htm

  1. Government reminds public of cessation of community isolation facilities admission application from February 22

The Government earlier announced the transitional arrangements of voluntary admission to community isolation facilities (CIFs) for people tested positive of COVID-19. The Government reminded members of the public that the relevant transitional arrangements for use by Hong Kong residents will last until February 28. As confinees can stay at the CIF for up to seven days, the last date for admission application would be on February 21. The same arrangement is also applicable to the holding centres manged by the Social Welfare Department for residents of residential care homes tested positive.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/17/P2023021700217.htm

  1. US(Ed) inspects operation of cross-boundary school coaches and class resumption of cross-boundary students

The Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, visited the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point and Fanling Government Primary School to learn about the operation of cross-boundary school coaches and class resumption of cross-boundary students (CBS).

All secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens have fully resumed whole-day face-to-face classes. The EDB has announced that the requirement for secondary school students to undergo COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) each day before going to school will be lifted from March 1, while the RAT requirement for primary, kindergarten and special school (including boarding section) students will continue until March 15. For the arrangements thereafter, the EDB will review the situation and make timely announcements.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/22/P2023022200268.htm

  1. LCSD to reopen five sports centres

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that five sports centres managed by the LCSD will gradually reopen for public use starting from March 17. These venues were temporarily closed earlier for anti-epidemic purposes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/23/P2023022200542.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. ​​ Maternal and Child Health Centre staff reaching parents to brief them on COVID-19 vaccines

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, visited a call centre set up at the Tang Chi Ngong Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) of the Department of Health (DH) to learn about its staff contacting parents of young children who are service users of MCHCs by phone to proactively brief them on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and arrange appointments for them to receive vaccination at the MCHCs.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/08/P2023020800219.htm

  1. Government continues with scheme to visit elderly to encourage COVID-19 vaccination

To further encourage unvaccinated elderly to get vaccinated as soon as possible so as to reduce their risk of serious illness and death from infection, the Health Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Home Affairs Department and the Housing Department will, further to the earlier visits to the public housing estates of 10 Districts, continue with the scheme to visit elderly persons at public housing estates in the Islands, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long Districts, as well as those at “three-nil building” of the 18 Districts to encourage them to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Starting from February 10 until end-March, the Government, together with District groups, conduct door-to-door visits to households at the above Districts’ estates or buildings with tenants aged 70 or above who have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccination and persuade them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Elderly persons who are willing to receive vaccination will have arrangements made for them to receive the Home Vaccination Service.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/10/P2023021000202.htm

  1.        Two holding centres and dedicated hotline for residential care homes to cease operation

The Social Welfare Department announced that the holding centres (HCs) at Halls 11 and 9 of AsiaWorld-Expo will cease operation on February 15 and March 1 respectively. At the same time, the dedicated hotline for residential care homes operated by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Department of Health, the Hospital


Authority and the Fire Services Department will also cease service from March 1.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/13/P2023021300216.htm

  1.        Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convenes meeting to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of authorised COVID-19 vaccines

The Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convened a meeting on February 15 to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines. The meeting was chaired by convenor Professor Wallace Lau Chak-sing.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/15/P2023021500633.htm

  1. Four persons arrested for suspected illegal sale and possession of unregistered COVID-19 oral drugs

The Department of Health (DH) conducted joint operations with the Police against illegal sale of COVID-19 oral drugs. A spokesman for the DH stressed that currently the two COVID-19 oral drugs could only be supplied to healthcare institutions and doctors in public and private sectors. Patients could only be prescribed the relevant drugs by registered medical practitioners when needed, and drug retail outlets cannot procure the relevant oral drugs from suppliers nor sell them to the public. Having considered factors such as patient’s suitability, relevant contraindications and possible side effects of using the two registered COVID-19 oral drugs, the Board has thus imposed the above special restriction to the registration conditions.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/08/P2023020800573.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        ​​Full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and Mainland

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced that, upon deliberation and co-ordination with the Central Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland fully resumed starting from February 6. The arrangements concerned include opening up all boundary control points (BCPs) without imposing any prescribed daily numbers of people thereon; cancelling the pre-departure nucleic acid test requirement; and enabling cross-boundary students to resume face-to-face classes in an orderly manner.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/03/P2023020300649.htm

2.        Testing requirements for inbound persons coming to Hong Kong from places around world upon full resumption of normal travel with Mainland

The Government announced that the normal travel of persons between Hong Kong and the Mainland is fully resumed starting from February 6. All pre-departure testing requirements for travelling between the two places are also be lifted at the same time. Except for persons who have stayed in overseas places or Taiwan on the day of entering the Mainland or during the seven days before that day, other cross-boundary travellers are not be required to conduct any pre-departure test for travelling between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. Meanwhile, the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan is maintained at this juncture.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/03/P2023020300627.htm

3.        Government lifts vaccination requirement for non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas places

The Government announced that the requirement for non-Hong Kong residents to be fully vaccinated for coming to Hong Kong from overseas places is lifted starting from February 6. However, the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan is maintained for the time being.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/03/P2023020300618.htm

4.        Government reminds public of cancellation of issuing isolation orders from January 30 onwards

The Government reminded members of the public that, starting from January 30, the compulsory isolation arrangement for infected persons will be cancelled and the Health Officer will no longer issue isolation orders to infected persons according to the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A). All persons tested positive (including by nucleic acid and rapid antigen tests (RATs)) are not required to report and provide personal particulars via the online platforms of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). They should take the advice on various health measures against respiratory infection diseases. As regards the monitoring of the epidemic and the disseminating of related information, the CHP will upload onto the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” every day the number of specimens that tested positive by nucleic acid tests as well as the number of death cases because of COVID-19 infection in lieu of the current practice of issuing press releases.

Apart from that, the Government will adjust the scope of target groups for free nucleic acid testing services at community testing centres/stations, including the termination of free testing provided for persons undergoing voluntary testing at appropriate times according to the situation, so as to focus resources on protecting high-risk premises and groups in need of regular nucleic acid testing.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/27/P2023012700497.htm

5.        HAD “StayHomeSafe” hotline and Home Support Supplies Delivery Service to cease operation

The Home Affairs Department announced that as the Government ceased to issue isolation orders to infected persons, the “StayHomeSafe” hotline (1833 019) has ceased to accept requests for basic daily necessities and food from infected persons starting from January 30. The hotline has ceased operation starting from 11pm on February 5.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/27/P2023012600389.htm

6.        Hospital Authority general out-patient clinics provide support to COVID-19 patients

The 71 general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority (HA)  resumed normal service. GOPCs have strengthened their service and more than 2 000 quotas are reserved for COVID-19 patients daily.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/30/P2023013000545.htm

7.        SCS: Get timely COVID-19 vaccination in new phase of epidemic response

​​The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said that as Hong Kong has entered a new phase of epidemic response, the society is resuming normalcy in full swing. Members of the public, in particular the elderly, young children and immunocompromised persons who are at a higher risk, should receive suitable doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on time to gain protection conferred by the vaccine, safeguarding the health of their own and their families proactively.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/30/P2023013000221.htm

8.        One-off ex-gratia cash allowance for locally confirmed COVID-19 patients to stop accepting applications

​​Following the Government’s lifting of isolation orders for infected persons according to the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) from January 30, the Social Welfare Department will no longer accept applications for the one-off ex-gratia cash allowance for locally confirmed COVID-19 patients starting from February 14. Applications submitted on or before February 13 will not be affected.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/30/P2023013000214.htm


More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. ​​Government cancels arrangement of issuing isolation orders

The Government said that, following three years of COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong, with the ever evolvement of the virus and Omicron becoming the predominating variant, coupled with the enhancement of prevention and treatment capacities of the healthcare system and the handling capacity of society as a whole, the risk posed by COVID-19 to local public health has apparently altered. Considering the balance between infection risks and resumption of economic and livelihood impetus, the Government decided to cancel the arrangement of issuing isolation orders to infected persons according to the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) from January 30.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/19/P2023011900678.htm

  1.        Proof of nucleic acid test not required for young children aged 3 and below for entry into Mainland from Hong Kong

The Government announced that, upon communications with relevant Mainland authorities, young children aged 3 and below are no longer required to present proof of a negative result of a COVID-19 nucleic acid test conducted within 48 hours prior to their journey from Hong Kong to the Mainland.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/18/P2023011800635.htm

  1.        Government fine-tunes mask-wearing requirements in certain premises

The Government announced that fine-tunings to mask-wearing requirements in certain premises will take effect from January 26 after taking into consideration the operational needs of these premises.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/20/P2023012000657.htm

  1. Government further extends outreach vaccination service special programme for residential care homes till mid-February

​​In a bid to keep strengthening the protection for residents of residential care homes (RCHs) for the elderly and persons with disabilities, the Government announced further extension of the outreach vaccination service special programme for RCHs for four weeks till mid-February.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/17/P2023011700394.htm

  1.        Various holding centres to cease operation gradually

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced that all holding centres (HCs) established in sports centres as well as some in AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) gradually cease operation.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/19/P2023011900304.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        ​​Government announces updated arrangement under Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
The Government announced that, starting from January 16, all free vaccination will no longer be offered to non-Hong Kong residents under the Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (Government Vaccination Programme). Non-Hong Kong residents in need may receive COVID-19 vaccination at their own cost via private healthcare organisations providing vaccination services.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/12/P2023011200426.htm
2.        Government clarifies that young children aged under three must present nucleic acid test result for entry into the Mainland
Regarding whether young children aged under three are required to present a negative result proof of a nucleic acid test when travelling across Hong Kong and the Mainland, a Government spokesman gave the response.
Under the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, all persons entering the Mainland from Hong Kong must possess a negative result of a COVID-19 nucleic acid test conducted within 48 hours prior to the journey. Under the relevant nucleic acid testing requirement for entering the Mainland, there is no specified exemption for any group of persons, including young children aged under three. Therefore, for young children aged under three, they are also required to possess a negative result proof of a nucleic acid test if they intend to travel northbound for entering the Mainland.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/10/P2023011000114.htm

  1.        Government adjusts evaluation criteria for COVID-19 nucleic acid test results
    The Government announced that the evaluation criteria for COVID-19 nucleic acid test results has been adjusted with effect from January 16. Test results issued from that day with a Ct value of 35 or above would be regarded as negative for purposes other than clinical management.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/13/P2023011300407.htm
  2.        Termination of designated taxi fleet services arranged by Government for people contracted with COVID-19
    ​Following the relaxation of different anti-epidemic measures, the designated taxi fleet (designated fleet) set up by the Government and the taxi industry has ceased to operate from January 14 (Saturday).
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/11/P2023011100510.htm
  3.        Response to media enquiries about patients reselling COVID-19 oral drugs illegally
    A Government spokesman reminded members of the public that they should take the COVID-19 oral drugs according to the doctor’s instructions and complete the entire course of treatment if they are prescribed with relevant medications after consultation. It is an offence to give or resell the prescribed drugs to others.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/12/P2023011200768.htm
  4.        Supply of medicine containing paracetamol and COVID-19 oral drugs
    A Government spokesman said that the supply of medicine containing paracetamol in Hong Kong remains stable. The public need not stockpile the relevant medicine. In addition, it is an offence to sell or resell COVID-19 oral drugs, including supply without payment.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/13/P2023011300459.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. ​​Government maintains existing social distancing measures

Having assessed the latest epidemic trend, the Government announced that the existing social distancing measures which are set to expire on November 30 will be maintained until December 14.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202211/24/P2022112400745.htm

  1. Bookings for vaccination with BioNTech bivalent vaccine opens to eligible persons

Eligible persons aged 12 or above may choose to receive the BioNTech bivalent vaccine from December 1, and online reservations has opened from November 27.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202211/26/P2022112500453.htm

  1. DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres and Student Health Service Centres to further facilitate COVID-19 vaccination for toddlers and children

The Department of Health (DH) said that its Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) and Student Health Service Centres (SHSCs) will enhance the vaccination services of BioNTech and Sinovac to further facilitate COVID-19 vaccination for toddlers and children.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202211/23/P2022112300694.htm

  1. Government launches new round of outreach vaccination service’s special programme for residential care homes

In view of the recent volatile COVID-19 epidemic situation, as well as the impending winter surge of influenza, the Government launched a new round of outreach vaccination service special programme for residential care homes (RCHs) to strengthen the targeted protection for RCHs for the elderly and persons with disabilities. The special programme commenced and will last for four weeks. Medical teams will be arranged to visit RCHs at least once a week to provide the outreach vaccination service, with a view to administering vaccines to every resident who is due to get vaccinated as soon as possible, in particular the fourth dose as a booster dose. The seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) will also be provided to residents at the same time to attain dual protection.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202211/25/P2022112500580.htm

  1. Outreach COVID-19 vaccination and publicity team to hold parent-child carnival in shopping mall

The outreach COVID-19 vaccination and publicity team will go to a shopping mall on December 3 to encourage more members of the public to bring their children and family members to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202211/27/P2022112700007.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines1.        ​​ DH enhances online declaration platforms’ functionsTo enable people who tested positive to update and supplement information submitted via the online declaration platforms (“Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test” ([www.chp.gov.hk/ratp]www.chp.gov.hk/ratp) and “Online self-reporting for COVID-19 patient” ([www.chp.gov.hk/cdpi]www.chp.gov.hk/cdpi)), the Department of Health (DH) has added new functions for them to update the mobile number of themselves and their household contacts for receipt of SMS, and to add relevant information of household contacts who have not been declared previously, within seven days after the first submission via the online platforms for one time only. The relevant systems will not handle any request for an information update submitted beyond the seven-day period after the first submission.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/08/P2022110800496.htm2.        Government suitably relaxes social distancing measures furtherHaving assessed the epidemic risk and the need for resuming social and economic activities, the Government announced that the social distancing measures are suitably relaxed further with effect from November 17 such that citizens’ livelihood may continue to resume normalcy in an orderly manner.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/10/P2022111000806.htm3.        Government provides specific arrangements for inbound tour groupsThe Government announced that under the principle of striking a balance between epidemic risks and the need for economic development, and considering that the inbound tour group travellers concerned would be received and assisted to carry out tourist activities in compliance with the anti-epidemic measures by travel agents and accompanied by licensed tourist guides, specific arrangements for inbound tour group travellers will be launched this month. The relevant arrangements can support the gradual resumption of the inbound travel market in an orderly manner, and provide a more favourable business environment for the travel trade.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/07/P2022110700466.htm4.        Free vaccination of toddler formulation of BioNTech vaccine for childrenStarting from November 9, children aged between 6 months and 4 years could receive free vaccination of toddler formulation of the BioNTech vaccine at the four Children Community Vaccination Centres (CCVCs).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/09/P2022110900204.htm5.        HAD steps up vaccination and related publicity activities to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination of elderly and children​A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said that to encourage the early vaccination of the young and the old, the HAD’s 18 District Offices have stepped up COVID-19 vaccination activities in various districts since August so as to enable citizens of all ages, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to serious infection, to be vaccinated as early as possible to obtain the much needed proper protection for themselves and others under the epidemic situation.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/10/P2022111000455.htm6.        Government reminds members of public that group invalidation declarations of Medical Exemption Certificates take effect on November 9The Government reminded members of the public that the group invalidation declarations made by the Secretary for Health on October 26, pursuant to section 17B(1) of the amended Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599, sub. leg. L) (the Regulation), regarding all COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates (Exemption Certificates) issued by seven registered medical practitioners take effect on November 9. By that time, all specified Medical Exemption Certificates previously issued by the medical practitioners concerned cease to be specified Medical Exemption Certificates, and all Medical Exemption Certificates issued by the medical practitioners concerned after the making of the aforementioned invalidation declarations also not be considered specified Medical Exemption Certificates.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/08/P2022110800576.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government further suitably relaxes social distancing measures

Having taken into account the latest epidemic development and relevant factors, the Government announced that social distancing measures will be suitably relaxed further with effect from November 3.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/27/P2022102700682.htm

  1. Government to set two-tier pricing for self-paid COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services

The Government announced that the self-paid COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services will be provided at two-tier pricing with express service introduced starting from October 28. Moreover, the self-paid testing services being provided at the 19 community testing centres (CTCs) will be extended to all 85 CTCs and community testing stations (CTSs).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/27/P2022102700777.htm

  1. Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) (Amendment) Regulation 2022 gazetted

The Court of First Instance handed down its judgment on the judicial review application in respect of COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates (Exemption Certificates) on October 21, 2022. Having carefully considered the legal advice, the exigency of the fight against the epidemic and the interest of the relevant stakeholders and the public at large, the Government has decided not to appeal against the decision of the Court. The Government would amend the relevant regulations, in order to provide clear legal basis for the relevant directions.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/25/P2022102500852.htm

  1. Secretary for Health declares invalidation of all Medical Exemption Certificates issued by

seven registered medical practitioners

The Government announced that the Secretary for Health, pursuant to section 17B(1) of the

amended Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599, sub. leg. L) (the Regulation), declared separately the invalidation of all COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates (Exemption Certificates) issued by the seven registered medical practitioners stated in Annex. The aforementioned invalidation declarations will take effect on November 9. By that time, all Exemption Certificates previously issued by the medical practitioners concerned can no longer be used for meeting the Vaccine Pass requirements. At the same time, neither can Exemption Certificate issued by the seven registered medical practitioners after the making of the aforementioned invalidation declarations be used for

meeting the Vaccine Pass requirements.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/26/P2022102600795.htm

  1. Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations to provide Sinovac and BioNTech vaccination

service

Starting from October 31, the 13 COVID-19 Vaccination Stations in public hospitals (HCVSs) provide walk-in vaccination with the Sinovac and BioNTech vaccines.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/28/P2022102800219.htm

  1. HAD steps up vaccination and related publicity activities to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination of elderly and children

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said that to encourage the early vaccination of the young and the old, the HAD’s 18 District Offices have stepped up COVID-19 vaccination activities in various districts since August so as to enable citizens of all ages, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to serious infection, to be vaccinated as early as possible to obtain the much needed proper protection for themselves and others under the epidemic situation.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/28/P2022102800703.htm

  1. Paediatric formulation of Comirnaty vaccine arrives in Hong Kong

A batch of about 19 000 doses of the paediatric formulation of the Comirnaty vaccine for use by children aged 5 to 11 arrived in Hong Kong as arranged by Fosun Pharma.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202210/28/P2022102800543.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Arrangement of Receiving Seasonal Influenza Vaccines through Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS)

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        ​​Government further suitably relaxes social distancing measuresHaving taken into account the latest epidemic development and relevant factors, the Government announced that social distancing measures will be suitably relaxed further with effect from November 3.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/27/P2022102700682.htm2.        Government to set two-tier pricing for self-paid COVID-19 nucleic acid testing servicesThe Government announced that the self-paid COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services will be provided at two-tier pricing with express service introduced starting from October 28. Moreover, the self-paid testing services being provided at the 19 community testing centres (CTCs) will be extended to all 85 CTCs and community testing stations (CTSs).For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/27/P2022102700777.htm3.        Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) (Amendment) Regulation 2022 gazettedThe Court of First Instance handed down its judgment on the judicial review application in respect of COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates (Exemption Certificates) on October 21, 2022. Having carefully considered the legal advice, the exigency of the fight against the epidemic and the interest of the relevant stakeholders and the public at large, the Government has decided not to appeal against the decision of the Court. The Government would amend the relevant regulations, in order to provide clear legal basis for the relevant directions.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/25/P2022102500852.htm4.        ​​Secretary for Health declares invalidation of all Medical Exemption Certificates issued by seven registered medical practitionersThe Government announced that the Secretary for Health, pursuant to section 17B(1) of the amended Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599, sub. leg. L) (the Regulation), declared separately the invalidation of all COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates (Exemption Certificates) issued by the seven registered medical practitioners stated in Annex. The aforementioned invalidation declarations will take effect on November 9. By that time, all Exemption Certificates previously issued by the medical practitioners concerned can no longer be used for meeting the Vaccine Pass requirements. At the same time, neither can Exemption Certificate issued by the seven registered medical practitioners after the making of the aforementioned invalidation declarations be used for meeting the Vaccine Pass requirements.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/26/P2022102600795.htm5.        Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations to provide Sinovac and BioNTech vaccination serviceStarting from October 31, the 13 COVID-19 Vaccination Stations in public hospitals (HCVSs) provide walk-in vaccination with the Sinovac and BioNTech vaccines.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/28/P2022102800219.htm6.        ​​HAD steps up vaccination and related publicity activities to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination of elderly and childrenA spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said that to encourage the early vaccination of the young and the old, the HAD’s 18 District Offices have stepped up COVID-19 vaccination activities in various districts since August so as to enable citizens of all ages, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to serious infection, to be vaccinated as early as possible to obtain the much needed proper protection for themselves and others under the epidemic situation.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/28/P2022102800703.htm7.        Paediatric formulation of Comirnaty vaccine arrives in Hong KongA batch of about 19 000 doses of the paediatric formulation of the Comirnaty vaccine for use by children aged 5 to 11 arrived in Hong Kong as arranged by Fosun Pharma.For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/28/P2022102800543.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1.        ​​​Government announces latest arrangements of COVID-19 vaccination venues

The Government announced that nine additional COVID-19 vaccination venues will be set up progressively at locations with convenient transportation or high patronage this month to provide convenience to members of the public. In addition, five Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and one Pop-up CVC will be closed at the end of this month after the new vaccination venues have commenced service.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/12/P2022101200245.htm

  1.        ​​​HAD steps up vaccination and related publicity activities to facilitate COVID-19​​​ vaccination of elderly and children

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said that to encourage the early vaccination of the young and the old, the HAD’s 18 District Offices have stepped up COVID-19 vaccination activities in various districts since August so as to enable citizens of all ages, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to serious infection, to be vaccinated as early as possible to obtain the much needed proper protection for themselves and others under the epidemic situation.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/13/P2022101300508.htm

  1.        ​​​Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use ​​​of COVID-19 vaccines

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened a meeting on October 13 to discuss and issue the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/13/P2022101300657.htm

  1.        ​​​Secretary for Health authorises paediatric and toddler formulation of Comirnaty ​​​vaccine for emergency use in Hong Kong

The Government announced that the Secretary for Health has authorised the paediatric and toddler formulation of the Comirnaty vaccine for emergency use in Hong Kong in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K) (the Regulation).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/12/P2022101200446.htm

  1.        ​​​Government announces latest arrangements for Medical Exemption Certificates ​​​suspected of abuse in issuance

The Government announced earlier that the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates issued by the seven private doctors who are suspected to have abused the issuance of Exemption Certificates would not be accepted for the purpose of Vaccine Pass starting from October 12.  In view of the interim injunction order handed down by the High Court having considered the pending substantive hearing of the relevant judicial review case, the Government announced on October 11 the suspension of arrangement to refuse the acceptance of the Exemption Certificates concerned according to the G.N. (E.) 893, 895 and 896 of 2022 published yesterday on October 10 under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Chapter 599, sub. leg. F) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Chapter 599, sub. leg. L) until the court has conducted substantive hearing on the judicial review case concerned and handed down further instruction.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/11/P2022101100576.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Ceremony of Celebration Activities for Ethnic Minorities for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR

The Home Affairs Department (HAD) held the Ceremony of Celebration Activities for Ethnic Minorities for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 28 August 2022 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland with ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung together with other guests, officiated at the ceremony. They encouraged ethnic minorities to participate in a series of celebration activities organised by support service centres for ethnic minorities and community support teams commissioned by the HAD. There were also some stellar stage performances by talented and energetic performers from ethnic minorities and from local communities which fully demonstrated that people of diverse cultures and backgrounds in Hong Kong could respect and appreciate each other’s culture.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1.        ​​​Government announces latest arrangements of COVID-19 vaccination venues

The Government announced that nine additional COVID-19 vaccination venues will be set up progressively at locations with convenient transportation or high patronage this month to provide convenience to members of the public. In addition, five Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and one Pop-up CVC will be closed at the end of this month after the new vaccination venues have commenced service.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/12/P2022101200245.htm

  1.        ​​​HAD steps up vaccination and related publicity activities to facilitate COVID-19​​​ vaccination of elderly and children

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said that to encourage the early vaccination of the young and the old, the HAD’s 18 District Offices have stepped up COVID-19 vaccination activities in various districts since August so as to enable citizens of all ages, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to serious infection, to be vaccinated as early as possible to obtain the much needed proper protection for themselves and others under the epidemic situation.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/13/P2022101300508.htm

  1.        ​​​Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use ​​​of COVID-19 vaccines

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened a meeting on October 13 to discuss and issue the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/13/P2022101300657.htm

  1.        ​​​Secretary for Health authorises paediatric and toddler formulation of Comirnaty ​​​vaccine for emergency use in Hong Kong

The Government announced that the Secretary for Health has authorised the paediatric and toddler formulation of the Comirnaty vaccine for emergency use in Hong Kong in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K) (the Regulation).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/12/P2022101200446.htm

  1.        ​​​Government announces latest arrangements for Medical Exemption Certificates ​​​suspected of abuse in issuance

The Government announced earlier that the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates issued by the seven private doctors who are suspected to have abused the issuance of Exemption Certificates would not be accepted for the purpose of Vaccine Pass starting from October 12.  In view of the interim injunction order handed down by the High Court having considered the pending substantive hearing of the relevant judicial review case, the Government announced on October 11 the suspension of arrangement to refuse the acceptance of the Exemption Certificates concerned according to the G.N. (E.) 893, 895 and 896 of 2022 published yesterday on October 10 under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Chapter 599, sub. leg. F) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Chapter 599, sub. leg. L) until the court has conducted substantive hearing on the judicial review case concerned and handed down further instruction.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/11/P2022101100576.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1.        Government rolls out new measures to enhance community testing services

The Government announced that a series of enhancement measures have been rolled out progressively in a bid to provide ample, high-quality, speedy, accessible and affordable community testing services and further assist members of the public to undergo nucleic acid tests.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/06/P2022100600431.htm

  1.        FEHD reminds operators, staff and customers of catering premises and scheduled premises to observe latest social distancing measures

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that the Government has earlier announced the relaxation of certain social distancing measures, and the latest specifications and directions in relation to catering premises and scheduled premises under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) has come into effect from October 6 to October 19. The spokesman appeals to operators of catering premises and scheduled premises to observe the relevant arrangements and strictly comply with various requirements and directions under Cap. 599F and other relevant anti-epidemic regulations at all times. Customers patronising catering premises are also required to comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/06/P2022100600501.htm

  1.        Government provides clinical assessment for members of public who hold Medical Exemption Certificates with suspected problems

The Government announced further facilitation measures to assist individuals who hold a COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate suspected to be issued not in compliance with guidelines by a doctor suspected to have violated the law, for obtaining appropriate clinical assessment on whether they are suitable for receiving vaccination depending on their needs.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/06/P2022100600006.htm

  1.        2022/23 seasonal influenza vaccination programmes to start on October 6

With the launch of the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) and Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) 2022/23 on October 6, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) appealed to members of the public to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to better protect themselves in the coming winter influenza season.

The spokesman stressed that the COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with, or separated from, SIV. If people wish to space out COVID-19 vaccine with nasal spray live attenuated vaccine, an interval of 14 days is sufficient.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/05/P2022100500280.htm

  1.        Hospital Authority adjusts designated clinic and general out-patient clinic services

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced that the HA designated clinic for COVID-19 confirmed cases (designated clinic) located at Central Kowloon Health Centre ceased operation on October 6 and resume general out-patient clinic (GOPC) service on October 7. GOPCs resumed some services which were partially suspended earlier, including the Sunday and public holiday and the evening clinic services, starting from October 7.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/03/P2022100300606.htm

  1.        Government adjusts quarantine arrangements for air crew

In view of the latest developments of the epidemic situation, the Government adjusted the quarantine arrangements for air crew which came into effect on October 4.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/04/P2022100400532.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.        Government relaxes certain social distancing measures
    In view of the latest epidemic development and the need to contain relevant risks, the Government announced the relaxation of certain social distancing measures with effect from October 6.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/30/P2022093000818.htm2.        Government announces lifting of compulsory quarantine requirement on arrival at Hong Kong
    The Government announced the lifting of compulsory quarantine requirement for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan starting from September 26, after analysing scientific data and striking a balance among factors such as transmission risks. The arrangement for inbound persons from the Mainland or Macao are rationalised at the same time. The Government’s goal is to minimise the inconvenience faced by inbound travellers due to quarantine requirements and allow room for Hong Kong to connect with the world as far as possible, while being able to contain the epidemic development.
    For details, refer to:https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/24/P2022092400048.htm3.        Latest inbound control arrangement for foreign domestic helpers
    The Labour Department (LD) reminded foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and employers that the Government adjust the inbound control arrangement for overseas inbound persons with effect from September 26.
    For details, refer to:https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/24/P2022092400139.htm4.        New arrangement of Vaccine Pass commences
    The Government reminded members of the public that starting from September 30, the applicable age of the Vaccine Pass are lowered to 5 and persons aged 12 or above are required to receive the third dose within five months after receiving the second dose. Members of the public should get vaccinated with no delay to comply with the vaccination requirements under the Vaccine Pass. A new function has been added to the “LeaveHomeSafe” (LHS) mobile application to allow members of the public to store at the same time their own Vaccine Pass and that of their accompanied persons (including children aged 15 or below, elderly aged 65 or above, or persons with disabilities, who are exempted from using the LHS mobile application).
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/27/P2022092700562.htm5.        Booking arrangements for receiving both COVID-19 and influenza vaccination for Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above at Community Vaccination Centres
    The Government announced that Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) in various districts will offer free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above when they are there for COVID-19 vaccination starting from October 6. Eligible persons may make reservations from September 29.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/28/P2022092800613.htm6.        Four COVID-19 vaccination stations commence operation
    The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said after a visit to the Lai Chi Kok Park Community Vaccination Station (CVS) that the CVS is well prepared for administering the Sinovac vaccine for members of the public starting from September 30. In addition, three Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations located at Chi Lok Fa Yuen in Tuen Mun, Kornhill Plaza Office Tower in Quarry Bay and Ice House Street in Central have also come into operation.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/29/P2022092900294.htm7.        Government announces follow-up arrangements for suspected abuse in the issuance of Medical Exemption Certificates
    Regarding individual private doctors suspected to have failed to provide proper medical consultation to patients in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health (DH) and abused the issuance of COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates, the Government announced that all Medical Exemption Certificates issued by the private doctors concerned will not be accepted and will be invalidated from October 12 onwards. Members of the public who hold a Medical Exemption Certificate issued by the private doctors concerned may consult other doctors depending on their needs to determine whether they are suitable for receiving COVID-19 vaccination, or may continue to be medically exempted.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/27/P2022092700632.htm8.        Health Bureau’s response on follow-up arrangements for suspected abuse in issuance of Medical Exemption Certificates
    Regarding media enquiries on how individuals who hold a COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate (Exemption Certificate) issued by a doctor suspected to have abused the issuance of Exemption Certificates can continue to obtain the relevant exemption, the Health Bureau gave a response.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/29/P2022092900779.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:
    www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government maintains social distancing measures

The Government announced the gazettal of the extension of social distancing measures in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. The measures are effective from September 22 to October 5.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202209/20/P2022092000721.htm

  1. Measures to assist foreign domestic helpers and employers cope with COVID-19 pandemic extended

The Government announced that the measures to assist foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and their employers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic will be extended.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202209/21/P2022092000373.htm

  1. Government standardises requirements of Provisional Vaccine Pass

Considering that COVID-19 vaccine has been widely administered in places outside Hong Kong and the local Vaccine Pass requirements will be further strengthened (lowering the applicable age starting from September 30, and requiring all persons aged 12 or above to be vaccinated with three doses starting from the end of November), the Government announced revision to the Provisional Vaccine Pass applicable to all inbound travellers, requiring them to have received at least two doses starting from September 17.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202209/16/P2022091600674.htm

  1. Government, community and trade work together to visit elderly to encourage COVID-19 vaccination

To further encourage elderly persons to receive COVID-19 vaccination for self-protection, various government departments worked with a district group and the property management sector to roll out at Tsz Hong and Tsz Man Estates in Wong Tai Sin a pilot scheme to visit elderly persons in order to encourage them to receive COVID-19 vaccination. For two consecutive days, they paid door-to-door visits to households with elderly persons aged 70 or above at the two estates.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202209/17/P2022091700300.htm

  1. Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convenes meeting to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of authorised COVID-19 vaccines

The Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel) convened a meeting to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202209/19/P2022091900540.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1.        Government maintains social distancing measures
    The Government announced the gazettal of the extension of social distancing measures in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. The measures are effective from September 8 to September 21. At the same time, given the severe epidemic situation, the Government takes strict enforcement actions on various anti-epidemic measures in order to further contain the epidemic, prevent the healthcare system from collapsing and avoid as far as practicable tightening of measures which may have a more drastic impact.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/06/P2022090600648.htm2.        Government lowers applicable age of Vaccine Pass to 5 and adjusts vaccination requirements applicable to persons aged 12 or above
    The epidemic has reached a dire situation recently. In a bid to enhance protection for children and boost further the vaccination rate of the third dose, the Government announced updated Vaccine Pass arrangements. The specific adjustments include: (1) lowering the applicable age of the Vaccine Pass to cover children aged 5 to 11; and (2) adjusting the vaccination requirements applicable to persons aged 12 or above under the Vaccine Pass.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/08/P2022090800481.htm3.        Government increases COVID-19 vaccination quota for children
    The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said that as the applicable age of the Vaccine Pass will be lowered to 5 years old, the Government will increase the BioNTech vaccination quota for children aged 5 to 11 starting from September 9 and online booking can be made from now on.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/08/P2022090800474.htm4.        Government extends outreach vaccination service special programme for residential care homes
    To further boost the COVID-19 vaccination rate of residents of residential care homes (RCHs) for the elderly and persons with disabilities so as to strengthen the protection for them, the Government announced the extension of the outreach vaccination service special programme for RCHs till the end of September. Medical teams are invited to continue their visits to respective RCHs at least once a week and provide outreach vaccination service to the residents with a target of not missing any residents who are ready for vaccination and getting them vaccinated as soon as possible. Under the special programme, the Government will provide a special allowance for the medical teams to cover the additional manpower and transportation costs arising from the extension of the programme.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/01/P2022090100474.htm5.        Government rationalises testing arrangements for persons arriving from Mainland and Macao
    The Government announced that the COVID-19 nucleic acid testing arrangements for persons arriving from the Mainland and Macao are rationalised from September 3 onwards. The new arrangements include that persons arriving at Hong Kong from the Mainland or Macao via the airport would no longer be required to undergo “test-and-hold” arrangement in a bid to align the testing arrangements for relevant persons arriving at Hong Kong via the airport and land boundary control points, while all persons arriving from the Mainland and Macao must undergo compulsory nucleic acid testing on Day 2 upon their arrival at Hong Kong.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/01/P2022090100771.htm6.        Members of the public have to report positive RAT result as soon as possible by the deadline
    The spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) reminded that People who obtain a positive result through an RAT have to report via the online platform “Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test” ([www.chp.gov.hk/ratp]www.chp.gov.hk/ratp) as soon as possible by the reporting deadline. The CHP will not process and follow up those reports made beyond the deadline.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/06/P2022090600583.htm7.        Government updates testing requirements prior to visits to RCHs
    The Social Welfare Department (SWD) said that, due to the continued occurrence of confirmed cases among residents and/or staff members in residential care homes (RCHs), visitors’ testing requirements prior to their visits to RCHs will be updated according to the advice of the health authorities in order to safeguard the health of frail elderly people and persons with disabilities in RCHs.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202209/02/P2022090200689.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:
    www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.        Free vaccination service at 16 Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations opens for reservations

The Government sets up 16 Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations across Hong Kong to provide more COVID-19 vaccination venues with greater convenience for the public. Members of the public can make reservations for vaccination services for free through the booking system on the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/26/P2022082600242.htm

  1.        Government joins forces with local communities to boost COVID-19 vaccination

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said that it is important to have members and organisations of local communities to promote COVID-19 vaccination actively. In addition to organising outreach vaccination services in their communities, they can also disseminate the latest information about vaccination to members of their communities.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/25/P2022082500905.htm

  1.        Hospital Authority curtails service to fight epidemic

In response to the latest epidemic development and the continual surge in confirmed cases, the Hospital Authority (HA) has activated the Phase Three Bed Mobilisation Plan so as to reserve more beds and mobilise more manpower to manage patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection. In order to focus resources on anti-epidemic works, public hospitals need to curtail some non-emergency services, including some elective surgeries, day and outpatient services have already been impacted, amid some patient appointments have to be rescheduled.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/28/P2022082700692.htm

  1.        FEHD reminds operators and patrons of catering premises and operators and staff of scheduled premises to comply with latest social distancing measures

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that the Government the gazettal under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions)(Business and Premises) Regulation, which require customers participating in a banquet activity to undergo a rapid antigen test (RAT) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conducted within the preceding 24 hours and present the negative result before they are allowed to enter the catering premises. The testing requirements applicable to staff of catering premises are extended to staff of scheduled premises (including commercial bathhouse, place of public entertainment, swimming pool and market, etc.): all staff of scheduled premises are required to undergo a RAT every three days before entering the premises. The spokesman reminded relevant operators, staff and patrons to observe and comply with the new requirement as well as other applicable regulations and restrictions.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/27/P2022082700590.htm

  1.        Compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes

The Government announced the details of the compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/28/P2022082800193.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        Government to offer more channels to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination of elderly and children

Starting from August 15, the Community Vaccination Centre (CVC) at MTR Tsing Yi Station and the Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC) at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital would concurrently provide vaccination service with the Sinovac and BioNTech vaccines. Members of the public can make online reservations via the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme from 9am August 12.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/11/P2022081100285.htm

2.        Enhancing efficiency of Home Vaccination Service for COVID-19 vaccination of elderly

To further enhance service efficiency for achieving the objective of administering the appropriate number of COVID-19 vaccine doses for elderly persons, the Government commissions 13 medical organisations to continue to provide a door-to-door vaccination service for elderly persons and people with special needs who have registered for the Home Vaccination Service across Hong Kong starting from August 15.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/12/P2022081200189.htm

3.        Government announces adjustments to quarantine arrangements for inbound persons

After reviewing the latest data, the Government announced enhanced isolation and quarantine arrangements for inbound persons. The testing arrangements are correspondingly adjusted.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/08/P2022080800803.htm

4.        Government announces enhanced Vaccine Pass function

The Government announced the addition of the Red Code and Amber Code into the Vaccine Pass to differentiate persons with higher risk of infection. Starting from August 9, confirmed cases are categorised as persons with a Red Code, and inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan are categorised as persons with an Amber Code. Their Vaccine Pass QR codes will be displayed in red or amber accordingly. Persons-in-charge of premises should deny entry of relevant persons to relevant premises in accordance with relevant rules.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/08/P2022080800771.htm

5.        Implementation arrangement of Red and Amber Codes

The Government reminded persons-in-charge or managers of premises who are required to use the QR Code Verification Scanner that they must have their scanners updated to version 4.4.0 or above and connected to the Internet. This is to ensure that checking of the Vaccine Pass of customers or visitors can be performed accurately to comply with the Government’s newly introduced Red and Amber Codes arrangement.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/13/P2022081300589.htm

6.        Government extends social distancing measures

The Government announced the gazettal of the extension of social distancing measures in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. The measures are effective from August 11 to August 24.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/09/P2022080900736.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.        COVID-19 vaccination arrangements for children aged six months or above and for persons aged from 50 to 59 receiving fourth dose

Children aged from six months to three years may receive the Sinovac CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine starting from August 4. In addition, persons aged from 50 to 59 who have received three doses of the Sinovac or BioNTech vaccine may also receive the fourth vaccine dose at least three months after their last dose, starting from August 4.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/02/P2022080200699.htm

  1.        Minimum age for receiving CoronaVac vaccine lowered to 6 months

The Government announced that having regard to experts’ advice, the Secretary for Health has approved the lowering of the minimum age for receiving the CoronaVac vaccine from 3 years to 6 months old for “off-label use”. Based on related clinical trials and studies of vaccination for local adolescents, the experts considered that three doses of CoronaVac vaccine (each dose of the same dosage as that for older children and adults) can be used for children aged 6 months to less than 3 years, following the same schedule of vaccination for older children. The Government already has the relevant vaccines in stock, and the vaccination arrangements will be announced.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/02/P2022080200540.htm

  1.        Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened an online meeting to discuss and issue the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for children down to six months of age in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/01/P2022080100675.htm

  1.        Adjusting operating hours of self-paid designated quarantine hotel taxis

The operating hours of self-paid designated quarantine hotel (DQH) taxis is advanced to start from 7am daily to 2am the next day from August 4, a Government spokesman said.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202208/03/P2022080300456.htm

  1.        74th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes

The Government announced the details of the 74th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/29/P2022072800577.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Governments of Bhutan and Marshall Islands to accept vaccination records issued by Bhutan and Marshall Islands as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on July 20.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202207/18/P2022071800476.htm

  1. Persons completed home isolation may cut and dispose of electronic wristbands

A Government spokesman reminded that persons infected with COVID-19 may cut and dispose of the electronic wristbands and uninstall the “StayHomeSafe” mobile app upon completion of the home isolation requirement.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202207/21/P2022072100785.htm

  1. CHP adjusts management of cases involving new Omicron sub-lineages

The CHP has all along been closely monitoring local cases involving the new sub-lineages and their epidemiological characteristics. After reviewing the local cases suspected of involving the new Omicron sub-lineages, including BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5, the CHP found their characteristics, including severity and hospitalisation rate, similar to those involving BA.2 which is the widely circulating local strain since the fifth wave. The CHP adjusts the management of those cases according to the latest risk assessment. The isolation and quarantine arrangements of local cases suspected of involving the new Omicron sub-lineages will be the same as that of cases involving BA.2, i.e., if the relevant requirements are fulfilled and their household environment is suitable, positive cases and their close contacts could opt for home isolation and quarantine.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202207/20/P2022072000663.htm

  1. 72nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes

The Government announced the details of the 72nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202207/20/P2022072000236.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1.        Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
    The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Governments of Bhutan and Marshall Islands to accept vaccination records issued by Bhutan and Marshall Islands as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on July 20.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/18/P2022071800476.htm2.        Persons completed home isolation may cut and dispose of electronic wristbands
    A Government spokesman reminded that persons infected with COVID-19 may cut and dispose of the electronic wristbands and uninstall the “StayHomeSafe” mobile app upon completion of the home isolation requirement.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/21/P2022072100785.htm3.        CHP adjusts management of cases involving new Omicron sub-lineages
    The CHP has all along been closely monitoring local cases involving the new sub-lineages and their epidemiological characteristics. After reviewing the local cases suspected of involving the new Omicron sub-lineages, including BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5, the CHP found their characteristics, including severity and hospitalisation rate, similar to those involving BA.2 which is the widely circulating local strain since the fifth wave. The CHP adjusts the management of those cases according to the latest risk assessment. The isolation and quarantine arrangements of local cases suspected of involving the new Omicron sub-lineages will be the same as that of cases involving BA.2, i.e., if the relevant requirements are fulfilled and their household environment is suitable, positive cases and their close contacts could opt for home isolation and quarantine.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/20/P2022072000663.htm4.        72nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes
    The Government announced the details of the 72nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.
    For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/20/P2022072000236.htmMore information on COVID-19 vaccines:
    www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.        Government extends existing social distancing measures

The Government announced the gazettal of the extension of existing social distancing measures in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, which would be effective from July 14 to 27.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/12/P2022071200565.htm

  1.        Government announces enhancements on COVID-19 positive cases management

The Government announced enhancements on the management of cases tested positive for COVID-19. With regard to control points, outbound travellers travelling to the Mainland or Macao via the Shenzhen Bay Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, or the Hong Kong International Airport, whose special nucleic acid test results are positive, would be issued with isolation orders immediately and sent to a community isolation facility (CIF).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/14/P2022071400613.htm

  1.        Online booking for departure special nucleic acid testing service at Shenzhen Bay Control Point is available

The Government announced that, starting from July 15, outbound travellers crossing the boundary via the Shenzhen Bay Port are required to present proof of booking confirmation for undergoing the special nucleic acid test. The Government launched an online booking system for the special nucleic acid test service at the Shenzhen Bay Port at 0.00am July 14, so as to facilitate planning of journeys by travellers choosing to cross the boundary through the control point.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/13/P2022071300271.htm

  1.        Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Barbados to accept vaccination records issued by Barbados as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on July 13.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/11/P2022071100619.htm

  1.        Intravenous injection should only be performed by healthcare professionals

The Department of Health (DH) is investigating a suspected case of sepsis after receiving intravenous injection of glutathione. Members of the public are reminded that intravenous injection should only be performed by healthcare professionals.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/07/P2022070700696.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Mobile phone number during anti-epidemic period

When you are staying in Hong Kong during the anti-epidemic period, you must have a valid mobile phone number to receive local SMS / phone calls; otherwise, important messages regarding COVID-19 testing results, quarantine, isolation and COVID-19 vaccination cannot reach you.

These messages are very important for you to comply with relevant regulations and protect yourself. This phone number is also very useful for contact tracing purposes when positive cases are identified.

For details, refer to: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=408110201361631

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it accepts the vaccination records issued by Kosovo, Madagascar and Tanzania as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on July 6.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202207/04/P2022070400565.htm

  1. Government implements measures with immediate effect to curb scalping of designated quarantine hotels guest rooms

The Government announced the immediate implementation of measures to curb scalping of guest rooms of designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) and the inclusion of three more DQH hotels under the eighth cycle of the DQH Scheme to increase the room supply.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/24/P2022062400859.htm

  1. HAD “StayHomeSafe” telephone hotline new service arrangement

The Home Affairs Department announced that starting from June 30, there are a new service arrangement for the “StayHomeSafe” telephone hotline (1833 019). The service hours are adjusted from 24 hours to 7am to 11pm daily. A new voicemail function is added to the hotline so that callers who leave their messages after service hours will have their calls followed up by hotline staff in the morning on the following day.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/29/P2022062900327.htm

  1. 70th and 71st rounds of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes

The Government announced the details of the 70th and 71st rounds of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202207/01/P2022063000395.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.       Scientific Committees under CHP issue consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccine and monkeypox vaccine in Hong Kong

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened an online meeting to discuss the use of the Comirnaty vaccine and monkeypox vaccine in Hong Kong. The consensus interim recommendations have been published on June 17.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202206/17/P2022061700456.htm

  1.        Extension of time interval for receiving first two doses of BioNTech vaccine for persons aged 18 to 59

In response to the latest advice from experts, the Government called on people aged 18 to 59 to pay attention to the extension of the time interval between the first and the second doses of the BioNTech vaccine from three weeks to eight weeks. Starting from 9am on June 22, relevant persons can select an appointment time slot which is eight weeks after they have received their first dose of the BioNTech vaccine at the booking system of the designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202206/17/P2022061700783.htm

  1.       Government steps up COVID-19 testing for employees and continues targeted social distancing and infection control measures

In view of the developments of the epidemic situation, a Government spokesman said that government bureaux and departments (B/Ds) will step up the use of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) for government employees with a view to cutting the hidden transmission chains as early as possible by increasing the coverage of staff and the frequency of testing.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202206/17/P2022061700481.htm

  1.       68th and 69th rounds of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes

The Government announced the details of the 68th and 69th rounds of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202206/17/P2022061600274.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), vaccines and monkeypox

  1. Government suitably adjusts social distancing measures

The Government announced the gazettal in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, which will largely extend the existing social distancing measures but require patrons of bars/pubs and clubs/nightclubs to present proof of a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result obtained within 24 hours before entering the relevant premises. The measures will be effective from June 16 to June 29.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/14/P2022061400765.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the governments of Bahrain, the Dominican Republic, Egypt and Mauritius to accept vaccination records issued by these places as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on June 15.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/13/P2022061300397.htm

  1. Government announces list of eighth-cycle designated quarantine hotels

The Government announced the list of the first batch of designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) for the eighth cycle of the Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme. The new cycle of the Scheme will run from August 1 to October 31, 2022. The first batch of 62 hotels will provide about 23 000 rooms.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/16/P2022061600697.htm

  1. 67th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 67th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/10/P2022060900219.htm

  1. Government gazettes inclusion of monkeypox as statutorily notifiable infectious disease under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and launches Preparedness and Response Plan for Monkeypox

The Government published the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Notice 2022 and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2022 in the Gazette to include monkeypox as a scheduled infectious disease under Schedule 1 to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) and to specify monkeypox as a “specified disease” under the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (the Regulation). The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) also launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Monkeypox (the Plan), which sets out the relevant plan and actions when monkeypox may have a significant public health impact on Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/10/P2022061000468.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government urges citizens to continue taking anti-epidemic measures vigilantly

The Government strongly urged citizens to stay on guard and continue taking anti-epidemic measures vigilantly. While the fifth wave of the epidemic has been substantially contained with daily new cases drastically decreased from tens of thousands during the peak in early March to several hundreds in recent days, a Government spokesman reminded citizens not to overlook the risk of epidemic rebound following the gradual resumption of social and economic activities.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/05/P2022060500262.htm

  1. Home Vaccination Call Centre to receive enquiries from Monday to Friday

The Government appeals to elderly persons aged 70 or above or persons with impaired mobility due to illness or physical disability who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine before to seize the opportunity to register for the free door-to-door vaccination service via the Home Vaccination Service website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/hv/) or the enquiry hotline (Tel: 5688 5234) as soon as possible. Starting from June 13, the Home Vaccination Call Centre will operate from 9am to 8pm from Monday to Friday.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/29/P2022052900331.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Saudi Arabia to accept vaccination records issued by Saudi Arabia as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on June 8.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/06/P2022060600632.htm

  1. Government explains isolation and quarantine arrangement for COVID-19 cases and close contacts involving sub-lineages of Omicron mutant strain

In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman said that Hong Kong has all along been implementing a five-tier arrangement for isolation of local cases tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and where appropriate quarantine of their close contacts at home or designated facilities since the fifth wave epidemic that started in end 2021. The objective is to reduce disease transmission, death and severe infection in local community. There has been no change to the quarantine and isolation arrangements for local cases since the peak of the fifth wave.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/01/P2022060100846.htm

  1. Declaring false COVID-19 testing records will be prosecuted

The Government has noticed that, among the recent cases reported through the “Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test”, the proportion of negative results detected upon nucleic acid test is significantly higher than the general false-negative rate of rapid antigen tests and as compared with past trends. After investigation, the Government suspected that individual members of the public may have reported dated or false information in order to receive the recovery record QR code for meeting the Vaccine Pass requirement. The relevant cases have been referred to the Police for follow-up. A Government spokesman stressed that the act is an offence in law and an irresponsible action that would have major impact on the fight against the epidemic. The Government will deal with these cases in a serious manner.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202206/02/P2022060200714.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government extends existing social distancing measures
The Government announced the gazettal of the extension of the existing social distancing measures in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, which are to be effective from June 2 to June 15.
2. Government fine-tunes testing arrangements for persons entering Hong Kong and updates penalty under flight suspension mechanism
The Government announced, on the premise of maintaining the overall framework of stringent inbound prevention and control measures to guard against the importation of cases, the fine-tuned pre-departure and post-arrival nucleic acid testing arrangements applicable to persons boarding for Hong Kong from overseas places and Taiwan, and the updated penalty to be incurred by airlines for neglecting to verify the required documentation of persons boarding flights for Hong Kong and triggering the route-specific flight suspension mechanism. These take effect from 0.00am on June 1 (Hong Kong time). The adjustments are made so as to reduce the impact on the journeys of persons coming to Hong Kong while continuing to firmly guard against the importation of cases.
3. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Vanuatu to accept vaccination records issued by Vanuatu as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on June 1 (Wednesday)
4. 21 Community Vaccination Centres open from 10am today
Twenty-one Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) are providing COVID-19 vaccination service to members of the public today (June 1). The opening hours of the CVCs are from 10am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and between 8am and 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They are closed daily between 1.30pm and 2.30pm for cleaning.
The CVCs at Hong Kong Central Library, Kowloon Bay Sports Centre, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre and Tsuen Wan Sports Centre were closed after finishing their service to the public last night (May 31) in accordance with the arrangement as announced earlier.
5. DH’s Elderly Health Centres continue to provide COVID-19 vaccination service
The Department of Health (DH) announced that its 11 Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccination walk-in service with the CoronaVac vaccine for all persons aged 65 or above, to encourage and assist the elderly to receive COVID-19 vaccination.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government reminds members of public commencement of Vaccine Pass third stage next Tuesday

The third stage of the Vaccine Pass will commence next Tuesday (May 31). The Government reminds members of the public who are not yet compliant with the requirement of the third stage of the Vaccine Pass to receive the respective dosage of vaccine before May 31. At the same time, other members of the public who are eligible to receive the third dose should receive the third dose as soon as possible in order to strengthen protection early. There is no need for them to wait until the six-month grace period under the Vaccine Pass expired.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/26/P2022052600697.htm

  1. Government to implement Vaccine Pass arrangement in designated healthcare premises

To strengthen the immunity barrier for hospitals and public healthcare facilities against COVID-19, protect members of the public who utilise public healthcare services, especially senior citizens and chronic patients who face a higher risk of serious illness and death after COVID-19 infection, and further encourage members of the public to receive COVID-19 vaccination, the Government announced that starting from June 13, the Vaccine Pass arrangement will be implemented in designated healthcare premises under the Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) through administrative methods. Persons who are unvaccinated will be allowed to visit applicable healthcare premises under the Vaccine Pass and receive general medical services after obtaining the negative result proof of a nucleic acid test. The Vaccine Pass arrangement will not be applicable to healthcare premises providing emergency or urgent medical services.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/21/P2022052100421.htm

  1. Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened an online meeting, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP) on May 19, to discuss the use of a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine in adults aged 18 to 59 years in Hong Kong. The updated consensus interim recommendations have been published on May 20.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/20/P2022052000284.htm

  1. Persons aged 18 to 59 may choose to receive fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The Government announced that uninfected individuals aged 18 to 59 who are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure or with personal needs may choose to receive a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine from now on, no matter they have received the BioNTech or the Sinovac vaccine for their previous doses.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/21/P2022052000831.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Namibia to accept vaccination records issued by Namibia as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on May 25.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/23/P2022052300674.htm

  1. Two more designated quarantine hotels enlisted

The Government announced the addition of two more designated quarantine hotels (DQHs). These two hotels will start accepting room bookings from late May onwards and commence service from early June. They are expected to provide about 600 additional rooms.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/25/P2022052500678.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        Government appeals to members of public to receive COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with Vaccine Pass requirementsThe Government reminded members of the public that the third stage of the Vaccine Pass will commence on May 31. By then all members of the public aged 12 or above, except those who obtained the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate, are required to receive COVID-19 vaccination according to the following requirements in order to comply with the requirement under the Vaccine Pass.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/17/P2022051700304.htm

2.        Education Bureau announces latest anti-epidemic measures for schools

In view of the latest developments of the epidemic and the recent further relaxation of social distancing measures by the Government, the Education Bureau (EDB) announced the updated arrangements of anti-epidemic measures in schools, including the relaxation arrangements for school activities.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/19/P2022051900672.htm

3.        Government announces relaunch of online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination records

The Government announced that the online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination records (www.chp.gov.hk/vac-df/) would be relaunched on May 20. The online platform provides an additional channel for declaring non-local vaccination records apart from boundary control points and designated post offices.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/19/P2022051900602.htm

4.        Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it would accept the vaccination records issued by Ecuador, Kenya, Seychelles and Venezuela as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on May 18. The Government also reminds persons travelling to Hong Kong that the COVID-19 testing certificates under the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC) mechanism can serve as a documentary proof for pre-boarding nucleic acid tests.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/16/P2022051600524.htm

5.        Six more designated quarantine hotels enlisted

The Government announced the addition of six designated quarantine hotels (DQHs). These six hotels will start accepting room bookings from this week and commence service from late May onwards. They are expected to provide about 2 000 additional rooms.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/17/P2022051700480.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.        Government appeals to members of public to receive COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with Vaccine Pass requirements

The Government reminded members of the public that the third stage of the Vaccine Pass will commence on May 31. By then all members of the public aged 12 or above, except those who obtained the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate, are required to receive COVID-19 vaccination according to the following requirements in order to comply with the requirement under the Vaccine Pass.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/17/P2022051700304.htm

  1.        Education Bureau announces latest anti-epidemic measures for schools

In view of the latest developments of the epidemic and the recent further relaxation of social distancing measures by the Government, the Education Bureau (EDB) announced the updated arrangements of anti-epidemic measures in schools, including the relaxation arrangements for school activities.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/19/P2022051900672.htm

  1.        Government announces relaunch of online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination records

The Government announced that the online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination records (www.chp.gov.hk/vac-df/) would be relaunched on May 20. The online platform provides an additional channel for declaring non-local vaccination records apart from boundary control points and designated post offices.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/19/P2022051900602.htm

  1.        Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it would accept the vaccination records issued by Ecuador, Kenya, Seychelles and Venezuela as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on May 18. The Government also reminds persons travelling to Hong Kong that the COVID-19 testing certificates under the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC) mechanism can serve as a documentary proof for pre-boarding nucleic acid tests.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/16/P2022051600524.htm

  1.        Six more designated quarantine hotels enlisted

The Government announced the addition of six designated quarantine hotels (DQHs). These six hotels will start accepting room bookings from this week and commence service from late May onwards. They are expected to provide about 2 000 additional rooms.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/17/P2022051700480.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

1.        Hong Kong’s third-dose vaccination rate reaches 50 per centThe Government appeals to eligible persons for receiving the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible to enhance protection and to prepare for the implementation of stage three Vaccine Pass at the end of this month. As of May 12, about 3.38 million people had received their third COVID-19 vaccine dose, accounting for 50 per cent of the population aged 12 or above.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/12/P2022051200818.htm

2.        Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Kyrgyzstan to accept vaccination records issued by Kyrgyzstan as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on May 11.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/09/P2022050900274.htm

3.        Government announces additional rapid antigen test to “test-and-hold” arrangements at airport

The Government announced that with effect from May 9, an additional rapid antigen test (RAT) will be conducted during the “test-and-hold” at the airport to strengthen the testing arrangements for inbound persons for earlier detection and isolation of infected persons, and to enhance the process of closed-loop management from the airport to designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) so as to shorten the waiting time for inbound persons at the airport.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/06/P2022050600679.htm

4.        62nd and 63rd rounds of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes

The Government announced the details of the 62nd and 63rd rounds of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/06/P2022050600407.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government further relaxes social distancing measures

As the epidemic trend continued to be stabilised, the Government announced the further relaxation of social distancing measures as follows, with a view to relaunching social and economic activities in an orderly manner:

  • Starting from May 5, early relaxation in measures allow catering premises to accommodate eight persons at most per table, re-opening of swimming pools, gazetted beaches, as well as water sports centres and public swimming pools under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and not wearing masks when present in country parks or when conducting strenuous physical activity in outdoor places.
  • Starting from May 19, the second stage of relaxation in social distancing measures will be implemented as scheduled. That includes extension of the dinnertime dine-in service hours in catering premises, allowing bars/pubs as well as other scheduled premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) which are currently closed, and allowing eating and drinking in cinemas etc.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/04/P2022050300895.htm

  1. Government suitably adjusts supply of designated quarantine hotels

The Government announced that it would suitably adjust the supply of designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) so as to meet the demand from inbound travellers while guarding against the importation of COVID-19 cases at the same time.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202204/29/P2022042900526.htm

  1. Government announces arrangements for Provisional Vaccine Pass and non-local recovery record for inbound travellers

The Government announced the arrangements for inbound travellers from places outside Hong Kong to obtain a Provisional Vaccine Pass and for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 infection in places outside Hong Kong (non-locally recovered persons) to declare their non-local recovery record for obtaining a recovery record QR code.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/05/P2022050500004.htm

  1. Government to re-introduce online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination record

To provide an additional channel for members of the public to declare their non-local COVID-19 vaccination record, the Government is currently updating the system with a view to re-introducing the online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination record. Details will be announced as soon as possible.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/05/P2022050500794.htm

  1. Government lifts Outbound Travel Alert issued due to COVID-19 on overseas countries/territories

The Government announced that the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) issued for COVID-19 on overseas countries/territories would be lifted on May 1.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202204/29/P2022042900346.htm

  1. Latest operation arrangements for Community Vaccination Centres

The Government announced that, in view of the demand for COVID-19 vaccination and the utilisation of the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs), the operation arrangements of the CVCs under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will be adjusted gradually starting from the middle of this month.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202205/04/P2022050400498.htm

  1. Government continues to provide free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing service for the elderly and targeted groups

The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced that free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing service is being provided for eligible persons of high-risk/high-exposure targeted groups and all elderly people aged 60 or above at community testing centres (CTCs) and mobile specimen collection stations so as to achieve the goal of “early identification, early isolation and early treatment” and enable more vulnerable infected elderly to seek timely medical attention and be prescribed with treatment drugs.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202204/30/P2022043000353.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. Government further relaxes social distancing measures
As the epidemic trend continued to be stabilised, the Government announced the further relaxation of social distancing measures as follows, with a view to relaunching social and economic activities in an orderly manner:
· Starting from May 5, early relaxation in measures allow catering premises to accommodate eight persons at most per table, re-opening of swimming pools, gazetted beaches, as well as water sports centres and public swimming pools under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and not wearing masks when present in country parks or when conducting strenuous physical activity in outdoor places.
· Starting from May 19, the second stage of relaxation in social distancing measures will be implemented as scheduled. That includes extension of the dinnertime dine-in service hours in catering premises, allowing bars/pubs as well as other scheduled premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) which are currently closed, and allowing eating and drinking in cinemas etc.
2. Government suitably adjusts supply of designated quarantine hotels
The Government announced that it would suitably adjust the supply of designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) so as to meet the demand from inbound travellers while guarding against the importation of COVID-19 cases at the same time.
3. Government announces arrangements for Provisional Vaccine Pass and non-local recovery record for inbound travellers
The Government announced the arrangements for inbound travellers from places outside Hong Kong to obtain a Provisional Vaccine Pass and for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 infection in places outside Hong Kong (non-locally recovered persons) to declare their non-local recovery record for obtaining a recovery record QR code.
4. Government to re-introduce online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination record
To provide an additional channel for members of the public to declare their non-local COVID-19 vaccination record, the Government is currently updating the system with a view to re-introducing the online platform for declaration of non-local vaccination record. Details will be announced as soon as possible.
5. Government lifts Outbound Travel Alert issued due to COVID-19 on overseas countries/territories
The Government announced that the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) issued for COVID-19 on overseas countries/territories would be lifted on May 1.
6. Latest operation arrangements for Community Vaccination Centres
The Government announced that, in view of the demand for COVID-19 vaccination and the utilisation of the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs), the operation arrangements of the CVCs under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will be adjusted gradually starting from the middle of this month.
7. Government continues to provide free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing service for the elderly and targeted groups
The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced that free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing service is being provided for eligible persons of high-risk/high-exposure targeted groups and all elderly people aged 60 or above at community testing centres (CTCs) and mobile specimen collection stations so as to achieve the goal of “early identification, early isolation and early treatment” and enable more vulnerable infected elderly to seek timely medical attention and be prescribed with treatment drugs.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened an online meeting, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), to discuss the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong. The updated consensus interim recommendations have been published on April 7. Local data showed that three doses of COVID-19 vaccines (i.e. Comirnaty vaccine or CoronaVac vaccine) are highly effective in reducing hospitalisations and death across all age groups in the adult population. As the majority of local fatal cases in the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic have been persons aged 60 or above, the JSC-EAP thus recommended persons aged 60 years or above to receive an additional dose (i.e. fourth dose) of either Comirnaty vaccine or CoronaVac vaccine at least three months after their last dose for better protection. The same principle would also be applied to recovered persons from COVID-19 in those aged 60 or above.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/07/P2022040700247.htm
2. Fourth dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements for persons aged 60 or above
The Government announced on April 8 that persons aged 60 or above who have received three doses of the Sinovac vaccine or the BioNTech vaccine may receive the fourth vaccine dose at least three months after their last dose. All eligible persons can collect a same-day ticket to receive vaccination at Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) or Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations (HCVSs).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/08/P2022040800458.htm
3. Third dose Sinovac vaccine booking arrangements for children aged 3 to 11
The Government announced that for children aged 3 to 11 who had already received two doses of Sinovac vaccine for three months, their parents or guardians can make online reservations for the children to receive the third dose of Sinovac vaccine starting from 8am on April 14.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/13/P2022041300609.htm
4. Government supplies free rapid antigen test kits to elderly
The Government announced that free COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits will be made available to elderly service recipients aged 60 or above during the period from April 19 to May 31 through the elderly district health services units under the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) and the Department of Health (DH), the elderly community care and support services units subsidised by the Social Welfare Department (SWD), and the district-based Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) operating on a tripartite collaboration model involving the Hospital Authority (HA), non-government organisations (NGOs) and a local university. The arrangement aims to support and encourage the elderly to conduct testing on their own for early identification of infected persons and curbing of community transmission chains. The arrangement will be reviewed in due course.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/13/P2022041300385.htm
5. Special pre-departure testing arrangement for outbound travellers to Mainland or Macao changes to nasopharyngeal swab for sampling
The Government announced that starting from April 13, the sampling method for additional rapid nucleic acid test passengers required to undergo under the special COVID-19 testing arrangement when departing via land boundary control points or the Hong Kong International Airport for the Mainland or Macao will be changed to taking nasopharyngeal swabs (originally by combined nasal and throat swabs).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/12/P2022041200633.htm
6. Online platform in place for private doctors to order COVID-19 oral drugs
A Government spokesman said that the Department of Health) issued a letter on April 11 to private doctors who have registered under the eHRSS (Electronic Health Record Sharing System) informing them that a dedicated electronic platform is in place to enable them to make requests for the two antivirals Paxlovid and Molnupiravir for COVID-19 patients.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/11/P2022041100557.htm
7. 58th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced on April 8 that the 58th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/08/P2022040800204.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

– Citywide RAT to Curb COVID Spread –

The Centre of Health Protection has shared the RAT demonstration videos for the Citywide RAT to Curb COVID Spread in English and 7 ethnic minority languages on YouTube. Please click on the website below for your reference :

English : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk

Hindi : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuiiUzgDgcU

Nepali : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW2Bh7kjCpo

Urdu : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H13DGQUSLZQ

Thai : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD0DPvdEDYY

Bahasa Indonesia : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_x9Rc58c7Y

Tagalog : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=512-6PHJWAg

Vietnamese : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiFKIVsQB7E

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. CSB calls on public to conduct three-day rapid antigen tests starting on April 8
Following the packaging of anti-epidemic service bags, the Home Vaccination Service trial and the enforcement of a “restriction-testing declaration” operation, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) continued to fight against the epidemic as its priority, and distributed the anti-epidemic service bags packaged by CSB staff earlier to residents of “three-nil” buildings in Tsuen Wan. The Bureau also urged residents to conduct rapid antigen tests (RATs) for three consecutive days starting from April 8 (Friday).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/04/P2022040400592.htm
2. COVID-19 vaccination service of DH’s Elderly Health Centres to extend
The Department of Health (DH) announced that its 11 Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) will extend their COVID-19 vaccination walk-in service until May 31 to continue providing CoronaVac vaccination for all persons aged 65 or above with a view to encouraging and facilitating the elderly to receive COVID-19 vaccination.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/29/P2022032900327.htm
3. Government conducts COVID-19 vaccination for persons with special needs at their homes for first time
The Government has for the first time arranged a medical team to Sun Kit House, Sun Chui Estate in Sha Tin and conducted a trial to provide door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination service to elderly persons aged 70 or above who are yet to get vaccinated and persons who are unable to leave their homes for vaccination due to illness or physical disability on March 31.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/31/P2022033100733.htm
4. Distribution points of anti-epidemic service bags to commence operation on April 7
The Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced that the 18 District Offices will set up about 90 anti-epidemic service bag distribution points on April 7 for collection of anti-epidemic service bags by members of the public who cannot receive the bags which have been distributed to households since April 2.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/04/P2022040400630.htm
5. 57th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced on April 1 that the 57th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/01/P2022033100272.htm
6. The Government amends regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
Regard to the previous increase in the fixed penalty level under Cap. 599J, increase under the current exercise the penalty levels for offences in relation to non-compliance with CTDs, CTNs, and testing requirements under restriction-testing declarations (RTDs) with a view to strengthening the deterrent effect and maintaining the tiering among different penalties, the maximum penalty for persons who do not comply with CTDs and CTNs will be a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months while that for non-compliance of testing requirements under restriction-testing declarations (RTDs) will be a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/29/P2022033000732.htm
7. Government provides COVID-19 oral drugs to private doctors
The Government announced that it would gradually provide free COVID-19 oral drugs, namely Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, to private doctors with a view to enabling private doctors to prescribe these two COVID-19 oral drugs to suitable COVID-19 patients.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202204/03/P2022040300028.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Citywide RAT to Curb COVID Spread

In order to swiftly sever the silent transmission chains in the community, the Chief Executive made an appeal on April 2, 2022 to all Hong Kong citizens to take rapid antigen test (RAT) for three consecutive days from April 8 to 10 (Friday to Sunday), and to wear KN95 masks.  Positive results should be reported within 24 hours to the Centre for Health Protection’s online Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using RAT (https://www.chp.gov.hk/ratp/), so that the confirmed cases can receive appropriate isolation and treatment early, and the silent transmission chains in the community can be severed as soon as possible.

All households in Hong Kong will receive the anti-epidemic service bags.  The Government hopes that the public will make good use of the RAT kits and KN95 masks in the anti-epidemic service bags, and to do the tests so that the infected can be identified early for isolation and treatment.

Video filmed by the Home Affairs Bureau – 【TogetherWeFightTheVirus】Walking Hand in Hand to Provide Support to Ethnic Minorities

Because of the severity of the 5th wave of the pandemic, to help ethnic minorities keep abreast of the pandemic situation and its latest prevention measures, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) has been translating important anti- epidemic information into different ethnic minority languages and distributing it to ethnic minorities through relevant groups. The “StayHomeSafe” Hotline Center 1833019 set up by the HAD is also partnered with the Centre for Harmony and Enhancement of Ethnic Minority Residents (CHEER), to provide a real-time third-party telephone interpretation service. When ethnic minorities request food during home isolation, the HAD will arrange food that meets their religious requirements, so as to fully cater for the needs of ethnic minorities.

In addition, the HAD has also commissioned a total of 8 centres operated by non-profit-making organisations to provide various types of support to ethnic minorities during the pandemic. The 18 District Offices, through long-established community networks, have been in touch with the ethnic minority communities in their respective districts, distributing pandemic prevention information, distributing anti-epidemic supplies and encouraging ethnic minorities, especially women and children, to get vaccinated.

For more details, please visit the website and watch the video below : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5VonSZuKLg

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1.        Government updates risk-based testing strategy

In view of the latest developments in epidemic situation, the Government has reviewed the priorities of testing services on a risk-based approach and announced the resumption of issuing Compulsory Testing Notices (CTNs) starting from March 22 to require relevant persons who visited specified premises to undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid tests. This helps to contain transmission in the community and protect public health.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/22/P2022032200523.htm

  1.        Government calls on citizens to truthfully declare positive RAT result as soon as possible

The Government called on all individuals who have tested positive by rapid antigen test (RAT) to truthfully register their results on the “Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test” (the Declaration System) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health as soon as possible.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/24/P2022032400487.htm

  1.        Caroline Hill Road Pop-up Community Vaccination Centre to open for reservations on 25 March 2022

The Government will set up the Caroline Hill Road Pop-up Community Vaccination Centre (PCVC) in Causeway Bay on March 29 to provide the BioNTech vaccination service to persons aged 12 or above. Online booking starts at 9am March 25.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/24/P2022032400182.htm

  1.        Government to adjust opening hours of Children Community Vaccination Centres and COVID-19 Vaccination Stations at public hospitals

Starting from April 1, four CCVCs at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Yuen Chau Kok Sports Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Tsuen Wan Sports Centre will open daily from 10am to 6pm, providing the BioNTech vaccine to children aged 5 to 11. The CCVCs will be closed daily between 1.30pm and 2.30pm for cleaning.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/28/P2022032800277.htm

  1.        Government extends existing social distancing measures

In view of the dire epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Government announced on February 22 the tightening of social distancing measures as well as on March 21 the outcome of the mid-term review including the decision to maintain the social distancing measures till April 20. The Government announced on March 23 that the gazettal of extending existing social distancing measures in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, with the next 14-day cycle to be effective from March 24 to April 6.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/23/P2022032300520.htm

  1.        Government increases supply of designated quarantine hotels to meet demand of Hong Kong residents returning from overseas

The Government said it strives to increase the supply of designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) so as to meet the demand of Hong Kong residents returning from overseas (including foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who are Hong Kong residents or have been granted visa to come to Hong Kong).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/26/P2022032600710.htm

  1.        Implementation of special COVID-19 testing arrangement for outbound travellers to Mainland by air

​In the light of the ongoing severe COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong and the fact that the number of cases remains at a high level, the Government announced on March 26 the implementation of a special COVID-19 testing arrangement starting March 29 at the Hong Kong International Airport, in order to further prevent the exportation of local cases and to support the Mainland’s anti-epidemic efforts. Before travellers can check in for flights to the Mainland, they will be subject to an additional rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based nucleic acid test. The Government advised relevant travellers to allow ample time for their trips.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/26/P2022032600716.htm

  1.        Government adjusts boarding, quarantine and testing arrangements for inbound travellers on risk-based principle

Noting the latest developments of the epidemic situation, and considering the enhanced capacity in tackling the local epidemic as well as overall social and economic needs, the Government announced on March 21 that the place-specific flight suspension mechanism would be lifted from April 1, and the relevant arrangements would also be rationalised. The Government announced on March 26 the detailed boarding, quarantine and testing arrangements for inbound travellers from overseas places that would take effect from 0.00am on April 1 (Hong Kong Time).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/27/P2022032700005.htm

  1.        Director of Health takes part in deceased bodies handling work in public mortuaries together with frontline colleagues

Apart from increasing manpower, the DH’s Forensic Pathology Service have arranged additional timeslots on Saturdays for body identification for all its public mortuaries, while the Kowloon Public Mortuary also provided such service on Sunday mornings in the past few weeks. Moreover, the Government has earlier installed new storage facility at government sites near the Fu Shan Public Mortuary to expand storage capacity. With the installation of 61 refrigerated containers, additional spaces for storing about 2 700 bodies were provided within a short period of time. The special arrangement for body identification at the storage facility has commenced since March 21 and will operate daily until further notice.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/27/P2022032700366.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government adjusts vaccination requirements of Vaccine Pass
The Government announced the adjustments to the vaccination requirements of Vaccine Pass, with a view to further encouraging members of the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible, including the third dose, and aligning with the latest revised COVID-19 vaccination arrangement.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/20/P2022032000438.htm
2. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Kuwait to accept vaccination records issued by Kuwait as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on March 23.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/21/P2022032100516.htm
3. Implementation of special COVID-19 testing arrangement for outbound travellers by land starting March 21
In the light of the ongoing severe COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong and the fact that the number of cases remains at a high level, the Government announced the implementation of a special COVID-19 testing arrangement starting March 21 in order to further prevent the exportation of local cases and to support the Mainland’s anti-epidemic efforts. Outbound travellers using land boundary control points are subjected to an additional rapid nucleic acid test prior to departure from Hong Kong. As such, the Government recommended relevant travellers to allow ample time for their trips.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/19/P2022031900457.htm
4. Provision of BioNTech vaccination at Sham Shui Po District Health Centre starts March 23
The Food and Health Bureau announced the provision of BioNTech vaccination service at the Sham Shui Po District Health Centre (DHC), with a view to enabling the public to get vaccinated as early as possible and boosting the vaccination rate further.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/17/P2022031700437.htm
5. Announcement of latest arrangements on COVID-19 vaccination
The Government announced that starting from 8am on March 21, persons aged 18 to 59 who have already received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine can make appointments for the third dose three months after their second dose via the online booking system of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/18/P2022031800485.htm
6. Government clarifies media report on vaccination of COVID-19 fatal cases
With regard to a misleading media report on March 20 on vaccination of fatal COVID-19 cases which was based on analysis of data claimed to be from the Hospital Authority, a Government spokesperson expressed regret and reiterated that it is of utmost importance to boost vaccination among the elderly now. Both COVID-19 vaccines available in Hong Kong are safe and highly effective in protecting against severe disease and death from COVID-19 infection.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/20/P2022032000631.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Applications for Temporary Unemployment Relief Scheme to open on 23 March 2022

The Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office and the Home Affairs Department announced on 18 Mar 2022 (Friday) details of the Temporary Unemployment Relief Scheme (TUR) launched under the sixth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF). Applications for the scheme will commence at 8am on 23 March 2022 (Wednesday) and end on 12 April 2022 (11.59pm) to provide assistance to people who have lost their jobs due to the fifth wave of the epidemic.

Full-time and part-time employees as well as self-employed persons may apply for the TUR. A one-off subsidy of $10,000 each will be granted to eligible persons to reduce their financial stress before they find another job

An applicant for the TUR is required to fulfil relevant criteria as follows:

1. holds a valid Hong Kong identity card;
2. attained the age of 18 on or before October 1, 2021;
3. has been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong throughout the period from October 1, 2021, to the date of submitting an application;
4. has worked in Hong Kong for at least one month during the three-month period from October 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, with total monthly employment income generally between $2,700 and $30,000;
5. has the following employment status:

  • was continuously unemployed for at least 30 days immediately preceding and including the date of submitting an application; or
  • currently employed in the following premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) but has been requested not to work temporarily by his/her employer and it has been at least 30 days since the last day of work at the time of application (inclusive of date of application):

(i) scheduled premises that have suspended operation for the time being due to the fifth wave of the epidemic (i.e. amusement game centres, bathhouses, fitness centres, places of amusement, places of public entertainment, party rooms, beauty parlours, clubs or nightclubs, karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises, massage establishments, sports premises or swimming pools); or
(ii) catering premises including bars, pubs or restaurants whose operations have either been suspended or restricted; and
6. has not been a recipient of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme at the time of application or benefited under specified relief measures of the sixth round of the AEF.

Eligible applicants should submit their applications online through the TUR website (www.tur.gov.hk) starting from 8am on March 23. If applicants need assistance in person, they may schedule an appointment through the hotline (183 6128) starting from today and visit the designated service centres.

Details of the scheme and the application method have been uploaded to the TUR website. Enquiries can be made by email to enquiry@tur.gov.hk or through the hotline at 183 6128.

Addresses of the service centres are as follows (appointments must be made through the hotline first):

  • Room 1501, 15/F, AT Tower, 180 Electric Road, North Point
  • Rooms 1805-06, 18/F, Wu Sang House, 655 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
  • Room 1606, 16/F, Futura Plaza, 111 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong
  • Wan Tau Tong Neighbourhood Community Centre, Wan Tau Tong Estate, Tai Po
  • 1/F, Yuen Long District Sports Association Jockey Club Complex, 8 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Road, Yuen Long

Service hours of the service centres:
During application period (March 23 to April 12):
9am to 6pm from March 23 to April 8
9am to 8pm from April 9 to April 11
9am to 10pm on April 12

Applicants must provide true, complete and accurate information in the application form. If an applicant makes any false statement or misrepresentation, withholds any information, or furnishes any false or misleading documents or information for the purpose of obtaining subsidies under the scheme, the applicant may be liable to prosecution.

Information on the TUR can be found in the attachment and the demonstration video for filling in the online application form (www.youtube.com/watch?v=eemL0bV-mVo).

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Scientific Committees under CHP updated consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in persons with previous COVID-19 infections and children

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened an online meeting, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP) to discuss the use of COVID-19 vaccines in persons with previous COVID-19 infections and children, and the updated consensus interim recommendations is published.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/13/P2022031300312.htm

  1. “Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test” launched

The Government earlier announced that members of the public who tested positive by RAT, whether distributed by the Government or on their own purchase, should be considered positive cases and avoid going out. The Government today launched the System for people to register RAT positive results to enable speedier assistance to people tested positive. The link to the System is www.chp.gov.hk/ratp.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/07/P2022030700768.htm

  1. Government explains latest criteria for early discharge from isolation and home quarantine

The Government reiterated that the latest criteria for early discharge from isolation for persons infected with COVID-19 and discharge from community isolation facilities (CIFs) or home quarantine for close contacts announced earlier is not applicable to those who have not been vaccinated or have only received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/06/P2022030500719.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Suriname to accept vaccination records issued by Suriname as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements take at 0.00am on March 16.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/14/P2022031400256.htm

  1. 54th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 54th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/11/P2022031000388.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Hospital Authority activates six more designated clinics

To strengthen community support for confirmed patients and implement a triage system to prioritise services for patients in critical condition, the Hospital Authority (HA) announced on 14 March 2022 that it will activate six more designated clinics for confirmed cases of COVID-19 on 15 March 2022 to help provide diagnosis and treatment for confirmed patients in the community presenting with relatively mild symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat), especially high risk patients (including the elderly aged 70 or above, children aged 5 or below, women at 28 or more weeks of pregnancy, and immunocompromised patients such as organ transplant recipients and those with immune system disorders or long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs) requiring medical advice and treatment to soothe their symptoms.

The six newly activated designated clinics are Wan Tsui General Out-patient Clinic, Wang Tau Hom Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic, Lam Tin Polyclinic General Out-patient Clinic, Shek Kip Mei General Out-patient Clinic, Tsing Yi Town General Out-patient Clinic and Madam Yung Fung Shee Health Centre, adding up a total of 23 designated clinics.

The designated clinics are open from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm. In order to implement appropriate infection control arrangements, people seeking consultation must make appointments to avoid people queuing at the clinics. To enhance support to confirmed patients in the community, especially high risk patients to reduce the risk of deterioration of clinical conditions, 23 designated clinics of the HA will launch the “Care Booking Line” on 15 March 2022, providing designated telephone booking lines to the abovementioned high risk patients for making medical appointments in addition to the existing telephone booking service. Moreover, the nursing team from the Patient Support Call Centre will refer high risk patients to designated clinics for medical consultation, subject to their condition and needs. Other eligible patients can still arrange an appointment for the designated clinics that they have chosen via telephone booking. Clinic staff will arrange the earliest appointment on the same day or the next day. Telephone numbers of appointment bookings at designated clinics and the numbers of the “Care Booking Line” for high risk patients are listed in Annex 1.

Normal general out-patient services at the designated clinics will be suspended starting from tomorrow. In addition, in order to focus manpower and resources to support the services of the designated clinics, other general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will also temporarily suspend services from tomorrow onwards. Episodic patients who, having an appointment made at the abovementioned clinics via telephone booking or the mobile application “HA Go”, are advised to seek consultation at other GOPCs in the district or at private clinics. Chronic patients with follow-up appointments at the clinics are advised to refill their drugs at the designated Medication Refill Clinic in the district on the appointment day by presenting their appointment slips and identity cards. For the list of Designated Clinics for COVID-19 Confirmed Cases and the corresponding Medication Refill Clinics, see Annex 2; for GOPCs with temporary services suspension and the corresponding Medication Refill Clinics, see Annex 3. As for other GOPCs of the HA, special arrangements of medication refills will be arranged for those patients with chronic illnesses and have scheduled follow-up appointments at GOPCs in view of the situation of COVID-19. Patients in stable condition may visit the clinic on the original appointment date with the patient’s appointment slip and Hong Kong identity card for medication refill arrangements.

Vaccination services (including COVID-19, seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations) originally provided at the concerned designated clinics will also be suspended. The Government will send text messages to citizens who have made appointments for COVID-19 vaccination at the related designated clinics and advise them to go to other community vaccination centres for vaccination service.

The distribution of deep throat saliva specimen collection packs and collection service of specimens at the related designated clinics will also be suspended. Citizens are advised to go to other selected GOPCs or service points designated by the Government for obtaining specimen collection packs and submitting the specimens. Details on the specimen collection pack distribution points and specimen collection points are available at the following website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html.

For details, please visit the links below :

  1. https://storage.googleapis.com/www-hkcnlink-hk/2022/03/f1759f9b-annex-1.pdf
  2. https://storage.googleapis.com/www-hkcnlink-hk/2022/03/e40b914f-annex-2.pdf
  3. https://storage.googleapis.com/www-hkcnlink-hk/2022/03/5998d7a6-annex-3.pdf

Government has set up Community Vaccination Centres in Kwun Tong and Tsing Yi

The Government has set up additional Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) in Kwun Tong town centre and Tsing Yi

on 11 March 2022 to provide the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccination service from 8am to 8pm everyday (closed from 1:30pm to 2:30pm on working days for cleaning). Online booking is available.

The Millennium City 5 CVC is dedicated to providing the Sinovac vaccine to children and teenagers aged 3 to 17 and persons aged 60 or above. Located on the 17th floor of Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, members of the public can go to the vaccination centre by taking the designated lift at the office lobby of Millennium City 5, accessed via the second floor of apm, which is directly connected to MTR Kwun Tong Station.

The MTR Tsing Yi Station CVC provides the Sinovac vaccine to persons aged 3 or above. The centre is located at the unpaid area of the Airport Express Concourse (Hong Kong-bound) on the U2 floor of MTR Tsing Yi Station.

For children and teenagers aged 3 to 17, they must bring along a consent form signed by their parents on the date of vaccination. Please use the following version of consent form (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Consent_Form_for_COVID19_Vaccination_ENG.pdf). In addition, children aged 3 to 11 receiving the Sinovac vaccine must be accompanied by their parents/guardians in person when receiving vaccination.

– Use of Domestic Gas Appliances Bearing GU Mark : Announcement of Public Interest –
To convey the message of using domestic gas appliances safely to local communities of different races, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department have translated the subtitles of the Announcement of Public Interest “Use of Domestic Gas Appliances Bearing GU Mark” into various languages including Nepali, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Tagalog, Hindi and Urdu. For details, please refer to the enclosed electronic version of the promotional poster below.
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government continues adopting risk-based testing strategy
In view of the current risk assessment and testing resources of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Government has updated the priorities and channels of testing services starting from February 25, including: distributing rapid test kits base on the risk levels of districts instead of issuing compulsory testing notices (CTN), targeting more higher-risk buildings to conduct restriction-testing declaration (RTD) operations, and streamlining follow-up procedures for confirming positive results in nucleic acid tests and rapid antigen tests (RAT). These aim to focus resources in expediting overall testing process, with a view to confirming positive cases and offering assistance as early as practicable.
In the past, RAT positive persons need to submit samples (such as deep throat saliva samples etc.) again for conducting nucleic acid tests to confirm the results. To avoid resource duplication and time delay, the Government plans to allow RAT positive persons to register their positive results through an online system such that they may be followed up as positive cases without seeking confirmation in nucleic acid tests. This will allow more speedy assistance to persons tested positive. Relevant arrangements and system are now under preparation. Details will be announced in due course.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/25/P2022022500816.htm
2. Selecting and using rapid antigen tests
The Government reminded that members of the public may browse the COVID-19 thematic website for information on selecting and using rapid antigen tests (RAT) kits via www.coronavirus.gov.hk/rat/eng/rat.html.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/27/P2022022600796.htm
3. Government announces latest criteria for discharge from isolation and home quarantine
The Government announced the latest criteria for discharge from isolation for persons infected with COVID-19 and discharge from home quarantine for close contacts. Under a risk-based principle, eligible persons who have successively obtained negative test results may leave community isolation facilities (CIF) or home premises earlier to resume their daily activities.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/26/P2022022600750.htm
4. Scientific Committees under CHP updated consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened a meeting, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP) to discuss and update the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/25/P2022022500777.htm
5. DH’s COVID-19 vaccination services for pregnant women and elderly updated
The Department of Health (DH) announced that CoronaVac vaccination service will be provided to pregnant women receiving antenatal services at its 19 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) starting March 1 while 11 Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) will continue to provide walk-in CoronaVac vaccination service to elderly people aged 65 or above in March.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/27/P2022022700620.htm
6. Government employees fully committed to anti-epidemic efforts
As the current epidemic situation remains severe, posing an unprecedented threat to Hong Kong, a government spokesman announced that government departments will continue to provide emergency services and essential public services and release manpower to focus on anti-epidemic work in full swing. The Government will closely monitor the development of the epidemic and review the situation in due course.
The spokesman strongly appeals to all employers to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible to reduce the flow of people and social contact in the community, so as to slow down the spread of the virus as much as possible and enable Hong Kong to win the battle against the virus soon.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202203/03/P2022030300388.htm
7. Government continues to provide conditional free COVID-19 testing service for targeted groups
The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced that the free COVID-19 testing service will continue to be provided for eligible persons of targeted groups at community testing centres (CTCs).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/28/P2022022800861.htm
8. 52nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced that the 52nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/25/P2022022400364.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government further tightens social distancing measures

​​In view of the very dire epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Government announced further tightening of social distancing measures and its intention to maintain the relevant measures till April 20. The Government will arrange gazettal to extend the social distancing measures by cycles of 14 days in accordance with the public health emergency regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, with the next cycle taking effect from February 24 to March 9.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/23/P2022022300760.htm

  1. Government announces implementation arrangements for Vaccine Pass

​​The Vaccine Pass arrangement is implemented in all catering business and scheduled premises from February 24. The Government announced the detailed implementation arrangements.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/21/P2022022100781.htm

  1. Government announces criteria for discharge from isolation for infected persons

​​The Government announced the criteria for discharge from isolation for persons infected with COVID-19, with a view to making proper use of community isolation facilities (CIF), prioritising the processing of more imminent cases and reducing the potential transmission risks brought by the cases as far as possible.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/20/P2022022000658.htm

  1. Government provides further support to persons pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities

​​The Government will provide further support to persons pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities (hereinafter as “persons pending admission”) starting from February 21. This enables better health protection for them during the waiting period and reduces transmission risk in the community.

The Government will distribute electronic wristbands and anti-epidemic kits to these persons pending admission by batches, and offer them specific recommendations on health monitoring, infection control advice, arranging daily necessities and garbage disposal etc.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/20/P2022022000637.htm

  1. Hospital Authority activates two more designated clinics

​​The Hospital Authority (HA) announced that it will activate two more designated clinics on February 24 to cope with the rapid and huge increase in the number of confirmed patients, which has overwhelmed the capacity of isolation facilities of public hospitals, and community treatment and isolation facilities.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/23/P2022022300606.htm

  1. Latest quarantine arrangements for foreign domestic helpers

​​The Government announced that starting from March 1, all foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) coming to work in Hong Kong may choose to undertake compulsory quarantine at both designated quarantine facilities (DQFs) or designated quarantine hotels (DQHs).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/22/P2022022200204.htm

  1. Government extends place-specific flight suspension mechanism

​​The Government announced that the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America will be extended to April 20.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/23/P2022022300339.htm

  1. 51st round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 51st round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/18/P2022021800458.htm

  1. Ethnic minority languages translation for COVID-19 Patients Pending Admission

The “Health Advice for Persons Pending Admission to a Hospital or Isolation Facility” have been translated into various languages and uploaded to CHP website:

Hindi 印度文                                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_hindi.pdf

Nepali 尼泊爾文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_nepali.pdf

Urdu 巴基斯坦文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_urdu.pdf

Thai 泰文                                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_thai.pdf

Bahasa Indonesia 印尼文                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_bahasa_indonesia.pdf

Tagalog 菲律賓文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_tagalog.pdf

Vietnamese 越南文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_vietnamese.pdf

Punjabi 旁遮普語                        : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/health_advice_for_persons_pending_admissioin_punjabi.pdf

Translation for the “Joint Recommendations on Caring for Children and Adolescents with COVID-19 at Home by The Hong Kong Paediatric Society, The Hong Kong Society for Paediatric Immunology Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hong Kong College of Paediatric Nursing and Hong Kong Paediatric Nurses Association” have also been uploaded to the CHP website:

Hindi 印度文                                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_hindi.pdf

Nepali 尼泊爾文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_nepali.pdf

Urdu 巴基斯坦文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_urdu.pdf

Thai 泰文                                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_thai.pdf

Bahasa Indonesia 印尼文                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_indonesian.pdf

Tagalog 菲律賓文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_tagalog.pdf

Vietnamese 越南文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_vietnamese.pdf

Punjabi 旁遮普語                        : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_caring_for_children_and_adolescent_with_covid19_at_home_punjabi.pdf

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

– Useful information from The Centre of Health Protection (CHP) –

The Centre of Health Protection (CHP) published some useful information for persons tested positive and pending admission to hospital in 8 ethnic minority languages.

For health advice :

1) Thai – https://bit.ly/3pdPW8W

2) Bahasa Indonesia – https://bit.ly/3vl4LdE

3) Hindi – https://bit.ly/3LYI4C0

4) Nepali – https://bit.ly/3LWKW2w

5) Punjabi – https://bit.ly/35mp1Rw

6) Tagalog – https://bit.ly/3Hgoq0L

7) Urdu – https://bit.ly/3vf1lJK

8) Vietnamese – https://bit.ly/3ve7eqy

For important contact information :

1) Thai – https://bit.ly/3htpO61

2) Bahasa Indonesia – https://bit.ly/3sfVzWk

3) Hindi – https://bit.ly/3JP2H1Q

4) Nepali – https://bit.ly/3M8IXs3

5) Punjabi – https://bit.ly/3pdM2wV

6) Tagalog – https://bit.ly/3JRwiHK

7) Urdu – https://bit.ly/3halGY6

8) Vietnamese – https://bit.ly/33MlBXN

For the discharge criteria, please refer to the photos below.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. HKSAR Government leverages support of Central Authorities to curb epidemic
Promptly following up on the consensus and achievements from the second Mainland-Hong Kong thematic meeting on COVID-19 epidemic jointly hosted by the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, and the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Huang Liuquan, on February 12, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held an internal high-level meeting on February 13 and appointed the convenors from the HKSAR Government for five task forces. The convenors will co-ordinate with the representatives of the relevant ministries and commissions of the Central Authorities, as well as the Guangdong Provincial Government, to press ahead with the implementation work to tackle the aggravating situation of the fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/14/P2022021400046.htm
2. Government announces arrangements for persons pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities
The Government announced that it has made appropriate arrangements for citizens who are pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities, including those who test positive in COVID-19 nucleic acid tests, during the waiting period, with a view to allaying relevant citizens’ concerns, focusing resources in the medical system for handling more urgent cases to protect citizens’ lives and public health, and seizing time for further enhancing the handling capacities in hospitals and isolation facilities.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/15/P2022021500524.htm
3. Telephone hotline added and designated clinics activated for confirmed patients pending admission to isolation facilities
The hotline 1836 115 operates daily from 8am to 10pm seven days a week to answer enquiries on medical information and provides infection control advice for people pending admission to isolation facilities upon confirmed infection.
In addition, seven designated clinics for confirmed cases of COVID-19 will also be activated from tomorrow to help provide diagnosis and treatment for the people with mild symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough or sore throat, after being notified by the Department of Health on their positive results and while awaiting hospital admission.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/15/P2022021500435.htm
4. Lowering of minimum age for receiving Sinvoac vaccine to three years old starting from February 15
The Government announced that the minimum age for receiving the CoronaVac vaccine (Sinovac vaccine) is lowered to three years old starting from February 15.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/13/P2022021300644.htm
5. Three additional COVID-19 vaccination centres open for reservations starting Monday
The Government set up three Pop-up Community Vaccination Centres (PCVCs) at Tuen Mun Town Hall, Wo Hing Playground in Fanling and Sha Tin Town Hall. Members of the public can make reservations starting from 9am on Monday.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/12/P2022021200647.htm
6. Government extends place-specific flight suspension mechanism and implements place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Nepal
The Government announced that the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America would be extended for 14 days to March 4. The place-specific flight suspension mechanism would also be implemented for Nepal from February 12 (Hong Kong time) to March 4.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/11/P2022021100536.htm
7. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Lesotho to accept vaccination records issued by Lesotho as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on February 16.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/14/P2022021400611.htm
8. 50th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced that the 50th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/11/P2022021000582.htm
9. Ethnic minority languages translation for Rapid Antigen Testing Demo videos and “Stay Home Safe” Scheme
The Rapid Antigen Testing DEMO videos have been translated into nine languages and uploaded to CHP Youtube Channel:
Hindi 印度文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcxeBe08SJE
Nepali 尼泊爾文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe-HkDN42Ec
Urdu 巴基斯坦文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYrdZM_mpzk
Thai 泰文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ZLxvMbIjU
Bahasa Indonesia 印尼文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMEUnMZ1Khs
Tagalog 菲律賓文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_niVH2MCx8
Sinhala 僧伽羅文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eOIj0wGrkU
Bengali 孟加拉文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL7Dh9XXr28
Vietnamese 越南文 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BODrN-EnY4
Nine languages on the “Stay Home Safe” Scheme have been uploaded to the CHP website:
Hindi 印度文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_hindi.pdf
Nepali 尼泊爾文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_nepali.pdf
Urdu 巴基斯坦文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_urdu.pdf
Thai 泰文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_thai.pdf
Bahasa Indonesia 印尼文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_bahasa_indonesia.pdf
Tagalog 菲律賓文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_tagalog.pdf
Sinhala 僧伽羅文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_sinhala.pdf
Bengali 孟加拉文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_bengali.pdf
Vietnamese 越南文 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_vietnamese.pdf
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
– Useful information videos in ethnic minorities languages –
The CHP’s YouTube channel has shared some videos on information about fighting COVID-19 in ethnic minorities languages, including a video showing how to collect specimen using the rapid antigen self-testing kit.
A video in Urdu with real person demonstrating how to collect specimen with rapid antigen self-testing kit is also shared by the Project Gemstone.
Please visit the website for watching the videos :
2) Real person demonstration on collect specimen with rapid antigen self-testing kit – https://youtu.be/jW7pycGF7KY

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

In view of the serious pandemic situation, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 and avoid bringing down the healthcare system, the Government has launched the “StayHomeSafe” Scheme.  Persons undergoing “StayHomeSafe” must:

  • stay in the premises and wear an electronic wristband;
  • monitor physical condition including taking body temperature twice a day;
  • conduct regular Rapid Antigen Test (close contacts must be tested at the Community Testing Centre on Day 12); and
  • follow other home quarantine guidelines issued by the Department of Health.

For details, here is the hyperlink to the dedicated “StayHomeSafe” Scheme:

www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/home-quarantine.html

The Home Affairs Department (HAD) has also set up a 24-hour telephone hotline (1833 019) to provide support and assistance to persons undergoing home quarantine under the “StayHomeSafe” Scheme.  The hotline staff will provide general enquiry service and mark down requests for assistance made by persons undergoing home quarantine under the “StayHomeSafe” Scheme, and refer the relevant cases to relevant departments for follow-up as appropriate.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. HKSAR Government leverages support of Central Authorities to curb epidemic

​​Promptly following up on the consensus and achievements from the second Mainland-Hong Kong thematic meeting on COVID-19 epidemic jointly hosted by the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, and the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Huang Liuquan, on February 12, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held an internal high-level meeting on February 13 and appointed the convenors from the HKSAR Government for five task forces. The convenors will co-ordinate with the representatives of the relevant ministries and commissions of the Central Authorities, as well as the Guangdong Provincial Government, to press ahead with the implementation work to tackle the aggravating situation of the fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/14/P2022021400046.htm

  1. Government announces arrangements for persons pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities

​The Government announced that it has made appropriate arrangements for citizens who are pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities, including those who test positive in COVID-19 nucleic acid tests, during the waiting period, with a view to allaying relevant citizens’ concerns, focusing resources in the medical system for handling more urgent cases to protect citizens’ lives and public health, and seizing time for further enhancing the handling capacities in hospitals and isolation facilities.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/15/P2022021500524.htm

  1. Telephone hotline added and designated clinics activated for confirmed patients pending admission to isolation facilities

The hotline 1836 115 operates daily from 8am to 10pm seven days a week to answer enquiries on medical information and provides infection control advice for people pending admission to isolation facilities upon confirmed infection.

In addition, seven designated clinics for confirmed cases of COVID-19 will also be activated from tomorrow to help provide diagnosis and treatment for the people with mild symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough or sore throat, after being notified by the Department of Health on their positive results and while awaiting hospital admission.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/15/P2022021500435.htm

  1. Lowering of minimum age for receiving Sinvoac vaccine to three years old starting from February 15

The Government announced that the minimum age for receiving the CoronaVac vaccine (Sinovac vaccine) is lowered to three years old starting from February 15.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/13/P2022021300644.htm

  1. Three additional COVID-19 vaccination centres open for reservations starting Monday

The Government set up three Pop-up Community Vaccination Centres (PCVCs) at Tuen Mun Town Hall, Wo Hing Playground in Fanling and Sha Tin Town Hall. Members of the public can make reservations starting from 9am on Monday.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/12/P2022021200647.htm

  1. Government extends place-specific flight suspension mechanism and implements place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Nepal

The Government announced that the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America would be extended for 14 days to March 4. The place-specific flight suspension mechanism would also be implemented for Nepal from February 12 (Hong Kong time) to March 4.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/11/P2022021100536.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Lesotho to accept vaccination records issued by Lesotho as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on February 16.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/14/P2022021400611.htm

  1. 50th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 50th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/11/P2022021000582.htm

  1. Ethnic minority languages translation for Rapid Antigen Testing Demo videos and “Stay Home Safe” Scheme

The Rapid Antigen Testing DEMO videos have been translated into nine languages and uploaded to CHP Youtube Channel:

Hindi 印度文                                : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcxeBe08SJE

Nepali 尼泊爾文                         : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe-HkDN42Ec

Urdu 巴基斯坦文                : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYrdZM_mpzk

Thai 泰文                                 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ZLxvMbIjU

Bahasa Indonesia 印尼文                 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMEUnMZ1Khs

Tagalog 菲律賓文                         : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_niVH2MCx8

Sinhala 僧伽羅文                         : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eOIj0wGrkU

Bengali 孟加拉文                : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL7Dh9XXr28

Vietnamese 越南文                         : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BODrN-EnY4

Nine languages on the “Stay Home Safe” Scheme have been uploaded to the CHP website:

Hindi 印度文                                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_hindi.pdf

Nepali 尼泊爾文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_nepali.pdf

Urdu 巴基斯坦文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_urdu.pdf

Thai 泰文                                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_thai.pdf

Bahasa Indonesia 印尼文                 : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_bahasa_indonesia.pdf

Tagalog 菲律賓文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_tagalog.pdf

Sinhala 僧伽羅文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_sinhala.pdf

Bengali 孟加拉文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_bengali.pdf

Vietnamese 越南文                         : https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/stayhomesafe_scheme_vietnamese.pdf

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. Government tightens social distancing measures in view of changes in epidemic situation
The Government announced the gazettal of legislative amendments under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), and the tightening of social distancing measures to take effect from February 10 till February 23.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/09/P2022020900022.htm
2. Special work arrangements for government employees to be extended
As the local epidemic situation remains severe, it is necessary for the Government to continue to take measures to significantly reduce the flow of people and social contacts in the community so as to curb further spreading of the virus. A Government spokesman announced that the special work arrangements for government employees will be extended until February 18. Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services and in anti-epidemic efforts, all other government employees will be arranged to continue to work from home as far as possible. The Government will closely monitor the epidemic situation and review the arrangements before February 18.
The spokesman appeals to employers again to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible so as to reduce the flow of people and social contact in the community.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/10/P2022020900472.htm
3. “StayHomeSafe” Scheme launched
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said in view of the serious epidemic situation, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, safeguard people’s health and protect the healthcare system from collapse, the Government launched the “StayHomeSafe” Scheme. The CHP has started to arrange close contacts and household contacts of close contacts who are deemed appropriate after assessment to undergo home quarantine for 14 days and four days respectively.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/08/P2022020800726.htm
4. “Vaccine pass” extended to cover new RCHE and RCHD residents from March 14
The Government announced earlier that the “vaccine pass” arrangement will be extended to cover all persons to be newly admitted to the residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) for long-term abode. The Social Welfare Department (SWD) said that the relevant arrangement will be implemented in all RCHEs and RCHDs from March 14.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/04/P2022020400589.htm
5. 49th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced that the 49th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/05/P2022020400607.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

‼️Special Announcement‼️

In response to the latest developments of the epidemic situation, LINK Centre will not open for services until further notice, however we will continue to provide support and services through different platforms. Thank you for your kind attention.

For any enquires, please contact us at 3955 1556 (phone call) / 6230 8530 (whatsapp) / link@hkcn.org.hk (email) / Facebook Direct Message.☎️

Take care everyone, be healthy!♥️💪

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

1. Government maintains existing social distancing measures

​​The Government announced the gazettal of extension of existing social distancing measures for 14 days from February 4 till February 17.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/31/P2022013100652.htm

2. Government enhances anti-epidemic measures in view of severe epidemic situation

​​The Government announced that in light of the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong and that the number of new cases recorded daily stays high, a series of measures would be taken with a view to immediately enhancing Hong Kong’s capacity in guarding against the epidemic and containing further spread of the virus.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/03/P2022020300617.htm

3. Expansion of special work arrangements for government employees and suspension of non-essential public services

​​In view of the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic situation, which may continue to deteriorate, the Government needs to take further measures to significantly reduce the flow of people and social contacts in the community so as to curb further spreading of the virus. A Government spokesman announced that bureaux and departments will expand the special work arrangements. Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services and in anti-epidemic efforts, all other government employees will be arranged to work from home as far as possible. The government spokesman appeals to employers to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible so as to reduce the flow of people and social contact in the community.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202202/03/P2022020300486.htm

4. Latest quarantine and testing arrangements for foreign domestic helpers

​​The Government announced that starting from February 5, the compulsory quarantine period for inbound travellers from overseas places will be adjusted to 14 days in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs)/designated quarantine facilities (DQFs), to be followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period. For persons who arrived at Hong Kong before February 5 and are required to undergo the 15th to 21st days of quarantine in DQHs/DQFs on or after February 5 as per the original quarantine orders (i.e. inbound travellers from overseas who arrive at Hong Kong between January 16 and February 4), the Department of Health will arrange for them to undergo relevant testing by batches in an orderly manner before the completion of quarantine. If they obtain a negative test result and have completed at least 14 days of quarantine, they will be arranged to leave the DQHs/DQFs in turn.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/28/P2022012800494.htm

5. Government resumes quarantine-free arrangements for arrivals from Zhuhai to Hong Kong through Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge under Return2hk and Come2hk Schemes

​​The Government announced that given Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province has been removed from the “list of at-risk places temporarily inapplicable under the Return2hk/Come2hk Scheme”, from January 31 onwards, persons who have fulfilled all specified conditions of the Return2hk Scheme or Come2hk Scheme would be exempted from compulsory quarantine upon entry into Hong Kong from the Zhuhai Port through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) under the relevant Schemes. From 0.00 am on January 31, the online booking systems of the two Schemes mentioned above would be open for quota application for persons entering Hong Kong from the Zhuhai Port through HZMB.  

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/30/P2022013000462.htm

6. Government adjusts quarantine and testing requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from Mainland, Macao and Taiwan

​​The Government announced that from February 5, the COVID-19 nucleic acid testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from the Mainland and Macao will be adjusted. The compulsory quarantine period for inbound travellers from Taiwan will also be adjusted to 14 days in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs), followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/31/P2022013100693.htm

7. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

​​The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Peru and the United Nations to accept vaccination records issued by Peru and the United Nations as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on February 5 (Saturday).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/31/P2022013100609.htm

8. Conditional free COVID-19 testing service continues for targeted groups

​​The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced that the free COVID-19 testing service will continue to be provided for eligible persons of targeted groups at community testing centres (CTCs).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/31/P2022013100792.htm

9. 48th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 48th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/28/P2022012800266.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Arrangements for children aged 5 to 11 to receive COVID-19 vaccines

​​The Government announced that children aged 5 to 11 can receive the Sinovac vaccine from January 21 with reservation service starting from 8am, while the reservation for BioNTech vaccination will start on February 9 and the vaccination service will commence on February 16.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/20/P2022012000714.htm

  1. Government announces medical exemption arrangement under “vaccine pass”

​​The Government announced the arrangement for obtaining the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate by members of the public under the arrangement of the “vaccine pass”.

Under the current arrangement of the “vaccine bubble”, staff members of certain premises are required to receive COVID-19 vaccination, or undergo regular tests if they have been assessed by a doctor as being medically unsuitable for vaccination. The Chief Executive announced that in view of the expansion of the “vaccine bubble” to cover the majority of premises used by the public, the measure will be renamed as the “vaccine pass” to indicate that only those vaccinated may access the premises. The “vaccine pass” under planning requires those entering certain premises to have received COVID-19 vaccination. Only under the following two circumstances can one be exempted from the vaccination requirement: (1) an individual is ineligible for vaccination due to age; or (2) an individual is unsuitable for vaccination due to health reasons with relevant proof from a doctor.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/27/P2022012700615.htm

  1. New functions added to “LeaveHomeSafe” for easy display of vaccination QR codes

​​The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) announced that the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app version 3.0.2 is now available for update. To prepare for the future expansion of the “vaccine pass”, the process of displaying the QR codes for COVID-19 vaccination records (electronic vaccination records) has been streamlined. The new version also supports the saving of the QR codes for COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates. Upon successful scanning of the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR codes, the app will automatically show users’ QR codes of electronic vaccination records or Exemption Certificates stored in their mobile phones to assist venue operators in checking whether users have complied with relevant vaccination requirements.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/27/P2022012700198.htm

  1. Government adjusts boarding, quarantine and testing arrangements for inbound travellers and extends arrangement of place-specific flight suspension mechanism

​​The Government announces that from February 5, the compulsory quarantine period for inbound travellers from overseas places will be adjusted to 14 days in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs), to be followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period.  Meanwhile, the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America will be extended for 14 days to February 18.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/27/P2022012700853.htm

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​​​In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  1. Additional designated quarantine facilities for quarantine of foreign domestic helpers

​​The Labour Department (LD) announced that O’Hotel and iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel will, starting from February 6 and March 1 respectively, be added as designated quarantine facilities (DQFs) providing an additional 491 rooms in total for quarantine of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) coming to work in Hong Kong. The total number of rooms of DQFs will be increased to 2 779. As for the Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin, which currently provides 500 rooms for quarantine of FDHs, the number of rooms provided will remain unchanged but the fee will be adjusted starting from March 8.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/27/P2022012700203.htm

  1. Government implements enhanced measures for vaccination of residents of RCHEs and RCHDs

​​With the rampant COVID-19 epidemic situation still raging and the faster and more extensive spread of the virus as a result of the mutant strains, and the fact that so far only about 26 per cent of the residents at the residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) having received vaccination despite various government vaccination programmes for these residents thus far, the Government announced that enhanced measures will be implemented.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/27/P2022012700744.htm

  1. 47th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 47th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/21/P2022012000575.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government maintains existing social distancing measures

​​The Government announced the gazettal of extension of existing social distancing measures for 14 days from January 21 till February 3.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/19/P2022011900634.htm

  1. Government urges again residents and workers of Sham Shui Po district to undergo voluntary testing

​​The Government is highly concerned about the suspected silent transmission chains in Sham Shui Po district and has arranged eight service points for local residents and those working there to undergo testing on a voluntary basis. The Government urges again citizens in the district to undergo testing as soon as possible to help cut the silent transmission chains and achieve “early identification, early isolation and early treatment”.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/19/P2022011900792.htm

  1. Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in children

​​The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP) published an update of the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children in Hong Kong. The JSC-EAP has no objection on allowing the use of CoronaVac vaccine (CoronaVac) in children aged five to 11 and the use of a fractional dose of the Comirnaty vaccine (Comirnaty) for adults in children of that age group.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/17/P2022011700600.htm

  1. Government extends place-specific flight suspension mechanism and tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​The Government announced that the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America will be extended for 14 days to February 4. The Government will also specify Armenia, Bonaire, Guatemala and New Caledonia as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 17 to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/14/P2022011400637.htm

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​​​In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Colombia to accept vaccination records issued by that place as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on January 19.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/17/P2022011700506.htm

  1. Government suspends quarantine-free arrangements for arrivals from Zhuhai to Hong Kong through Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge under Return2hk and Come2hk Schemes

The Government announced that in light of the latest pandemic situation in the Mainland, Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province would be designated as one of the “at-risk places that are temporarily inapplicable under the Return2hk/Come2hk Scheme”. Given the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Zhuhai Port is situated in Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai, any person arriving from the Zhuhai Port to Hong Kong through HZMB are not exempted from compulsory quarantine under the Return2hk or Come2hk Scheme from 0.00am on January 18 onwards.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/17/P2022011700689.htm

  1. SWD announces implementation of “vaccine bubble” in RCHEs and RCHDs

In view of the Government’s plan to implement “vaccine bubble” in government buildings and offices in mid-February, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced the implementation of “vaccine bubble” in all residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) starting from February 24.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/17/P2022011700609.htm

  1. 46th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 46th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/14/P2022011300258.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

– Strengthening testing services in Sham Shui Po district –
In view of suspected silent transmission chains in several areas of Sham Shui Po district where risks of community transmission are higher, the Government urges residents and those working in relevant areas who are exposed to infection risks to undergo testing as soon as possible. The Government has set up additional service points from 19th January to facilitate testing for residents and workers.

For details, please click the photos.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Advance reservations for vaccination at two newly added Community Vaccination Centres starts

​​Starting from January 14, members of the public can make reservations to receive free BioNTech vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) located at the Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre and Kowloon Bay Sports Centre.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200288.htm

  1. COVID-19 vaccination walk-in service of DH’s Elderly Health Centres to expand

​​The Department of Health (DH) announced that 12 Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) expand their COVID-19 vaccination service to provide walk-in vaccination with the CoronaVac vaccine for all persons aged 65 or above starting January 13, in order to further encourage and facilitate the elderly in receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Together with the three EHCs providing such service, a total of 15 EHCs of the DH provide walk-in vaccination for the elderly. In addition, the DH also extends the daily vaccination hours and offer an additional time slot on Saturday morning.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200567.htm

  1. Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convenes meeting to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of authorised COVID-19 vaccines

​​Having reviewed the relevant efficacy and safety data published, the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel) suggested allowing children aged 5 to 11 to receive a fractional dose (i.e. one-third of a dose) of the Comirnaty vaccine for adults for “off-label use” and to make reference to the recommendations of relevant scientific committees for implementing the vaccination programme.

In addition, after reviewing all the latest clinical and safety data related to the Comirnaty and Sinovac vaccines, the Advisory Panel still considered that the benefits of the two vaccines outweighed the risks, and that there was no need to recommend changes regarding the use of the two vaccines.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200679.htm

  1. DH calls on community including ethnic minorities to fight Omicron variant threat together

​​In response to the recent worsening of the local COVID-19 epidemic situation, with local infection cases also involving several foreign domestic helpers, the Department of Health (DH) appealed again to all sectors of the community, including ethnic minorities (EMs), to continue to work with the Government on its enhanced prevention and control work. To fight the Omicron variant threat together, the Government called on the public to closely pay heed to and follow the Government’s prevention and control measures, testing arrangements, and to observe good personal hygiene and receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200617.htm

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​​​In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  1. Ten service points available in Tuen Mun to facilitate voluntary testing

In view of suspected silent transmission chains in Tuen Mun district, the Government urges residents and those working in Tuen Mun who are exposed to infection risks to undergo testing as soon as possible. The Government has already extended the opening hours of the community testing centre (CTC) at Siu Lun Community Hall in Tuen Mun to 10pm starting from January 11. Eight additional mobile specimen collection stations are also be set up in the district on January 12 to enhance testing service there.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/11/P2022011100819.htm

  1. Additional mobile specimen collection station set up at Siu Lun Sports Ground

The Government announced the setting up of an additional mobile specimen collection station at Siu Lun Sports Ground. The location is close to the community testing centre (CTC) at Siu Lun Community Hall in Tuen Mun, with a view to diverting people at the CTC and facilitating the testing of residents and workers of Tuen Mun district.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/13/P2022011300491.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Advance reservations for vaccination at two newly added Community Vaccination Centres starts

​​Starting from January 14, members of the public can make reservations to receive free BioNTech vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) located at the Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre and Kowloon Bay Sports Centre.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200288.htm

  1. COVID-19 vaccination walk-in service of DH’s Elderly Health Centres to expand

​​The Department of Health (DH) announced that 12 Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) expand their COVID-19 vaccination service to provide walk-in vaccination with the CoronaVac vaccine for all persons aged 65 or above starting January 13, in order to further encourage and facilitate the elderly in receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Together with the three EHCs providing such service, a total of 15 EHCs of the DH provide walk-in vaccination for the elderly. In addition, the DH also extends the daily vaccination hours and offer an additional time slot on Saturday morning.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200567.htm

  1. Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convenes meeting to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of authorised COVID-19 vaccines

​​Having reviewed the relevant efficacy and safety data published, the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel) suggested allowing children aged 5 to 11 to receive a fractional dose (i.e. one-third of a dose) of the Comirnaty vaccine for adults for “off-label use” and to make reference to the recommendations of relevant scientific committees for implementing the vaccination programme.

In addition, after reviewing all the latest clinical and safety data related to the Comirnaty and Sinovac vaccines, the Advisory Panel still considered that the benefits of the two vaccines outweighed the risks, and that there was no need to recommend changes regarding the use of the two vaccines.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200679.htm

  1. DH calls on community including ethnic minorities to fight Omicron variant threat together

​​In response to the recent worsening of the local COVID-19 epidemic situation, with local infection cases also involving several foreign domestic helpers, the Department of Health (DH) appealed again to all sectors of the community, including ethnic minorities (EMs), to continue to work with the Government on its enhanced prevention and control work. To fight the Omicron variant threat together, the Government called on the public to closely pay heed to and follow the Government’s prevention and control measures, testing arrangements, and to observe good personal hygiene and receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200617.htm

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​​​In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  1. Ten service points available in Tuen Mun to facilitate voluntary testing

In view of suspected silent transmission chains in Tuen Mun district, the Government urges residents and those working in Tuen Mun who are exposed to infection risks to undergo testing as soon as possible. The Government has already extended the opening hours of the community testing centre (CTC) at Siu Lun Community Hall in Tuen Mun to 10pm starting from January 11. Eight additional mobile specimen collection stations are also be set up in the district on January 12 to enhance testing service there.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/11/P2022011100819.htm

  1. Additional mobile specimen collection station set up at Siu Lun Sports Ground

The Government announced the setting up of an additional mobile specimen collection station at Siu Lun Sports Ground. The location is close to the community testing centre (CTC) at Siu Lun Community Hall in Tuen Mun, with a view to diverting people at the CTC and facilitating the testing of residents and workers of Tuen Mun district.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/13/P2022011300491.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. Multi-pronged measures to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptakeUpdated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Advance reservations for vaccination at two newly added Community Vaccination Centres starts

​​Starting from January 14, members of the public can make reservations to receive free BioNTech vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) located at the Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre and Kowloon Bay Sports Centre.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200288.htm

  1. COVID-19 vaccination walk-in service of DH’s Elderly Health Centres to expand

​​The Department of Health (DH) announced that 12 Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) expand their COVID-19 vaccination service to provide walk-in vaccination with the CoronaVac vaccine for all persons aged 65 or above starting January 13, in order to further encourage and facilitate the elderly in receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Together with the three EHCs providing such service, a total of 15 EHCs of the DH provide walk-in vaccination for the elderly. In addition, the DH also extends the daily vaccination hours and offer an additional time slot on Saturday morning.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200567.htm

  1. Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convenes meeting to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of authorised COVID-19 vaccines

​​Having reviewed the relevant efficacy and safety data published, the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel) suggested allowing children aged 5 to 11 to receive a fractional dose (i.e. one-third of a dose) of the Comirnaty vaccine for adults for “off-label use” and to make reference to the recommendations of relevant scientific committees for implementing the vaccination programme.

In addition, after reviewing all the latest clinical and safety data related to the Comirnaty and Sinovac vaccines, the Advisory Panel still considered that the benefits of the two vaccines outweighed the risks, and that there was no need to recommend changes regarding the use of the two vaccines.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200679.htm

  1. DH calls on community including ethnic minorities to fight Omicron variant threat together

​​In response to the recent worsening of the local COVID-19 epidemic situation, with local infection cases also involving several foreign domestic helpers, the Department of Health (DH) appealed again to all sectors of the community, including ethnic minorities (EMs), to continue to work with the Government on its enhanced prevention and control work. To fight the Omicron variant threat together, the Government called on the public to closely pay heed to and follow the Government’s prevention and control measures, testing arrangements, and to observe good personal hygiene and receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/12/P2022011200617.htm

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​​​In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  1. Ten service points available in Tuen Mun to facilitate voluntary testing

In view of suspected silent transmission chains in Tuen Mun district, the Government urges residents and those working in Tuen Mun who are exposed to infection risks to undergo testing as soon as possible. The Government has already extended the opening hours of the community testing centre (CTC) at Siu Lun Community Hall in Tuen Mun to 10pm starting from January 11. Eight additional mobile specimen collection stations are also be set up in the district on January 12 to enhance testing service there.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/11/P2022011100819.htm

  1. Additional mobile specimen collection station set up at Siu Lun Sports Ground

The Government announced the setting up of an additional mobile specimen collection station at Siu Lun Sports Ground. The location is close to the community testing centre (CTC) at Siu Lun Community Hall in Tuen Mun, with a view to diverting people at the CTC and facilitating the testing of residents and workers of Tuen Mun district.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/13/P2022011300491.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Multi-pronged measures to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said that the Government will take multi-pronged measures to increase the uptake and pace of COVID-19 vaccination, which includes increasing the number of vaccination booths at Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations (HCVSs), to cater for the public’s demand for vaccination.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/07/P2022010700565.htm
2. Government continues to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake through various channels
The Government will continue to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake through various channels to cater for the public’s demand for vaccination and to expedite the pace of vaccination.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/10/P2022011000459.htm
3. COVID-19 vaccination walk-in service of DH’s Elderly Health Centres to expand starting January 10
The Department of Health (DH) announced that three Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) expands their COVID-19 vaccination service to provide walk-in vaccination with the CoronaVac vaccine for all persons aged 65 or above on January 10, in order to encourage and facilitate the elderly in receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/07/P2022010700268.htm
4. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
· Grenada, Mauritania and Mayotte from 0.00am on January 9
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/06/P2022010600560.htm
· Iraq from 0.00am on January 10
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/07/P2022010700494.htm
· Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Laos and Mongolia from 0.00am on January 11
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/08/P2022010800477.htm
· Solomon Islands from 0.00am on January 12
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/09/P2022010900428.htm
· Uzbekistan from 0.00am on January 13
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/10/P2022011000521.htm
5. 45th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced that the 45th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/07/P2022010600449.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government tightens social distancing measures in view of latest epidemic situation
In view of the development of COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Government will tighten social distancing measures from January 7 to January 20 with a view to containing the epidemic as early as possible:
– From 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, catering business must cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises of the business. Maximum number of persons per table for catering premises under Types B, C and D Modes of Operation will be reduced to two, four and six respectively.
– Bars or pubs, amusement game centres, bathhouses, fitness centres, places of amusement, places of public entertainment, party rooms, beauty parlours, clubs or nightclubs, karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises, massage establishments, sports premises, swimming pools, cruise ships and event premises must be closed.
– Cessation of mass events. All local tours will be suspended
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/05/P2022010500859.htm
2. Second COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Station to commence operation this Friday
The second COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Station (MVS) will commerce operation on Friday (January 7) and provide vaccination services at Wong Tai Sin Temple Square for three consecutive days (from January 7 to 9) to enable people in the district, in particular elderly persons, to receive the BioNTech vaccine conveniently.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/05/P2022010500330.htm
3. Government implements place-specific flight suspension mechanism in response to Omicron variant and tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
The Government announced that in view of the rapidly worsening global pandemic situation due to the Omicron variant, it will, from 0.00am on January 8, implement the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The Government will also specify Cape Verde, Niger and South Sudan as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/05/P2022010500713.htm
4. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
· Bulgaria from 0.00am on January 6
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/03/P2022010300532.htm
· Martinique from 0.00am on January 7
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/04/P2022010400545.htm
· Cape Verde, Niger and South Sudan from 0.00am on January 8
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/05/P2022010500713.htm
5. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Governments of Belarus, Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam to accept vaccination records issued by these places as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The Government also accepts the vaccination records issued by Montenegro, Tunisia and Uruguay for boarding flights for Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on January 5 (Wednesday).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/03/P2022010300480.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
‼️Special Announcement‼️
In response to the latest developments of the epidemic situation, LINK Centre will remain open from 9am – 9pm to provide limited services by appointment only.
All outdoor programmes will be suspended, and face-to-face programmes will be conducted on online platforms. Please stay tuned with our online programmes. Thank you for your kind attention.
For any enquires, please contact us at 3955 1555 / whatsapp 62308530 / Facebook Direct Message.☎️
Take care everyone, be healthy!♥️💪

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. CHP provides update on cases related to Moon Palace

​​The CHP strongly appeals to people who had meals at Moon Palace from 1pm to 3pm on December 27 to call the CHP’s hotlines at 2125 1111 or 2125 1122 as soon as possible to facilitate the CHP’s epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/01/P2022010100617.htm

  1. Government further tightens quarantine arrangements for locally based air crew

​​In light of the latest developments of the global and local epidemic situation, the Government has further tightened the quarantine arrangements for locally based air crew. For all locally based air cargo crew who have laid over at overseas places or Taiwan and were subjected to self-isolation in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) for three days, with effect from 0.00am January 1, they will be required to stay in DQHs until obtaining negative results from the polymerase chain reaction-based (PCR) nucleic acid tests for COVID-19 taken on the seventh day following their return to Hong Kong. After leaving DQHs, they will remain subject to multiple PCR nucleic acid tests for COVID-19 regularly during their medical surveillance periods, in order to monitor their health conditions on a continued basis. The measure will further safeguard public health.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/31/P2021123100581.htm

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

​​​​In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  1. Government announces list of seventh-cycle designated quarantine hotels

​​The Government announced the list of designated quarantine hotels for the seventh cycle of the Designated Quarantine Hotel (DQH) Scheme. A total of 44 hotels will provide about 12 500 rooms in the new cycle, which runs from March 1 to July 31, 2022. The Government may adjust the number of rooms available in this cycle as and where necessary.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/31/P2021123100368.htm

  1. 44th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

​​The Government announced that the 44th round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/31/P2021123000362.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

– Information of JoyYou Card –
Starting from 27 February 2022, the eligible age of the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (the $2 Scheme) will be lowered to 60. Hong Kong residents aged 60 to 64 must apply for and use JoyYou Card as a prerequisite for benefitting from the concessionary fare.
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Measures to assist foreign domestic helpers and employers to cope with COVID-19 pandemic extended
The Government announced that the measures to assist foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and their employers to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic will be extended with immediate effect. These include extension of validity period of existing contracts and deferral of return to the place of origin.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/28/P2021122800271.htm
2. Latest quarantine arrangements for foreign domestic helpers
The Government announced that Regala Skycity Hotel (Regala) on Lantau Island will be added as a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF) for foreign domestic workers (FDHs) from January 2022 onwards. As the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly around the world, the Government needs to reserve all rooms at the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre (PBQC) for quarantine purposes in order to prevent the variant from entering the community. Starting from January 3, 2022, Phases 1 and 2 of PBQC will thus cease taking reservations for FDHs coming to work in Hong Kong. In its initial period serving as a DQF, Regala will assist the Government in arranging by phases the intake of FDHs residing at PBQC to continue their quarantine. The FDHs, employers and employment agencies (EAs) concerned need not bear any additional costs or make any additional arrangements for the transfer to Regala, and the Government will inform them of the transfer arrangements one by one according to schedule.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/29/P2021122900577.htm
3. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
· Brunei Darussalam and Paraguay from 0.00am on December 31
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/28/P2021122800485.htm
· Kazakhstan and Myanmar from 0.00am on January 1
In view of the earlier detection of imported Omicron cases in Hong Kong from Kazakhstan, the Government will implement the most stringent quarantine and testing requirements for inbound travellers from that place.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/29/P2021122900785.htm
· Belarus, Curaçao and Vietnam from 0.00am on January 2
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/30/P2021123000755.htm
4. Conditional free COVID-19 testing service continues for targeted groups
The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced that the free COVID-19 testing service will continue to be provided for eligible persons of targeted groups at community testing centres (CTCs).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/30/P2021123000822.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Further expansion of COVID-19 vaccination arrangements from January 1
The Government announced that the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will be further expanded starting from January 1, 2022. The arrangements are as follows:
* extension of the opening hours of nine of the 10 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) to enable members of the public to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine;
* provision of a third dose vaccination service to all eligible persons who have received two doses of the BioNTech vaccine with the second dose received six months ago;
* provision of a second dose vaccination service to persons who have recovered from previous COVID-19 infection; and
* provision of a second dose BioNTech vaccination service to persons aged 12 to 17.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/24/P2021122400509.htm
2. Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of Comirnaty vaccine
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (JSC) convened a meeting, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), to discuss and update consensus interim recommendations on the use of Comirnaty vaccine in Hong Kong.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/23/P2021122300757.htm
3. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
· Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Saint Martin (French part) and Venezuela from 0.00am on December 26
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/23/P2021122300550.htm
· Réunion and Serbia from 0.00am on December 27
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/24/P2021122400627.htm
· Albania, Jamaica and North Macedonia from 0.00am on December 29
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/26/P2021122600494.htm
· The Dominican Republic, Kosovo and Malta from 0.00am on December 30
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/27/P2021122700546.htm
4. 43rd round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced that the 43rd round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/24/P2021122300433.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government maintains social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
The Government announced the gazettal of extension of social distancing measures for 14 days, which takes effect from December 23, 2021, till January 5, 2022.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/21/P2021122100457.htm
2. COVID-19 vaccination in lieu of regular testing arrangement for government employees to be further tightened
The Government announced that the current vaccination in lieu of regular testing arrangement for government employees will be further tightened from December 28, and a “vaccine bubble” arrangement at government buildings and offices will be implemented in mid-February 2022 under which government employees entering the above mentioned premises for work-related purposes will be required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/21/P2021122100384.htm
3. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
•    Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Georgia and Panama from 0.00am on December 24
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/21/P2021122100558.htm
•    Burkina Faso, Cayman Islands and Togo from 0.00am on December 25
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/22/P2021122200577.htm
4. CHP provides update on eight additional Omicron cases and enhances infection control measures in designated quarantine hotels
As some of the imported Omicron cases are confirmed in designated quarantine hotels, to further reduce the possible risk of infection, the CHP has requested the designated quarantine hotels concerned to take additional measures on infection control and surveillance. If an Omicron case had stayed in a designated quarantine hotel, daily testing will be arranged for those who have been staying in adjacent and opposite rooms of the room of the Omicron case until seven days after the transfer out of the patient concerned. For those who had stayed in the adjacent and opposite rooms within the same period but had completed compulsory quarantine at the hotel, the CHP will request them to go for additional testing in the community as soon as possible and advise them to avoid group gathering until they complete seven days of additional surveillance.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/21/P2021122100747.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Comprehensive tightening of inbound control measures to prevent spreading of Omicron cases to community
The Government announced that in view of the rapidly worsening global epidemic situation due to the Omicron variant, a series of measures will be implemented to further guard against the importation of cases, including:
(1) tightening the flight suspension mechanism with immediate effect, apart from the existing suspension criteria, if four or more passengers are confirmed with COVID-19 upon arrival in Hong Kong from the same route within seven days, that route will be suspended for 14 days;
(2) shortening the lead time for specimen collection for pre-departure nucleic acid tests for persons boarding for flights to Hong Kong from 72 hours to 48 hours with effect from December 24; and
(3) requiring persons arriving at Hong Kong from Group A places with enhanced surveillance to undergo compulsory quarantine at a quarantine centre for the first four days of arrival at Hong Kong with effect from December 21. They have to undergo daily testing in the first seven days of arrival at Hong Kong, and to undergo testing on alternate days thereafter.
Additionally, in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation, the Government imposes measures applicable to Group A places with enhanced surveillance on persons who have stayed in the United Kingdom (UK), from 0.00am on December 21. Peru will be specified as a Group A specified place from 0.00am on December 23 to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/20/P2021122000964.htm
2. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected
In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
· Bahrain, Bermuda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gibraltar, Hungary, Oman and the Slovak Republic from 0.00am on December 17
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/14/P2021121400590.htm
· Algeria, Ecuador, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Trinidad and Tobago from 0.00am on December 18
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/15/P2021121500567.htm
· Kenya, Lithuania and Rwanda from 0.00am on December 19
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/16/P2021121600523.htm
· Montenegro and Poland from 0.00am on December 20
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/17/P2021121700580.htm
· Egypt, Morocco, New Zealand and Qatar from 0.00am on December 21
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/18/P2021121800575.htm
· Palestine and Ukraine from 0.00am on December 22
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/19/P2021121900688.htm
· Peru from 0.00am on December 23
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/20/P2021122000964.htm
3. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Nigeria to accept vaccination records issued by the place as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The Government will also accept the vaccination records issued by Cape Verde and Lebanon for boarding flights for Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on December 22 (Wednesday).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/20/P2021122000756.htm
4. 42nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly
The Government announced that the 42nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/10/P2021120900485.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Appeal to Persons of Age 50 or Above to Receive Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

People aged 50 to 64 years, irrespective of high-risk conditions, were having a higher risk of intensive care unit admission and death related to influenza infection. Elderly aged 65 years or above have high risk of complications, excess hospital admissions and deaths om influenza. Therefore, in this 2021-22 season, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommends people aged 50 years or above to receive Flu vaccine for health protection.

Hong Kong residents of age 50 years or above can receive Flu vaccine at clinics of private doctors enrolled in Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) with subsidy of $240 per dose.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. “Hong Kong Health Code” system opens for registration

The “Hong Kong Health Code” system opens for registration from 9am on December 10, and the latest “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app version 3.0 will also be available for update. Members of the public can register a real-name account on the “Hong Kong Health Code” website www.healthcode.gov.hk. Upon successful registration, users can upload their visit records to the “Hong Kong Health Code” system through the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app version 3.0, and then login to the “Hong Kong Health Code” system to receive a “Hong Kong Health Code”.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/09/P2021120900238.htm

2. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the places listed below will be specified as Group A specified places to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

  •     Estonia and Uganda from 0.00am on December 12

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/09/P2021120900553.htm

  •     Cuba, Kuwait and Liechtenstein from 0.00am on December 13

Meanwhile, in view of the detection under the “test-and-hold” arrangement at the airport of a case from the United States of America (the USA), a Group A specified place, that carried the Omicron variant, the Government implements the most stringent quarantine and testing requirements for inbound travellers from the USA.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/10/P2021121000796.htm

  •     Cyprus, Jordan and Lebanon from 0.00am on December 14

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/11/P2021121100752.htm

  •     Mauritius and Sierra Leone from 0.00am on December 15

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/12/P2021121200510.htm

3. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government has concluded discussions with the Governments of Laos, Mexico, Mongolia, Oman and Qatar to accept vaccination records issued by the places as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The Government will also accept the vaccination records issued by El Salvador for boarding flights for Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on December 15 (Wednesday).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/13/P2021121300790.htm

4. 41st round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 41st round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) and nursing homes will commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/10/P2021120900485.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

– 2021 Legislative Council General Election –
 
The polling day of 2021 Legislative Council General Election will be held on 19 December 2021 (Sunday) from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Let’s vote for your choice.
 
For more information, please visit the website below :

www.elections.gov.hk

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccination Stations to be set up at four public hospitals

​​The Government sets up COVID-19 Vaccination Stations in four public hospitals to enable patients visiting the hospital for follow-up appointments and visitors, in particular patients of specialist out-patient clinics, to receive BioNTech vaccination without prior booking when they have their follow-up medical consultation.

The new COVID-19 Vaccination Stations are in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Caritas Medical Centre and Prince of Wales Hospital respectively. In addition to the vaccination stations in Queen Mary Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital which came into service last month, the number of vaccination stations is increased from three to seven.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/15/P2021101500248.htm

Latest shipment of Comirnaty vaccine arrives in Hong Kong

​​The latest shipment of about 800 000 doses of the Comirnaty vaccine, manufactured by BioNTech and filled and finished at a plant in Baxter, Germany, arrived in Hong Kong on October 16 as arranged by Fosun Pharma.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/16/P2021101600482.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Airport community testing centre to commence service Thursday

​To further assist members of the public working at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to undergo COVID-19 testing, the Government will set up a new community testing centre (CTC) at the Ground Transportation Lounge, HKIA, on October 14 (Thursday). Members of the public may make online bookings for the testing service at the Airport CTC starting from 7pm, October 11.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/11/P2021101100777.htm

  1. Updated COVID-19 vaccination records meet UK travel rules

Following the liaison with the relevant authorities of the United Kingdom (UK) on COVID-19 vaccination records, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was notified today by the UK authorities that Hong Kong’s updated vaccination records meet the relevant local requirements, and that the UK Government would recognise Hong Kong’s updated vaccination records with effect from 4am on October 11 (UK time) for travel to England.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/08/P2021100800647.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka to accept vaccination records issued by the country as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The Government will also accept the vaccination records issued by non-Group A specified places including Guernsey, Jersey and some British Overseas Territories for boarding flights for Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on October 13 (Wednesday).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/11/P2021101100644.htm

  1. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

From 0.00am on October 6, Hong Kong residents who hold vaccination records issued by the relevant authority of South Africa in the prescribed format can board a flight for Hong Kong from Group A specified places. The vaccines administered for the relevant travellers have to be vaccines listed on the Government’s List of COVID-19 Vaccines Recognised for Specified Purposes.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/04/P2021100400607.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Information on safeguarding national security

The information on safeguarding national security is now available in eight ethnic minority languages on the website of “National Security Education Day” (NSED) (https://www.nsed.gov.hk).

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. Government adjusts COVID-19 vaccination requirement under social distancing measures according to expert advice

In accordance with the advice of the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines, from September 30 onwards, persons aged 12 to 17 who have received one dose of Fosun Pharma/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty vaccine) at least 14 days ago are deemed to have complied with the requirement of completing the COVID-19 vaccination course under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/30/P2021093000840.htm

2. Government adjusts service arrangements of deep throat saliva specimen collection

Since deep throat saliva specimen is no longer accepted for compulsory or regular testing, adjustments are made to the service arrangements of deep throat saliva specimen collection after reviewing the usage and public demand for the testing services.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/01/P2021100100497.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/


Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
and vaccines

  1. Government updates COVID-19 vaccination records

COVID-19 vaccination records issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will have added in them information on the date of birth and sex of the vaccine recipient, as well as the manufacturer of the vaccine the person received, starting from September 29. Members of the public who have completed the COVID-19 vaccination will be able to view and download their updated electronic vaccination record via the iAMSmart mobile app. They can also obtain the updated electronic vaccination record by downloading the latest version of the eHealth mobile app at a later time.

Electronic vaccination records are commonly accepted internationally and in general can be a substitute for paper records. They are also easier to carry and update. The Government appeals to members of the public to download the updated vaccination record via electronic means as far as possible. If individuals with travel plans need to collect their updated record in paper form, starting from September 29, they can bring along the original of their identification documents and proof of travel such as airplane ticket within two weeks of departure and visit one of the specified locations.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/24/P2021092400469.htm

  1. COVID-19 Vaccination Stations to be set up at three public hospitals

Three COVID-19 Vaccination Stations will be set up in Queen Mary Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital starting from September 29 to enable patients visiting the hospital for follow-up appointments and visitors, in particular patients of specialist out-patient clinics, to receive the BioNTech vaccination without prior booking when they have their follow-up medical consultation.

The vaccination stations will open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays except public holidays, with no lunch break. Last vaccination is at 6.30pm. Arrangements will be made for people being vaccinated to have their second dose injection at the same vaccination station or another Community Vaccination Centre. For those who opt for the Sinovac vaccine, the vaccination stations will refer them to a nearby Community Vaccination Centre.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/24/P2021092400294.htm

  1. Government suspends quarantine exemption for persons entering Hong Kong from Macao

In light of the latest pandemic situation in Macao, all arrivals in Hong Kong from Macao will not be exempted from compulsory quarantine under the Return2hk Scheme or Come2hk Scheme.

According to the arrangement concerned, persons who have stayed in Macao on the day of arrival in Hong Kong or during the 14 days before that day will not be exempted from compulsory quarantine upon arrival. Instead, they will be subject to 14-day compulsory quarantine at home if they have not been fully vaccinated; and to 7-day compulsory quarantine at home for those who have been fully vaccinated. All arrivals from Macao have to undergo tests at prescribed times under the established requirement. For details of the quarantine and testing requirements for arrivals from Macao, please refer to the Government’s COVID-19 Thematic Website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures1.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/25/P2021092500632.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Distribution of same-day tickets at Community Vaccination Centres open to all eligible persons

Starting from September 22, 21 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will distribute same-day tickets to all eligible persons who want to receive a COVID-19 vaccination so that they can get vaccinated in a CVC at a designated time slot on the day of distribution.

The same-day tickets will be distributed daily from 7.45am on a first-come, first-served basis in September and October. The CVCs will be closed between 1.30pm and 2.30pm daily for cleaning and disinfection, and the last vaccination session will be held from 7pm to 7.30pm.

Starting from November, the same-day tickets will be available for distribution 15 minutes before the CVCs open, and the last vaccination session will be held an hour before they close.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/20/P2021092000338.htm

  1. Latest list of places of recognised vaccination records

From 0.00am on September 22, the Government will accept vaccination records issued by Iran as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The Government will also accept the vaccination records issued by non-Group A specified places including Chile and New Zealand for boarding flights for Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places.

Meanwhile, the Government announced earlier that it accepts vaccination records recognised under the EU Digital COVID Certificate mechanism as recognised vaccination records required for the purpose of boarding flights for Hong Kong from high-risk Group A specified places. As the EU has recently announced the recognition of the vaccination records issued by Albania, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Israel, Monaco, Morocco and Panama as being equivalent to vaccination records issued by EU member states under the mechanism, the Government will therefore also accept the vaccination records issued by the aforementioned places as recognised vaccination records from 0.00am on September 22.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/20/P2021092000764.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Scientific Committees under CHP issue consensus interim recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination
The JSC-EAP reviewed the latest scientific evidence and noted that the two currently used COVID-19 vaccines (i.e. Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines) are still very effective against severe disease in the majority of the population six months after completion of two doses.
The meeting also deliberated the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children and adolescents. To balance the risk and benefit in the local setting, JSC-EAP recommends persons aged 12 to 17 years to receive one dose of the Comirnaty vaccine, instead of two doses.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/15/P2021091501003.htm
2. Department of Health reminds teenagers on vaccination arrangements with second dose appointment
Myocarditis or pericarditis are known adverse events of the Comirnaty vaccine reported in both overseas and locally, with the majority occurred following the second dose in adolescents. Most affected cases will respond well to treatment and can usually return to their normal daily activities after their symptoms improved. Adolescents and young adults should avoid strenuous exercise for one week after Comirnaty vaccination. They should seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms indicative of myocarditis or pericarditis such as acute and persisting chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations following vaccination.
The JSC-EAP recommends persons aged 12 to 17 years to receive one dose of the Comirnaty vaccine, instead of two doses. Teenagers aged 12 to 17 who have appointments to receive the second dose of the Comirnaty vaccine can opt to cancel the appointment online. For those with special needs who opt to receive the second dose and turn up at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVC) as scheduled, medical personnel at the CVCs will explain the above recommendation and the relevant risk to them and their guardians before they make the appropriate decision.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/15/P2021091500979.htm
3. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination
As at 8pm on September 12, over 8.15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. More than 4.34 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine, accounting for 64.4 per cent of the population aged 12 or above. The DH received 5 843 reports of adverse events (0.07 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered). Among the death cases concerning persons who had been vaccinated, including 43 cases with vaccination within 14 days before they passed away (0.0005 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered), none of the death cases was associated with vaccination.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/15/P2021091500728.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government maintains most social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
The Government will gazette the extension of the effective date of most existing social distancing measures for 14 days till September 29. Furthermore, the Government will introduce a new arrangement for fitness centres under “vaccine bubble” to relax the distance restriction among participants of training groups or classes of more than four persons.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/14/P2021091400605.htm
2. Arrangements for Come2hk Scheme
Starting from September 15, non-Hong Kong residents coming from Guangdong Province and Macao, upon fulfilment of all the specified conditions under the Come2hk Scheme, can be exempted from compulsory quarantine upon entry into Hong Kong.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/14/P2021091400592.htm
3. Government accepts registration of non-local COVID-19 vaccination records through voluntary declaration
Members of the public will be able to register their non-local vaccination records with the Government through voluntary declaration. The new arrangement will facilitate these persons to carry and view the records in electronic format for their daily use in fulfilling relevant requirements under the local vaccine bubble (such as entering into premises which require proof of vaccination).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/14/P2021091400572.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccine

  1. Operation arrangements of Community Vaccination Centres after October

Five CVCs will be closed from November.

The operation of 21 CVCs will be extended to the end of this year. These CVCs will continue to provide the first-dose vaccination services in October and November, and will only provide the second-dose vaccination services in December.

Starting from November 1, the opening hours of the 21 CVCs will be adjusted.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/09/P2021090900301.htm

2. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

From 0.00am on September 15, Hong Kong residents who hold vaccination records issued by the relevant authorities of Bangladesh, Nepal or the United Arab Emirates in the prescribed formats can board a flight for Hong Kong from Group A specified places.

The Government has also concluded discussions with the Government of Singapore on the arrangements regarding the recognition of vaccination records.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/10/P2021091000556.htm

Points to Note for Quarantine for Inbound Travellers: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html

3. The Government opens Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre for quarantine of foreign domestic helpers

The Government announced that, starting from September 20, a total of 800 units in Phases 1 and 2 of the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre (PBQC) on Lantau Island will be open for quarantine of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who have been fully vaccinated in Group A specified places upon arrival in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/10/P2021091000783.htm

4. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination

As at 8pm on September 5, over 7.84 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. More than 4.24 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine, accounting for 63.0 per cent of the population aged 12 or above. The DH received 5 698 reports of adverse events (0.07 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered). Among the death cases concerning persons who had been vaccinated, including 41 cases with vaccination within 14 days before they passed away (0.0005 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered), none of the death cases was associated with vaccination.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/08/P2021090800704.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government phases out deep throat saliva as recognised specimen for compulsory testing
Risk-based, frequent and accurate virus testing has all along been a key to Hong Kong’s success in the fight against the epidemic. The Government announced that further steps will be taken to replace deep throat saliva specimen by combined nasal and throat swab samples collected by professionals (professional swab sampling) as recognised compulsory testing method except for certain circumstances, with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of COVID-19 testing arrangements.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/07/P2021090700940.htm
2. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
Hong Kong residents who hold vaccination records issued by the relevant authorities of India, Malaysia, Pakistan or Thailand in the prescribed formats can board a flight for Hong Kong from Group A specified places. The Government has also concluded discussions with the Government of Korea on the arrangements regarding the recognition of vaccination records.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/06/P2021090600671.htm
Points to Note for Quarantine for Inbound Travellers: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html
3. Government resumes quarantine exemption for persons returning from both Mainland areas other than Guangdong Province and Macao under Return2hk Scheme
Hong Kong residents staying in Mainland provinces and municipalities other than Guangdong Province, and Macao, upon fulfilment of all specified conditions under the Return2hk Scheme, including: not having stayed in places other than Hong Kong, the Mainland or Macao and any areas that are included in the list of at-risk places temporarily inapplicable under the Return2hk Scheme published on the Return2hk Scheme thematic website, in the past 14 days before arriving in Hong Kong (not including the period where a person has been undergoing compulsory quarantine in the Mainland or Macao under the requirement in that place) could be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement when returning to Hong Kong. However, they must still undergo compulsory testing according to instructions.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/07/P2021090700888.htm
4. Same-day ticket arrangement for COVID-19 vaccination to be expanded to cover target groups
Starting from September 9, 21 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) (except those run by private hospitals) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will distribute same-day tickets to the following five target groups so that they can receive vaccination in a CVC at a designated time slot on the day of distribution:
(1) Staff of residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities and nursing homes;
(2) Staff of medical organisations;
(3) Staff of schools, school bus drivers and escorts (commonly known as “nannies”);
(4) Staff of catering business, bars/pubs; and
(5) Construction site personnel.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/07/P2021090700298.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government maintains most of the social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
The global epidemic situation remains severe, and the prevailing Delta mutant strain is highly transmissible. Meanwhile, a downward trend is observed locally in both vaccination and booking for vaccination. The vaccination rate of the elderly is still relatively low. It’s worrying that the elderly will be subject to extremely high risk of getting seriously ill and death if there is a fifth wave of epidemic. In this regard, the Government needs to maintain most of the existing social distancing measures.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/31/P2021083100509.htm
2. Conditional free COVID-19 testing service continues to be provided for targeted groups
The Government will continue to require staff of targeted groups to receive vaccination as soon as possible, while at the same time strengthen the testing arrangements for staff who have yet to complete a vaccination course.
Free COVID-19 testing at community testing centres (CTCs) is provided only to individual eligible persons of targeted groups (mainly those who have yet to complete a COVID-19 vaccination course or are unfit for vaccination because of health reasons), and relevant persons must present valid medical certificates/vaccination records/documents of identity proof for receiving free tests. This requirement will be applicable to all targeted groups (including staff of catering businesses) starting from September. In other words, persons of targeted groups who are not unfit for vaccination because of health reasons will need to pay for the regular testing service.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/31/P2021083100423.htm
3. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records
The Government announced the acceptance of vaccination records issued by places including Indonesia, the Philippines and Turkey as recognised vaccination records for the purpose of Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism.
For details, refer to:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/30/P2021083000672.htm
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html
More information on COVID-19 vaccines
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Same-day ticket arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination to be expanded to cover students aged 12 or above

After evaluating the actual situation, the Government has decided to extend the arrangement to cover students studying at primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary institutions. As the summer holiday is coming to an end, the Government hopes that such an arrangement will assist students and their parents who have not yet received vaccination to get vaccinated.

Those aged 12 to 17 are required to bring along a consent form signed by their parents for getting vaccinated. The consent form can be downloaded from the designated website of the Vaccination Programme.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/25/P2021082500230.htm

  1. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination

As at 8pm on August 22, over 7.05 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. Around 3.93 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine, accounting for 58.3 per cent of the population aged 12 or above. The DH received 5 347 reports of adverse events (0.08 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered). Among the death cases concerning persons who had been vaccinated, including 37 cases with vaccination within 14 days before they passed away (0.0005 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered), none of the death cases was associated with vaccination.

Vaccines can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even deaths after infection. The Government appeals again to persons who are not yet vaccinated, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, to get vaccinated as soon as possible for better self-protection before the fifth wave strikes in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/25/P2021082500552.htm

  1. Foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who were fully vaccinated in Indonesia or the Philippines may come to work in Hong Kong

Starting on August 30, FDHs who were fully vaccinated in these two countries may come to work in Hong Kong. They must present a vaccination record that has been affirmed by the relevant authorities of these two countries and undergo compulsory quarantine in a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF) after arriving in Hong Kong.

As for FDHs who were fully vaccinated in Hong Kong, they are already allowed to come to work in Hong Kong from Group A specified places with effect from August 20. These FDHs have to undergo compulsory quarantine in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs). The lists of the fourth-cycle and fifth-cycle DQHs have been uploaded to the dedicated website.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/26/P2021082600265.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
 
1. Latest quarantine and testing arrangements for overseas arrivals and forthcoming implementation of self-paid serology antibody testing service at airport
 
The Government further elaborated on the arrangements applicable to children aged under 12, and strengthen the compulsory testing requirements applicable to persons arriving from low-risk places.
 
Separately, the self-paid serology antibody testing service will be provided for eligible arrivals from August 18. Relevant fully vaccinated persons arriving at Hong Kong can choose to undergo a self-paid serology antibody test at the airport’s Temporary Specimen Collection Centre during “test and hold”.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/07/P2021080700596.htm
 
2. 26 Community Vaccination Centres extend operation for one month
 
The demand for COVID-19 vaccination has increased recently. Should the vaccination progress be maintained at the current pace or increase, it is likely that 70 per cent of the eligible population will at least have had their first dose of a vaccine by the end of September. In view of the demand for vaccination and the vaccination progress, the Government has decided to extend the operation of CVCs until October 31.
 
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/06/P2021080600389.htm
 
3. Same-day ticket arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination to be expanded to cover people aged 60 or above
 
Starting from Wednesday (August 11), same-day tickets will be distributed at 24 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) (except those run by private hospitals) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to persons aged 60 or above so that they can receive COVID-19 vaccination in a CVC at a designated timeslot on the day of distribution.
 
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/09/P2021080900312.htm
 
More information on COVID-19 vaccines
www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. Same-day tickets for elderly to receive COVID-19 vaccination

Starting from July 29, same-day tickets will be distributed at 24 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) (except those run by private hospitals) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to persons aged 70 or above who have not made any prior booking so that they can receive COVID-19 vaccination in a CVC at a designated timeslot on the day of distribution.

Depending on the response of the elderly to the same-day ticket arrangements and the actual situation, the Government will consider expanding the measure to cover persons aged 60 or above.

For details, refer to: http://www.info.gov.hk/…/202107/27/P2021072700240.htm

2. Consensus interim recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) convened a meeting on July 22, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), to discuss the recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.

The JSC-EAP considers that both Comirnaty and CoronaVac (Sinovac) COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in protecting against severe diseases and death from COVID-19 infection, which is generally related to T-cell response.

It is suggested to have a minimal interval of at least 14 days between the administration of COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccines. Elderly should receive COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, well before the arrival of the winter influenza season.

For details, refer to: http://www.info.gov.hk/…/202107/22/P2021072200922.htm

Elderly should get vaccinated to protect themselves (pamphlet)

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/leaflet_elderly_ENG.pdf

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. COVID-19 Vaccination Programme further extends to cover all eligible visitors

At present, there are over 2 000 other visitors who are holding valid travel documents and have to continue to stay in Hong Kong owing to the COVID-19 epidemic. On public health considerations, providing vaccination for these other visitors will help prevent the spread of the virus in the community and thus enhance Hong Kong’s overall anti-epidemic capability.

From July 6, they can bring their travel documents and the landing slips or extension of stay labels (applicable to other visitors with extension of stay) issued by the Immigration Department to any post office (except mobile post offices) during office hours and the staff will assist them in making appointments for completing two doses of vaccination in the Community Vaccination Centres within their limit of stay.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202107/05/P2021070500347.htm

  1. Update on monitoring vaccination

As at June 27, the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation had concluded that six death cases had no causal relationship with vaccination, and preliminarily considered that 15 cases were not associated with vaccination. One case was pending assessment. The Expert Committee considered that there is no unusual pattern identified so far, and will continue to closely monitor the relevant situation and collect data for assessment.

Based on statistical analysis, there is no evidence that vaccination increases the risk of death or miscarriage for recipients.

The majority of non-death cases of adverse events received so far are relatively minor cases.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/30/P2021063000690.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

  1. Government to further relax social distancing measures under “vaccine bubble”

The Government introduces the second-phase measures under the ‘vaccine bubble’, with a view to responding to the aspirations of various trades and the public to resume normal daily lives as soon as possible.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/22/P2021062101063.htm

Arrangements for Cap. 599F Premises under the “Vaccine Bubble”:

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202106/22/P2021062101063_370191_1_1624301120630.pdf

  1. Government plans to adjust quarantine requirements for vaccinated persons arriving at Hong Kong

The Government announced that the quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have received COVID-19 vaccination will be adjusted in phases.

Before the serology antibody testing service is available at the airport, travellers can receive the designated serology antibody test at one of the recognised local medical laboratories at their own cost before departure. The positive result proof is valid for three months. Starting from June 30, persons arriving at Hong Kong who have only stayed in Group B specified places, Group C specified places or Taiwan on the day of arrival or the 14 days before that day will be subject to a shortened compulsory quarantine period.

Depending on the implementation progress of the relevant facilities, the Government will implement the second-phase arrangements within July to provide self-paid serology antibody testing service for inbound travellers at the airport. According to the arrangements, the compulsory quarantine period for those with a serology antibody positive result will be shortened to seven days, and the entry to Hong Kong by relevant non-Hong Kong residents will be relaxed. The operational details of the measures concerned will be announced in due course.

The purpose of checking antibodies is to show evidence of response to vaccination. A negative result or low antibody level may not correlate with lack of protection.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/21/P2021062100692.htm

More information on COVID-19:

www.coronavirus.gov.hk

The Government has lowered the minimum age for receiving the BioNTech vaccine from 16 to 12.

Persons aged 12 to 17 can make reservations through the online booking system on the designated website of the Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk) for receiving BioNTech vaccination at 24 Community Vaccination Centres across the territory and they are required to bring along a consent form, which can be downloaded from the designated website, signed by their parents for getting their vaccinations.

Information in eight ethnic minority languages can be found at below attached.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Persons aged 12 to 15 can make reservations to receive BioNTech vaccine

The Government has lowered the minimum age for receiving the BioNTech vaccine from 16 to 12. Persons aged 12 to 17 are required to bring along a consent form signed by their parents for getting their vaccinations. The consent form can be downloaded from the designated website.

We have to put in place an immune barrier in Hong Kong as soon as possible and the next three months will be critical. We must act fast to receive the first vaccine dose by the end of August to protect ourselves, our families and friends.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/10/P2021061000556.htm

  1. Scientific Committees update interim recommendations

Scientific Committees under CHP have updated several interim recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccination, including:

  •    Members of the public are advised to complete both doses of the series with the same product when possible. In exceptional situations where the vaccine recipient is unable to complete the series with the same type of vaccine (e.g. due to anaphylaxis after the first dose; or if the vaccine is no longer available or accessible), vaccination with another COVID-19 vaccine may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  •    The use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 12 – 15 is recommended.
  •    Any elderlies who have received influenza vaccines before can safely receive COVID-19 vaccines. For the frailest elderlies, the benefit versus risk may have to be carefully weighed.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/09/P2021060901025.htm

  1. More information and videos in different languages

To facilitate more ethnic minorities to receive the Government’s latest epidemic prevention information, health education materials and videos have been translated into multiple languages. Some videos are also available for download directly. For details, please refer to the attachment.

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

A number of local cases with the N501Y mutant strain have been recorded in Hong Kong recently, and the source of infection has yet to be identified. To guard against a rebound of the epidemic situation, it is not appropriate to relax social distancing measures at the moment. The Government will maintain the social distancing measures currently in place from June 10 for a period of 14 days till June 23.

Facing the challenges posed by mutant strains, there is pressing need for receiving vaccination. The Government will continue to adjust the social distancing measures based on the principle of ‘vaccine bubble’ taking into account the epidemic development. In addition to the protection received, people who have completed their vaccination course would also continue to be subject to more lenient requirement under the various social distancing measures.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/09/P2021060800887.htm

  1. Return2hk Scheme – matters relating to list of temporarily inapplicable at-risk places in Mainland

In accordance with the requirements under the Return2hk Scheme, Hong Kong residents who have stayed in any area in the Mainland that is included on the list of at-risk areas on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or during the 14 days before that day will not be exempted from compulsory quarantine under the Return2hk Scheme upon their entry into Hong Kong, and will have to undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine at home.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/06/P2021060600624.htm

More information on COVID-19:

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html

COVID-19 Vaccines: Top tips replayed in Urdu from CHP

Don’t miss the chance to watch again our online webinar to know more about COVID-19 vaccines in Urdu!
The online webinar was held on 21 May, 2021 with Dr Saba ASIM as the key speaker.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit thematic website

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

While the recent number of confirmed cases has been maintained at a low level, past experiences tell us that any relaxation of social distancing measures may lead to a rebound in the epidemic situation. The current vaccine take-up rate in Hong Kong is still far below the level that can achieve herd immunity. If, unfortunately, a new wave of the epidemic arrives, we will not be able to build a herd immunity barrier for protection. To guard against a rebound of the epidemic situation, the Government will continue to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/26/P2021052600690.htm

  1. Vaccination Programme to cover eligible non-Hong Kong residents in phases

Given public health considerations, the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will cover Mainland residents who are holders of the Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and will stay in Hong Kong for a period of time. In addition, the Government is preparing for vaccination of non-refoulement claimants and refugees recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Hong Kong. As for other travellers who continue to stay in Hong Kong owing to the pandemic, the Government will also announce the vaccination arrangement at a suitable juncture.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/25/P2021052500329.htm

  1. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination

As at 8pm on May 23, around 1.25 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine. The majority of non-death cases of adverse events received so far are relatively minor cases.

The Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation had concluded that eight death cases had no causal relationship with vaccination, and preliminarily considered that 24 cases were not associated with vaccination. Two cases were pending assessment. The Expert Committee considered that there is no unusual pattern identified so far, and will continue to closely monitor the relevant situation and collect data for assessment.

Vaccination is not only the most effective and thorough measure for preventing and controlling COVID-19 but also the key to overcoming the epidemic, resuming normal ways of life and early resumption of cross-boundary travel as early as possible. The Government calls on members of the public not to delay and get vaccinated as soon as possible while current stock lasts and the service capacity is still sufficient at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs).

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/26/P2021052600612.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/25/P2021052500953.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong

The Government continues to closely monitor the epidemic situation of various places, the prevalence of new virus variants, vaccination progress, and changes in the volume of cross-boundary passenger traffic, and adjusts the boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from relevant places as the situation warrants.

The Government will specify Argentina, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Singapore as high-risk Group B specified places with effect from May 21.

To guard against the importation of COVID-19 cases into Hong Kong, persons arriving at Hong Kong from overseas are subject to testing and compulsory quarantine requirements under a set of stringent inbound prevention and control measures. Depending on the risk levels of places where the persons arriving at Hong Kong depart from and the applicable compulsory quarantine periods, the number of tests these persons subject to during compulsory quarantine will also be increased to two (for 7-day compulsory quarantine period) to four times (for 21-day compulsory quarantine period). Furthermore, persons arriving at Hong Kong from extremely high-risk or very high-risk specified places, or fully vaccinated persons with shortened quarantine periods, will also be required to undergo additional compulsory tests upon the completion of compulsory quarantine.

Moreover, all persons who have stayed in Taiwan on the day of boarding or during the 14 days before that day, will have to present at boarding a negative result proof of a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the aircraft, as well as the confirmation of a room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong.  On arrival at Hong Kong, they will be subject to the “test-and-hold” arrangement at the airport.  Under the relevant requirements, non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry. Persons who are not fully vaccinated will be subject to a 21-day compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotels, with 4 tests to be conducted during the period.  Fully vaccinated persons will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotels, with 3 tests to be conducted during the period, followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period as well as compulsory testing on the 16th and 19th day of arrival at Hong Kong.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/17/P2021051700716.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/16/P2021051600804.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051300907.htm

The Government has categorised the relevant specified places into different groups according to the relevant risk-based boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements:

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

2. Foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to undergo second round of compulsory testing

The Government thanked the 340 000 FDHs who contributed to the anti-epidemic efforts by complying with the compulsory testing requirement early this month, under which three confirmed cases involving the N501Y mutant strain were detected in a timely manner to cut the latent transmission chain in the community.

All FDHs working in Hong Kong to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test for the second time during the period from May 15 to May 30. FDHs who have received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination on May 16 or before could be exempted from testing. The Government reminded exempted FDHs to download their electronic vaccination records or save the printouts of their vaccination records to their mobile phones, or bring along the printouts or copies of their vaccination records, so as to prove eligibility for exemption.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/12/P2021051200809.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The implementation of the first phase of measures under the ‘vaccine bubble’ is generally in order. To allow the relevant operators of premises and the general public to get used to the relevant measures, the Government will continue to maintain the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business premises and scheduled premises, as well as the requirements for group gatherings and mask wearing for 14 days until May 26. At the same time, the Government has also made slight adjustments to the requirements to fit anti-epidemic needs.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051201043.htm

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) thematic webpage

www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble_FP.html

  1. Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccinations

As at 8pm on May 9, about 1.74 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. The Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation perform continuous monitoring of the possible adverse events following administration of COVID-19 vaccines, and provide professional views and suggestions on safety monitoring of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines. The Expert Committee considered that there is no unusual pattern identified so far, and will continue to closely monitor the relevant situation and collect data for assessment. The majority of non-death cases of adverse events received so far are relatively minor cases.

Moreover, based on statistical analysis, there is no evidence that vaccination increases the risk of death for recipients.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/12/P2021051200816.htm

“Report on the Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccines in Hong Kong”

www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/doc/Safety_Monitoring_of_COVID-19_Vaccines_in_Hong_Kong.pdf).

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. The latest boarding and quarantine arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong under “vaccine bubble” concept

The Government will adjust the boarding, quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong (including Hong Kong residents returning to Hong Kong) who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course under the “vaccine bubble” concept. Subject to no significant change to the epidemic situation locally and in relevant overseas places, the relevant measures will be implemented on May 12 at 0.00am.

Concise guide to the arrangements

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/concise_guide_vaccinated_travellers_ENG.pdf

Points to note regarding self-monitoring period for inbound travellers

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/selfmonitoring_travellers_ENG.pdf

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700821.htm

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

  1. Quarantine requirements for close contacts of locally acquired COVID-19 cases

Taking into account the consensus interim recommendation by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (collectively the JSC) under the CHP, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), as well as the latest local situations of the epidemic, the Government decided to adopt a progressive manner to adjust the relevant quarantine requirements for close contacts.

Concise guide to the arrangements

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Quarantine_Requirements_ENG.pdf

Points to note regarding self-monitoring period for close contacts after mandatory quarantine at quarantine centre

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/selfmonitoring_closecontacts_ENG.pdf

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700771.htm

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html

  1. Quarantine arrangements of local COVID-19 cases with mutant strain

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is reviewing the infection control measures of confirmed cases involving mutant strain.  In view of the epidemiological evidence from contact tracing for N501Y cases, the CHP considers that residents who reside in the same building as confirmed N501Y cases, other than those who reside in the same unit, would not be classified as close contacts and placed under quarantine. Instead, they would be required to have more frequent testing due to the higher transmissibility of N501Y cases and hence an increased chance of transmission by sharing common facilities in the same building.

Concise guide to the arrangements

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Quarantine_Arrangements_for_Mutant_Strain_ENG.pdf

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700770.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government further adjusts boarding and quarantine arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong

To implement the more targeted risk-based approach on boarding, quarantine, and testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong under the new direction in fighting the pandemic, the Government announced on April 14 the adjusted grouping of boarding and compulsory quarantine arrangements: places outside China will be categorised under Cap. 599H into the extremely high-risk Group A1 specified places (equivalent to the existing Group A specified places), the newly added very high-risk Group A2 specified places, as well as the existing high-risk Group B specified places, the medium-risk Group C specified places, and the low-risk Group D specified places.

Considering that the epidemic situation is still unstable in the existing extremely high-risk places, i.e. India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Brazil, and South Africa, the existing restrictions under Cap. 599H will continue.

On the other hand, having considered the stabilising local epidemic situation and the relatively satisfactory vaccination rate in Ireland and the UK, the Government  has lifted the ban for persons who have stayed in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) on boarding for Hong Kong on May 7, to allow flights to resume from those places and for Hong Kong residents there to board for flights for Hong Kong, while these relevant persons would subject to the most stringent compulsory quarantine and testing arrangements upon arrival at Hong Kong.

Based on the “vaccine bubble” concept, the Government is planning to suitably shorten the compulsory quarantine period, based on risk levels, for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have not stayed in extremely high-risk and very high-risk places, and who have been fully vaccinated.  The implementation date and details of the relevant measures will be announced separately.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/04/P2021050400899.htm

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

  1. Over 1 million people receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The Government announced that the number of people who have received their first vaccine dose under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has exceeded 1 million. The figure accounts for around 15 per cent of the population aged 16 or above and eligible to get vaccinated through the Vaccination Programme, which has been running since February 26.

The Department of Health (DH) has put in place a pharmacovigilance system for COVID-19 immunisations, including receiving reports of Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) related to the COVID-19 vaccines used in Hong Kong from healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical industries, and setting up the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation (Expert Committee) to provide independent assessments on the potential causal link between AEFIs and COVID-19 vaccinations.

As of May 2, 2021, a total of 11,785 persons were infected with COVID-19, and 210 died of the disease in Hong Kong. Separately, there were about 1,491,900 doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered and a total of 2,402 AEFI reports (0.16 per cent of all doses administered) were reported. A total of 16 death reports (0.001 per cent of all doses administered) with a vaccination history within 14 days were received in the same period. The Expert Committee already concluded that four cases had no causal relationship with COVID-19 vaccinations, and the rest were preliminarily considered not associated with COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Government called on those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so as early as possible. A high vaccination rate can lead Hong Kong to resume economic and livelihood activities as soon as possible. In view of the threat posed by mutant strains, it is imperative for us to get vaccinated to protect ourselves and others.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/05/P2021050500854.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/06/P2021050600584.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Government to relax social distancing measures under “vaccine bubble”

The Government has gazetted directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to relax social distancing measures with conditions with “vaccine bubble” as the basis. These directions and specifications take effect from 0.00am on April 29, for a period of 14 days till May 12.

  1. Except for bars or pubs which are subject to other requirements, all catering business must operate according to one or more of the following operating mode(s). Among them, Types A and B Mode of Operation are existing arrangements, while Types C and D Mode of Operation are introduced under the “vaccine bubble”.

Arrangements for Catering Business, Bars/Pubs and five Scheduled Premises under the “Vaccine Bubble”

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800868_366077_1_1619624036686.pdf

Summary of latest measures on catering business and scheduled premises:

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800868_366078_1_1619624036680.pdf

  1. Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue during the specified period. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with.

Relaxation Arrangements for Group Gathering Restrictions under the “Vaccine Bubble”:

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800868_366072_1_1619624036695.pdf

  1. The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will be extended during the specified period.

The Government reminds the public that a staff member or a customer who makes false declarations or provides false information under the measures may be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000.

Relevant specified forms and template of medical certificate:

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/cap599FG_forms.html

To help catering premises and scheduled premises operators, as well as the general public, understand the operational details of the “vaccine bubble”, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has launched a thematic webpage as a one-stop portal to provide relevant information and working tools:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900690.htm

www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble_FP.html

Depending on the epidemic development and the implementation of the first phase of measures under the ‘vaccine bubble’, the Government will review and adjust the details of the measures and consider further relaxation of restrictions in respect of the operation of restaurants and other premises under the second phase.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/28/P2021042800868.htm

  1. The Government continues to ensure that the authorised vaccines satisfy the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality

The Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convened a meeting on 29 April 2021 to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines. After reviewing all the latest available clinical and safety data related, the Advisory Panel still considered that the benefits outweighed the risks. There was no need to recommend changes regarding the use of the vaccine.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900881.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk

  1. Government further tightens place-specific flight suspension mechanism and suspends passenger flights from Nepal

In view of the continually unstable global epidemic situation, the Government will adjust the place-specific flight suspension mechanism. A new criterion will also be introduced to run in parallel. If a total of 10 or more passengers were confirmed positive by any tests (including tests conducted during quarantine) with the N501Y mutant strain or relevant virus mutation within a seven-day period, the flight suspension mechanism would also be triggered. At the same time, as a measure to manage the flight resumption arrangements more cautiously under the mechanism, the Government will conduct risk assessments every two weeks for comprehensive reviews of relevant factors such as the epidemic situation of the relevant places, vaccination rate, and the prevalence of new virus variants, etc., before determining whether it was appropriate to remove the flight suspension. Due to the need to review the epidemic situation of the place concerned, the flight suspension mechanism will not be lifted automatically.

Under the tightened place-specific flight suspension mechanism, the Government will extend the measure to prohibit all passenger flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines from landing in Hong Kong, and starting from 00.00am on May 1, prohibit all passenger flights from Nepal from landing in Hong Kong.

For details:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900946.htm

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

World Immunization Week 2021 · Vaccines bring us closer

World Immunization Week is a global initiative organised by the World Health Organization in the last week of April (24 to 30 April) aiming to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases.

Immunisation is recognized as one of the most successful, safe and cost-effective health interventions and protect millions of people each year globally from serious and often deadly diseases including measles, hepatitis B and even some forms of cancer.

We have sacrificed so much to keep our loved ones and community safe from COVID-19: family reunions, hugs from loved ones, meals with friends and colleagues. Now, vaccines offer us the clearest path back to normal. Together, we can end the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve a healthier world for all.

COVID-19 Vaccines are Safe and Effective

Protect Yourself and Others

Get Vaccinated Now

About World Immunization Week 2021:

https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/104273.html

For more information on vaccines, please visit thematic website:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en

【COVID-19 Vaccines: Top tips replay in Punjabi 】

Don’t miss the chance to watch again Centre for Health Protection’s online webinar to know more about COVID-19 vaccines in Punjabi with their doctors online.

Dr Narindar Pal Singh Gill from Tuen Mun Hospital will tell you more and clarify your doubts.

Watch NOW at: https://youtu.be/Eyo-9saR418

The online webinar, co-organised by the Centre for Health Protection, Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple and the Zubin Foundation, was held on April 14, 2021, with more than 40 participants.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit thematic website
https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/

#TogetherWeFighttheVirus #COVID19 #COVID19Vaccines #Punjabi

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. COVID-19 Vaccination Programme opens to persons aged 16 or above

The Government announced that the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will be expanded to cover persons aged 16 to 29. The minimum age for receiving the BioNTech vaccine is 16, and that for receiving the Sinovac vaccine is 18. Separately, the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) across the territory are expected to operate until the end of September. Persons in the above age group can make reservations starting from 9am on April 23 through the online booking system on the designated website of the Vaccination Programme for receiving vaccines at 29 CVCs and 18 general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA). They can also make appointments for vaccinations with private doctors or clinics participating in the programme.

Moreover, taking into account the supply of the BioNTech vaccine, the vaccination rate and its limitations in storage, the CVCs administering the BioNTech vaccine are expected to operate until the end of September. People must make an appointment to receive the first dose of BioNTech vaccine by the end of August in order to complete the vaccination of two doses by the end of September for better protection from the vaccine.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/15/P2021041500565.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk

  1. Ensure that the arrangement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme meets the requirements

System safeguard measures are in place in the existing online booking system and eHS(S) to ensure that the arrangement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme meets the requirements. The Department of Health (DH) will continue to communicate with participating doctors to ensure that vaccination services are provided in accordance with the guidelines. Enhancement to the system safeguard measures has also been made to support different scenarios of vaccine administration. Members of the public should report their medical and vaccination record accurately to healthcare professionals and adhere to recommendations and advice on COVID-19 vaccination given by them. The practice of mixed doses vaccination involves uncertainty and risk, and is still in the experimental stage, which should only be conducted under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800566.htm

  1. Government invokes place-specific flight suspension mechanism & Enhancing the testing of persons returning to Hong Kong from overseas places

The Government implemented on April 14 the tightened flight-specific suspension mechanism, as well as the new place-specific flight suspension mechanism in parallel. With confirmed cases involving the N501Y mutant strain detected for the first time in the community in Hong Kong, for prudence’s sake, the Government has applied the criteria of the newly implemented place-specific flight suspension mechanism retrospectively for 14 days on places where there had been imported cases confirmed by arrival tests that carried the N501Y mutant strain.

The place-specific suspension mechanism for India, Pakistan, and the Philippines will be effective for 14 days from midnight on April 20.  Relevant restrictions will include the prohibition of passenger flights from these places from landing in Hong Kong, as well as specifying these three places as Group A specified places under Cap. 599H to restrict any person who have stayed in these places for more than two hours on the day of boarding or 21 days before that day from boarding for Hong Kong.

At the same time, to enhance the testing of persons returning to Hong Kong from overseas places, the Government is issuing a compulsory testing notice for persons who returned to Hong Kong from extremely high-risk places specified under Cap. 599H (that is the current Group A specified places). After completing the compulsory quarantine for 21 days as well as the testing on the 12th and 19th day during quarantine, these persons returning to Hong Kong will also need to self-monitor further for another seven days, and be subject to nucleic acid testing on the 26th day of their return to Hong Kong.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800858.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800771.htm

Details on the grouping of specified places and their respective boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements can be found at:

www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

Vaccination for prevention of COVID-19

The Government is offering COVID-19 vaccines free of charge for all Hong Kong residents. Eligible persons aged 16 or above can make reservations through the online booking system for receiving vaccines at one of the many community vaccination centres (CVCs) and public clinics, or make appointments for vaccinations with private doctors. It is expected that CVCs will operate until the end of September 2021. People wishing to receive the BioNTech vaccine must make an appointment to receive the first dose by the end of August in order to complete the vaccination of two doses by the end of September for better protection from the vaccine. For Sinovac vaccination services, it will be continued  through designated private and public clinics. The Government will also continue sourcing safe and effective vaccines from other vaccine manufacturers or drug companies.

In general, the side effects of vaccines are mild and temporary. The Government continues to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines allow your body to better fight against the disease, while other preventive measures, such as personal hygiene and wearing masks properly will further reduce the risk of spreading the disease in the community. Visit thematic website for more information: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk

Latest announcement on covid-19 by the government

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

1. New direction in fighting pandemic & Social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

With the fourth wave of the epidemic which has emerged since the second half of November last year apparently under control, a new direction in fighting the pandemic will be adopted down the road. The Government will adjust various anti-epidemic measures with “vaccine bubble” as the basis. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated sooner rather than later so that Hong Kong can gradually return to normality, and the flow of people with the Mainland and overseas can be restored as soon as possible.

However, to continue containing the spread of the disease and taking into account the pressure for potential rebound of the epidemic brought by earlier relaxation of social distancing measures and the frequent gatherings among members of the public during the long holiday, the Government still needs to maintain existing social distancing measures for the coming two weeks for prudence’s sake.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has been smoothly implemented for a while. Some staff members of the catering business premises or scheduled premises have completed the vaccination course (i.e. after 14 days following the administration of two vaccine doses for production of antibodies). In view of the protection brought by the vaccination, the relevant staff member will not need to undergo regular testing starting from the fourteenth day upon his or her completion of a COVID-19 vaccination course. However, any person who has symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing. Relevant staff member should keep the vaccination record as proof of vaccination. The fourteenth day upon a person’s completion of a vaccination course is counted by taking the next day after the person received all of the recommended dose(s) of vaccine as the first day. For example, for a person who has not been infected with COVID-19 and received the second dose of vaccine on April 15, the “first day” would be April 16 and the “fourteenth day” would be April 29.

If the epidemic situation remains stable, the Government will adjust social distancing measures orderly with ‘vaccine bubble’ as the basis. The details will be announced later.

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/12/P2021041200923.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/14/P2021041400025.htm

  1. Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted

The global pandemic situation remains severe. During the two-week period from late March to early April, there were over 7.9 million new cases and more than 138 000 new deaths reported globally. Hong Kong cannot afford to drop its guard on entry prevention and control measures. The Secretary for Food and Health will publish in the Gazette updated specifications made under Cap. 599H to include Egypt under the high-risk Group B specified places. The relevant specifications will be effective from April 20 until further notice.

Details on the grouping of specified places and their respective boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements can be found at:

www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

  1. Government implements various measures to improve workflow of COVID-19 vaccination

To facilitate the public’s identification of the correct venue for vaccination, each of the community vaccination centres (CVCs) and designated general outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority have been assigned a unique code number. The code number for venues administering Sinovac vaccine will start with the prefix “S”, while those for BioNTech vaccination will start with the prefix “B”. For example, S01 is the code number of the Hong Kong Central Library CVC which administers Sinovac vaccine, and B02 is the code number of the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre CVC which administers BioNTech vaccine. The SMS messages for persons to be vaccinated will also start right-away with the code number of the vaccination venue chosen. In addition, the CVCs will also display their code number at prominent positions at the venue entrance. These arrangements will help reception staff and the public alike to tell if the latter has come to the correct vaccination venue.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/13/P2021041300846.htm

  1. Outreach Vaccination Arrangement for RCHs

The Outreach Vaccination Arrangement for Residential Care Homes (RCHs) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (outreach arrangement) started on April 13. Outreach teams and visiting medical officers (VMOs) will visit the RCHs for the elderly that are participating in the outreach arrangement, which provides free vaccination services at the RCHs for their residents and service users of the day service units attached to the premises of the RCHs who have agreed to receive a vaccination and have been assessed by medical doctors as suitable for receiving a vaccination.

Residents who choose not to participate in the outreach vaccination arrangement will not be vaccinated in the RCHs, but they can still make bookings by themselves and receive a vaccination at Community Vaccination Centres or other locations.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/13/P2021041300415.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccination

There will be three radio interviews on COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in the radio programme in Bahasa Indonesia, Nepali and Hindi, to be broadcast on 11 April 2021 with details as follows:

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines

  1. Arrangements for designated flights from United Kingdom to Hong Kong and quarantine arrangements for arrivals from low-risk places

The Government has put in place since late December last year the measure under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to restrict persons who had stayed in extremely high-risk Group A specified places from boarding flights for Hong Kong.   The Government will specify that passengers of designated flights will not be subject to the restriction on boarding for Hong Kong and will arrange for these returnees to undergo the 21-day compulsory quarantine in a specified quarantine facility.

The designated flights will be the CX2252 flights departing London in the UK on April 21 and April 28 at 9.10am. The airline will open the ticketing reservation system on April 8 at 4 pm (Hong Kong Time). Upon check-in for the designated flights, travellers will be required to present negative result proof of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) nucleic acid test for COVID-19, conducted within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the aircraft. Results of tests conducted using other techniques will not be accepted. In addition, the travellers must present the confirmation of their room reservation in the specified quarantine facility mentioned above for 21 nights after their arrival in Hong Kong.

Travellers arriving on the designated flights will all be required to undergo compulsory quarantine at the centrally managed specified quarantine facility (Rambler Garden Hotel in Tsing Yi) for 21 days. The relevant persons under quarantine will be tested again on the 7th, 12th and 19th days during quarantine.

Relevant FAQs: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/FAQ_UK_Returnees_ENG.pdf

The global epidemic situation remains severe with new virus variants ravaging many parts of the world. The appropriate adjustments to the entry restrictions and quarantine arrangements will be conducive to the gradual resumption of travel between Hong Kong and other overseas places. In the meantime, the Government will continue various measures to stringently guard against the importation of cases.

The compulsory quarantine period for persons arriving at Hong Kong on or after April 9, and who have only stayed in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore on the day of arrival in Hong Kong or during the 21 days before that day, will be shortened to 14 days, while they will be required to self-monitor for the subsequent seven days and be subject compulsory testing on the 19th day after their arrival at Hong Kong. The relevant persons will still be required to undergo compulsory quarantine in designated quarantine hotels. This arrangement will be applicable to both Hong Kong residents and non-Hong Kong residents.

Details on the grouping of specified places and their respective boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements can be found at:

www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/01/P2021040100696.htm

  1. Government announces investigation results regarding packaging defects of BioNTech vaccine and arrangements for resumption of vaccination service

According to the information provided by Fosun Industrial Co., Limited (Fosun) and German drug manufacturer BioNTech, BioNTech has completed the relevant investigation and analysis regarding defects found in a small number of vial caps in a batch of vaccines supplied to the Hong Kong and Macao regions.  It is confirmed that the occurrence of the said problem is only associated with vaccine packaging under transport conditions. The production process and quality of the vaccine are found to be intact. The drug manufacturer confirmed that the safety and efficacy of the vaccine were not affected by the aforesaid issue, hence members of the public who had received the BioNTech vaccine did not need to worry. That said, for the sake of prudence, batches 210102 and 210104 will continue to be put on hold at the request of the drug manufacturer until completion of the final investigation report. The Government is also prepared to follow the recommendation of the drug manufacturer to suitably handle the relevant batches at a later time, including no longer administering the relevant batches of the BioNTech vaccine.

The shipment of about 300 000 doses of the Comirnaty vaccine manufactured by BioNTech, filled and finished at another plant in Germany, arrived in Hong Kong on April 2 as arranged by Fosun Pharma.

The Government has resumed the administration of the Comirnaty vaccine for members of the public starting from 5 April.  For changes to the vaccination slot or centre, please cancel the timeslot from the online booking system first and then make another reservation.

For details, please refer to:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/01/P2021040100848.htm

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

網上預約疫苗接種流程How to make vaccination booking online

(Hindi 印度文 िह􀈽ी) 

(Nepali 尼泊爾文 नेपा ली)

(Urdu 巴基斯坦文 اردو )

Updated information on COVID-19 vaccines
The Government is implementing a phased territory-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme free of charge for all Hong Kong residents. There is a thematic website with information related to vaccination (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk). For more information, please scan with the QR code below.
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
The Government will maintain most of the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business premises and scheduled premises, as well as the requirements for group gatherings and mask wearing for 14 days until March 31, 2021.
Catering business premises should comply with specified requirements on air change or air purifier(s) by April 30, 2021. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has made appointments to the relevant Working Group, which will advise the Government on the smooth implementation of the above requirement.
For details, please refer to the press release and annexes:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202103/17/P2021031700012.htm
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202103/17/P2021031700012_362958_1_1615915631930.pdf
2. Quarantine and isolation arrangement involving children
Quarantine and isolation measures achieve to safeguard the well-being of our community as a whole. Where children are involved, each and every decision by the Government is made in the interests of the children and their families:
– Generally allows one of the parents or a caretaker arranged by the parents (who can be relatives, parents’ adult friends or domestic helpers) to accompany their children to the quarantine centres (QCs) to take care of them.
– Provides a wide range of items to cater for specific needs of children (including babies)
– Consider placing the patients in the same Airborne Infection Isolation Room, subject to assessment of the patients’ clinical condition.
– Accommodate request of parents tested negative to accompany paediatric patients, subject to the availability of isolation capacities.
For details, please refer to:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202103/16/P2021031600781.htm
3. Priority groups for vaccination
The Government decided to arrange priority COVID-19 vaccination for the groups below:
1. Persons aged 30 years or above (a maximum of two carers who accompany elderly people aged 70 or above can also receive vaccination)
2. Personnel in healthcare settings and those participating in anti-epidemic related work
3. Residents and staff of residential care homes for the elderly / persons with disabilities and staff of Community Care Service units for the elderly / persons with disabilities
4. Personnel maintaining critical public services
5. Personnel providing cross-boundary transportation or working at control points and ports
6. Staff of food and beverages premises, markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and couriers (including takeaway food delivery)
7. Staff of local public transport service operators (e.g. taxi/bus/public light bus drivers, train captains and station staff)
8. Registered construction workers and other resident site personnel
9. Staff of property management (e.g. security guards, cleaning staff and property management office staff)
10. Teachers and school staff (e.g. teaching and support staff of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and universities; staff of special schools; and drivers and escorts of school buses and school private light buses)
11. Staff of the tourism industry
12. Staff of scheduled premises under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) (e.g. staff of fitness centres and beauty parlours)
13. Students studying outside Hong Kong (aged 16 years or above)
14. Domestic helpers
For a person (whether or not he/she is aged 30 years or above) who belongs to a priority group, please indicate his/her profession when making online booking at the designated website or appointment with private clinics participating in the Vaccination Programme for statistical purpose.
For details, please refer to:
https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government will maintain most of the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business premises and scheduled premises, as well as the requirements for group gatherings and mask wearing for 14 days until March 17, 2021 (Wednesday). In view of the recent cluster in eateries, the Government will require catering business premises to dedicate staff for clearing used utensils and cleaning and disinfecting used tables and partitions, in order to reduce the relevant infection risk. The existing arrangement for regular testing of staff of catering business premises and scheduled premises will continue, as it helps breaking the silent transmission chain in the community promptly.

For details, please refer to the press release and annexes:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202103/03/P2021030300045.htm
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202103/03/P2021030300045_362061_1_1614707588112.pdf

2. Government further strengthens compulsory testing

Currently, in all districts in Hong Kong, if one or more new confirmed cases are found in the residential buildings (including buildings for both commercial and residential uses), or there are sewage samples tested positive which implied possible infection risks, the buildings will be included in the compulsory testing notice. To strengthen testing targeting at workplaces, starting from February 27, if one or more confirmed cases are found in a workplace, it will be included in the compulsory testing notice.

For details, please refer to:
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/compulsory-testing.html
For most updated information, please also refer to daily press releases:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/ISD_public_Calendar_en.html

3.Wellcation – Mental health and wellbeing under quarantine

Members of the Faculty of Social Science, the University of Hong Kong, have designed a mental wellness programme, Wellcation 21-day Quarantine Wellness Kit.  Based on positive psychology, it provides daily stories, exercise videos and daily practices to enhance our mental health and wellbeing under quarantine.

To facilitate more ethnic minorities to receive the Government’s latest information, the Wellcation kits, together with other health education materials and videos on COVID-19, have been translated into multiple languages.

COVID-19 Thematic Website :

Hindi    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102743.html

Nepali    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102786.html

Urdu    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102787.html

Thai    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102788.html

Bahasa Indonesia    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102790.html

Tagalog    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102791.html

Sinhala    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102799.html

Bengali    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102796.html

Vietnamese    https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/102797.html

Mental health and wellbeing during quarantine :

Hindi    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/hi

Nepali    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/ne

Urdu    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/ur

Thai    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/th

Bahasa Indonesia    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/tl

Tagalog    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/id

Sinhala    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/si

Bengali    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/bn

Vietnamese    https://wellcation21.csrp.hku.hk/vi

All videos :

https://www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel/videos

Updated information on COVID-19 vaccines

The Government is implementing a phased territory-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme free of charge for all Hong Kong residents. For information related to vaccination, please visit Thematic Website www.covidvaccine.gov.hk.

According to the Scientific Committees’ recommendations, and taking into account the supply situation of the vaccines, the Government decided to arrange priority vaccination for the five groups below:
1.        Persons aged 60 years or above (a maximum of two carers who accompany elderly people aged 70 or above can also receive vaccination);
2.        Personnel in healthcare settings and those participating in anti-epidemic related work;
3.        Residents and staff of residential care homes for the elderly / persons with disabilities;
4.        Personnel maintaining critical public services; and
5.        Personnel performing cross-boundary related work.

To facilitate more ethnic minorities to receive the Government’s latest vaccination information, relevant information will be translated into multiple languages and made available progressively.

Hindi                https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102743.html

Nepali                https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102786.html

Urdu                https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102787.html

Thai                https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102788.html

Bahasa Indonesia        https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102790.html

Tagalog        https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102791.html

Sinhala                https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102799.html

Bengali                https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102796.html

Vietnamese        https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102797.html

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

With the epidemic situation under control, the Government has relaxed social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner with effect from 18 February to 3 March 2021 in accordance with the latest developments of the epidemic situation and risk assessments.

For more details, please refer to the annexes with 9 different langages below.

latest announcement on covid-19 by the government:

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

1. Government begins to relax social distancing measures in gradual and orderly manner

Thanks to the efforts of the whole community in Hong Kong, the epidemic situation has been gradually improving in the past month. With the epidemic situation under control, the Government will relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner in accordance with the latest developments of the epidemic situation and risk assessments.

Catering business: Catering premises fall under Category A / Category B according to the infection control measures adopted by the persons responsible for carrying on the catering business. The requirements and restrictions are different.

Scheduled premises: Some of the scheduled premises under Cap. 599F can be open when the relevant requirements and restrictions are fulfilled.

Group gathering: Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than two persons in public places will continue. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with. If there is no major change to the epidemic situation, the Government will seek the approval from the Executive Council shortly to relax the relevant group gathering restriction from two persons to four persons.

Mask-wearing requirement: The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will continue.

For details, please refer to the press release and annexes:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202102/17/P2021021700662.htm
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202102/17/P2021021700662_361121_1_1613570287637.pdf

2. Government enhances testing capabilities

In the wake of recent clusters of infection or higher risk of transmission at different premises, the Government provides free testing services at community testing centres with online bookings to various target groups such as foreign domestic helpers, construction site workers, and security and guarding personnel. To tie in with the reopening or relaxation of restrictions of restaurants and multiple scheduled premises, schools, etc, the Government also provides free testing services with online bookings to these target groups at community testing centres, and they may also continue to undergo testing via the above free testing means. Those with symptoms shall seek medical advice promptly and undergo testing as instructed by medical professionals, and they ought not visit the community testing centres.

The Government reiterates that, for those scheduled premises which will reopen on the seventh day of Lunar New Year and those restaurants which will resume dine-in dinner service on the same date, the operators are only required to arrange their staff to undergo the first testing from February 11 to 24, and arrange another test for them every 14 days. In other words, the operators can arrange the staff to receive the test on any dates within the first 14-day period, and there is no need to rush for test completion by February 18. For those who were unable to make a booking for testing at the community testing centres, they may go to the aforesaid locations to obtain deep throat saliva specimen collection packs for free testing. In general, the test result is available through SMS within 24 to 48 hours from the time of returning the specimen.

For details, please refer to:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202102/17/P2021021700655.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong remains serious. The Government announced that it will gazette directions and specifications to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place until 14 February. To allow members of the public to relax while keeping social distance, the Government will reopen specified outdoor sports premises for activities involving little physical contact starting from February 4, 2021 (Thursday). For details, please refer to the press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202102/03/P2021020300042.htm

2. Government further strengthens compulsory testing
Currently, the Centre for Health Protection requires asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo compulsory quarantine in quarantine centres. To strengthen tracing ability, we will require the household members of close contacts to undergo compulsory testing.

In all districts in Hong Kong, if one or more new confirmed cases with unknown sources are found in the residential buildings (including buildings for both commercial and residential uses), or there are sewage samples tested positive which implied possible infection risks, the buildings will be included in the compulsory testing notice. For testing targeting at workplaces, if two or more confirmed cases are found in a workplace, it will be included in the compulsory testing notice.

Furthermore, the Government has delineated earlier four specified areas. The Government will accord priority to the sewage testing of buildings within the “specified areas”, with a view to targeting areas with higher risks and detecting virus transmission earlier before any confirmed case is found.

Subject to the epidemic development and the need for infection control, the Government will delineate restricted areas and make a “restriction-testing declaration”. Persons within the areas are required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the arrangement by the Government, and can only leave after the relevant test results are mostly ascertained.

For details, please refer to:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202102/03/P2021020300018.htm
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/compulsory-testing.html

【Mental Health Workplace Charter / Joyful@Healthy Workplace】
Online Open Seminar on “Mental health and resiliency amid COVID-19 crisis”

We are facing the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19, the pandemic affects our economy, physical health as well as mental wellbeing. These emotional distress and anxiety may get in a way of our daily life and work. Mental Health problems bring great challenges to the Ethnic Minorities as they have fewer opportunities to learn about it. Hence, Occupational Safety & Health Council will hold an online seminar on “Mental health and resiliency amid COVID-19 crisis” on 25 Feb 2021. Public and Ethnic Minority are welcome.

Dr. Nimisha Vandan, the speaker of the online seminar, is the founder of Okayminds and former Post-Doctoral Fellow at the School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong. Dr. Vandan’s research focus on mental health of ethnic minorities. She established NGO “Okayminds” to raise public’s concern on mental health and mental resiliency.

Online Open Seminar on “Mental health and resiliency amid COVID-19 crisis”

Date: 25 February 2021 (Thursday)
Time: 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Nimisha Vandan, Founder of Okayminds and former Post-Doctoral Fellow at the School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
Language: English
Registration link: https://bit.ly/3oTeO3G  (Deadline: 18 Feb 2021)

For Enquiry, please contact:2116 5690 (Ms. Chung)

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

  1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong remains serious. The Government announced on 26 January that it will gazette directions and specifications to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place until 3 February. For details, please refer to the press release:

https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202101/27/P2021012700006.htm

  1. Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted

Effective from February 2, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates will be included as very high-risk Group B specified places. Details on the grouping of specified places and their respective boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements can be found at following webpage:

www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html

  1. Government to further enhance compulsory testing

Currently in all districts in Hong Kong (except specified areas and restricted areas), if confirmed cases not epidemiologically linked to each other are found in two or more units in the same building in the past 14 days, the building will be included in the compulsory testing notice. Furthermore, the Government delineates specified areas or restricted areas in accordance with risk assessments, in order to strengthen compulsory testing in a targeted manner. For details, please refer to:

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/compulsory-testing.html

To facilitate more ethnic minorities to receive the Government’s latest epidemic prevention information, videos on COVID-19 testing and prevention have been translated into multiple languages. The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and provide necessary information in other languages. Please visit our Facebook and Thematic Website regularly for further information and updates.

All videos :

https://www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel/videos

Video – Appeal for COVID-19 Testing :

(Nepali नेपा ली) https://youtu.be/Xmnl4Nz7pgY

(Urduاردو) https://youtu.be/t12aNpIoYYI

(Hindi िह�ी) https://youtu.be/rYRZWKYU82A

(Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) https://youtu.be/v_dJq6NKphs

(Bahasa Indonesia) https://youtu.be/ZKZi-zdVj58

(Tagalog) https://youtu.be/ZwSLt6iBsgw

Video – Appeal for Prevention of COVID-19 :

(Nepali नेपा ली) https://youtu.be/XudaQKXqQTY

(Urduاردو) https://youtu.be/nCj9BsGgKfk

(Hindi िह�ी) https://youtu.be/BYb18KEYNLw

(Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) https://youtu.be/KiqPcLl6Ujo

(Bahasa Indonesia) https://youtu.be/pggvkUtySNk

(Tagalog) https://youtu.be/5OmN4G7XbcA

Government makes “restriction-testing declaration” and issues compulsory testing notice in respect of specified “restricted area” in Yau Ma Tei

The Government today (January 26) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a “restriction-testing declaration” (declaration) effective from 7pm, by which people (hereafter referred to as “persons subject to compulsory testing”) within the specified “restricted area” in Yau Ma Tei (i.e. 9-27 Pitt Street and 3 Tung On Street. See Annex.) are required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the arrangement by the Government. Persons subject to compulsory testing are required to stay in their premises until all such persons identified in the area have undergone testing and the test results are mostly ascertained. The Government aims at finishing this exercise at about 6am tomorrow (January 27), in order to achieve the goal of zero cases in the district with concerted efforts.

A Government spokesman said, “Under Cap. 599J, the Government can, according to the needs of infection control, make a restriction-testing declaration.”

“The Government has issued compulsory testing notices in respect of 15-27 Pitt Street and 3 Tung On Street. However, outbreaks in the area remained severe. From January 11 to 25, 2021, more than 40 confirmed cases were recorded in the above-mentioned areas, involving three buildings. The Centre for Health Protection has evacuated some residents living at Pitt Street within the ‘restricted area’ to quarantine centre earlier. Residents are worried of the situation.”

“We are aware that those buildings in the ‘restricted area’ are relatively old and lack of maintenance, and many are ‘three-nil buildings’. Sub-divided units are common and the infection risk in the community is quite high. The sewage samples found in the relevant buildings were also tested positive, which implied possibly infection risk. After risk assessment, we think it is necessary to issue a restriction-testing declaration for the ‘restricted area’ to break the transmission chain in the district and dispel the worries of residents in the district.”

The Government will set up temporary specimen collection stations at the “restricted area” and request persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo testing before midnight today. Persons subject to compulsory testing will be arranged to undergo nucleic acid test at specimen collection stations where dedicated staff will collect samples through combined nasal and throat swabs. Persons subject to compulsory testing must stay at their place of residence until all test results are ascertained to avoid cross-infection risk. The Government will arrange door-to-door specimen collection for people with impaired mobility and elderly persons, or make arrangement for them to self-collect and submit the deep throat saliva specimen.

“We understand that this exercise will cause inconvenience to the public. The Government has made arrangements to carry out testing for all persons present in the ‘restricted area’ as soon as possible at night after most people are released from work. The aim is to strive to complete testing of all identified persons subject to compulsory testing and confirm the results, and finish the exercise at around 6am tomorrow with a view to allowing residents to start getting to work around 6am. The Government will make public announcement when the declaration expires officially. In the case when employees are unable to go to work because of the declaration, the Government hopes their employers can exercise discretion and not to deduct the salary or benefit from the employees.

“In the past weekend, more than 7 000 persons already underwent testing in the specified ‘restricted area’ in Jordan. The Government thanked them for their co-operation. However, in order to break the transmission chain in Yau Ma Tei district completely, we think it is necessary to make a new declaration for other areas in the district of which the infection risk are rather high. Persons who had undergone previous testing, including the testing under compulsory testing notices, before the declaration came into effect are still required to undergo testing again.”

In order to maintain public and emergency services within the “restricted area”, the Government and relevant working staff (such as healthcare officers and other officers, testing service providers engaged by the Government, cleaning service providers, etc.) are allowed to enter and leave the “restricted area” on condition that personal information and contacts are given, as well as certain infection control instructions are followed (including undergoing testing before leaving the “restricted area” without the need to wait for the test results).

The Government has prepared simple food and basic cleaning tools for the residents restricted by the declaration. The Home Affairs Department has set up a hotline (Tel: 2572 8427) and a dedicated hotline (Tel: 3755 6816) for the ethnic minorities. The hotline services will start operation from 7pm today for residents restricted by the declaration to make enquiries and seek assistance. The Social Welfare Department will also provide assistance to the affected persons.

The Government understands the residents in the district are worried and anxious because of the increase in confirmed cases in recent days. Under the epidemic, businesses in the area have been hit hard and brought to a standstill. Residents’ livelihood is also affected. The Government hopes this temporary inconvenience will completely cut the local transmission chains and ease residents’ worries and fear, so that they will regain confidence in resuming social and business activities in the area, and return to a normal life.

The Government appeals to persons subject to compulsory testing for their full co-operation by registering and undergoing testing, and waiting for the result patiently at home. Any person who breaches the restriction-testing declaration commits an offence and may be liable to a maximum fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

For more details, please refer to the press release :

https://www.info.gov.hk/…/202101/26/P2021012600759.htm

Press release in 8 langauges :

1. Bahasa Indonesia – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Bahasa Indonesia (2021-01-26)

2. Thai – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Thai (2021-01-26)

3. Tagalog – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Tagalog (2021-01-26)

4. Hindi – Government makes restriction testing declaration –  Hindi (2021-01-26)

5. Nepali – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Nepali (2021-01-26)

6. Punjabi – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Punjabi (2021-01-26)

7. Urdu – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Urdu (2021-01-26)

8. Vietnamese – Government makes restriction testing declaration – Vietnamese (2021-01-26)

Fight the virus together to achieve clearing infection in the restricted zone
(Chinese: 同心抗疫 小區「清零」) (23.1.2021)

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Government continues to implement compulsory testing notices for several buildings in Yau Ma Tei. Recently, a number of confirmed COVID-19 cases were found in the district of Yau Ma Tei and Jordan over a short period of time. To cut the transmission chain, the Government has been issuing compulsory testing notices. Failing to comply with the compulsory testing notice is an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The Government encourages residents in Yau Ma Tei district to undergo testing proactively and promptly, even if they are not subject to compulsory testing. Please visit the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/index.html ) for latest updates.

Nepali:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BJ9cNMZnsuRUqjHZLYVNMeOFbdK0Zvdp/view?usp=drivesdk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQlZhLyzrcs&feature=emb_title

Urdu:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15zL5S8SfrHuxGk_3Q7SaQHBWq_DxCLoY/view?usp=drivesdk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzjkzuhInHc&feature=emb_title

Hindi:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S4fgyeCmAk-H46QcEQYbKkgjG4JnMhv5/view?usp=drivesdk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGw61Cp1lPA&feature=emb_title

Home Affairs Department Race Relations Unit Website: (https://www.had.gov.hk/rru/english/home/index.html)
HKSAR Government Press Release (English) on January 23, 2021:
(https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/23/P2021012300107.htm?fontSize=1 )

(Multilingual) Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Government to further expand the scope for compulsory testing

A number of confirmed cases were recently found in certain districts in Hong Kong, including Yau Ma Tei and Jordan, over a short period of time. To cut the transmission chain in the community as soon as possible, the Government is determined to strengthen ‘compulsory testing on mandatory basis’.

Persons subject to testing under the compulsory testing notices should, as far as reasonably practicable, take appropriate personal disease prevention measures including wearing a mask and maintaining hand hygiene, and, unless for the purpose of undergoing the specified test, stay at their place of residence and avoid going out until the test result is ascertained as far as possible. The Government will seriously follow up on the compliance of compulsory testing notices by persons subject to compulsory testing, and continually review the compulsory testing arrangement of the above specified areas taking into account the epidemic development.

Since the infection risk in the community of the specified areas might be higher, the Government encourages residents in the areas to undergo testing proactively and promptly, even if they are not subject to compulsory testing. The mobile specimen collection stations will provide free testing services for all residents in the areas regardless of whether they are subject to compulsory testing or not.

To facilitate ethnic minorities to receive the Government’s latest epidemic prevention information, the main content of the COVID-19 Thematic Website has been translated into nine different languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Indonesian, Filipino, Sinhala, Bengali and Vietnamese.

For more details, please refer to the website and videos:

Information on compulsory testing
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/compulsory-testing.html
(For other most updated information, please also refer to daily press releases.)

Video – Appeal for COVID-19 Testing
(Nepali 尼泊爾文)         https://youtu.be/Xmnl4Nz7pgY
(Urdu 巴基斯坦文)        https://youtu.be/t12aNpIoYYI
(Hindi 印度文)               https://youtu.be/rYRZWKYU82A

Video – Appeal for Prevention of COVID-19
(Nepali 尼泊爾文)         https://youtu.be/XudaQKXqQTY
(Urdu 巴基斯坦文)        https://youtu.be/nCj9BsGgKfk
(Hindi 印度文)               https://youtu.be/BYb18KEYNLw

Lifesaving Training Incentive Programme for Ethnic Minority Youths

Have you ever dreamt of turning your passion into a career?  The Home Affairs Department (HAD) has always been supportive in building the personal development of ethnic minority youths in our community.

In 2018, HAD first launched the Lifesaving Training Incentive Programme for Ethnic Minority Youths to provide them with training to acquire the Lifesaving Bronze Medallion.  When Mr. Singh Sukhwinder, who loves swimming a lot, heard about the programme through one of the HAD’s eight support service centres for ethnic minorities, he applied to it right away and went through all the trainings.  A year later in 2019, he continued his journey to become a qualified lifeguard by participating in the Pool Lifeguard Award Training Course.  After completing the intensive training, Sukhwinder and 17 other ethnic minority youngsters successfully obtained the Pool Lifeguard Award!  Shortly afterward, Sukhwinder joined the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as a seasonal lifeguard for the 2020 swimming season.

Check out Sukhwinder’s story of turning his love for swimming into his career here!

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=126348732662506

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices (18.01.2021) 

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices on 18.01.2021 :

1. Bahasa Indonesia

Notice – https://bit.ly/3bTs9p4

Annex – https://bit.ly/3o1BCNj

2. Thai

Notice – https://bit.ly/3qElOlH

Annex – https://bit.ly/3o1e5w6

3. Tagalog

Notice – https://bit.ly/2XQeXsQ

Annex – https://bit.ly/3syhXs9

4. Hindi

Notice – https://bit.ly/3sDHa4s

Annex – https://bit.ly/3oXJpNr

5. Nepali

Notice – https://bit.ly/3o3WSSY

Annex – https://bit.ly/2LNCt7t

6. Punjabi

Notice – https://bit.ly/3nXYo94

Annex – https://bit.ly/39LVsY4

7. Urdu

Notice – https://bit.ly/2Kwzboy

Annex – https://bit.ly/3sGuJVA

8. Vietnamese

Notice – https://bit.ly/3irynO8

Annex – https://bit.ly/35VsqEh

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices (17.01.2021) 

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices on 17.01.2021 :

1. Bahasa Indonesia

Notice – https://bit.ly/3nVWN3z

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3szmlaa

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/2XUUwv0

2. Thai

Notice – https://bit.ly/2Kv5nbS

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/2Nh6cpM

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3oXEKva

3. Tagalog

Notice – https://bit.ly/2KqLpik

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/2XQtHI3

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3irubOp

4. Hindi

Notice – https://bit.ly/2M4nm9i

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3qvlIN

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3irbjiw

5. Nepali

Notice – https://bit.ly/3bUCSj0

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/2LI3zwA

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3qBHCOv

6. Punjabi

Notice – https://bit.ly/38WmNaQ

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3qC8nmf

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/2XTRTti

7. Urdu

Notice – https://bit.ly/3nUe117

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3qw0SNx

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3oWNjpT

8. Vietnamese

Notice – https://bit.ly/2XVwdwV

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/35S8IJy

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3oT5kp8

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices (16.01.2021) 

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices on 16.01.2021 :

1. Bahasa Indonesia

Notice – https://bit.ly/2KsXxQ3

Annex – https://bit.ly/3nWXRUH

2. Thai

Notice – https://bit.ly/39NOxNQ

Annex – https://bit.ly/3nY9T0f

3. Tagalog

Notice – https://bit.ly/39NwG9Z

Annex – https://bit.ly/3iuNJ4r

4. Hindi

Notice – https://bit.ly/3qDYTa9

Annex – https://bit.ly/3bXNGgx

5. Nepali

Notice – https://bit.ly/35O8djF

Annex – https://bit.ly/3oYepgx

6. Punjabi

Notice – https://bit.ly/38Wi3Sn

Annex – https://bit.ly/3sAa8lv

7. Urdu

Notice – https://bit.ly/3nXC27m

Annex – https://bit.ly/2XURx5u

8. Vietnamese

Notice – https://bit.ly/3iC8Wd3

Annex – https://bit.ly/2XUgVIE

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices (15.01.2021) 

Press release on Government gazettes compulsory testing notices on 15.01.2021 :

1. Bahasa Indonesia

Notice – https://bit.ly/39Nxwn9

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/35SA1Dg

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/2XUh5Qg

2. Thai

Notice – https://bit.ly/35SK7nS

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3oZkx82

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3iszRba

3. Tagalog

Notice – https://bit.ly/2XVdDot

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3nSuenr

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/2M12Lmn

4. Hindi

Notice – https://bit.ly/35SAaXn

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/35RvSjh

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3bS7v8I

5. Nepali

Notice – https://bit.ly/3oYKxAH

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/3ioAG4H

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/39MvX8L

6. Punjabi

Notice – https://bit.ly/3sEanMj

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/38XIhE6

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/39QcN2a

7. Urdu

Notice – https://bit.ly/35TiKdl

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/2LO4vj3

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/2LC7HOY

8. Vietnamese

Notice – https://bit.ly/3bO99bD

Annex 1 – https://bit.ly/2NhaMV0

Annex 2 – https://bit.ly/3quXpyI

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Department of Health has announced that a one-off free COVID-19 testing service will be provided to all couriers

The Food and Health Bureau has announced that a one-off free COVID-19 testing service will be provided to all couriers (including takeaway food couriers).

Bahasa Indonesia : https://bit.ly/3qBxoxB

Urdu : https://bit.ly/38WLrbq

Hindi : https://bit.ly/3bLJksG

Nepali : https://bit.ly/3nYXPf7

Punjabi : https://bit.ly/3qtTMZZ

Tagalog : https://bit.ly/3sKx3ef

Thai : https://bit.ly/39JBwF9

Vietnamese : https://bit.ly/3irmbgl

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government has been issuing compulsory testing noticesin Yau Ma Tei and Jordan district

Recently, a number of confirmed COVID-19 cases were found in the district of Yau Ma Tei and Jordan over a short period of time. To cut the transmission chain, the Government has been issuing compulsory testing notices.  Failing to comply with the compulsory testing notice is an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000.

The Government encourages residents in Yau Ma Tei district to undergo testing proactively and promptly, even if they are not subject to compulsory testing. There are other routes of undergo free testing.

Video – Appeal on Testing for COVID-19 in the District of Yau Ma Tei and Jordan

(Nepali) https://youtu.be/Xmnl4Nz7pgY

(Urdu) https://youtu.be/t12aNpIoYYI

Video – Appeal on Prevention of COVID-19

(Nepali) https://youtu.be/XudaQKXqQTY

(Urdu) https://youtu.be/nCj9BsGgKfk

Please visit the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for latest updates. The main content of the website has been translated into nine different languages.

Let us join hands in combating the COVID-19 epidemic.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government tightens restrictions and compulsory quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in places outside China

According to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, the incubation period of the virus could be as long as 14 days. While there is currently no evidence showing that the incubation period of the new virus variant is longer, in view of the expert advice that the incubation period of virus carried by very few infected persons may be longer than the quarantine period of 14 days, and noting the drastic change of the global pandemic situation with the new virus variant found in more countries, there is a need for the Government to introduce resolute measures immediately.

The Secretary for Food and Health has exercised the power under the relevant Regulations to make specifications and notice, which took effect from 0.00am on December 25. Details are as below:

1. The requirements under Cap. 599C and Cap. 599E have been tightened so that all persons arriving at Hong Kong (either via the airport or land boundary control points) who have stayed in places outside China on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or during the 21 days before that day have to undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in designated quarantine hotels;

2. The requirements under Cap. 599H have been tightened so that all persons who have stayed in South Africa, apart from the United Kingdom (UK) as announced earlier, for more than two hours in the past 21 days will not be allowed to board for Hong Kong; and

3. An updated compulsory testing notice has been made under Cap. 599J, which imposes compulsory testing requirements to persons subject to compulsory quarantine who arrived at Hong Kong during the period of December 2 to December 23, 2020 and have stayed in the UK, as well as persons subject to compulsory quarantine who arrived at Hong Kong during the period of December 2 to December 24, 2020 and have stayed in the remaining places outside China. Apart from the requirement to undergo testing at the community testing centres or the designated quarantine hotels on the 19th or 20th day following their arrival at Hong Kong, the relevant persons have to stay at their place of residence, private premises or the place of quarantine specified on the quarantine order until the test result is available.

For more details, please refer to the press release:

Government tightens restrictions and compulsory quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in places outside China
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/25/P2020122500012.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government makes Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation and Government tightens compulsory quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in United Kingdom

Allowing members of the public to be administered with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is crucial to the resumption of the normal ways of life in Hong Kong. The Government has published the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K) (the Regulation) in the Gazette, which empowers the Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) to, based on the objective clinical data of a COVID-19 vaccine (including third phase clinical research data), with reference to the expert advice of an independent advisory panel and having regard to the approval given by a regulatory authority in a place outside Hong Kong that performs the function of approving pharmaceutical products (including emergency use), authorise and allow the specified use of the relevant COVID-19 vaccine in Hong Kong under the emergency situation. To ensure that authorised COVID-19 vaccines approved for specified emergency use under the Regulation still adhere to the requirements of safety, efficacy and quality, the authorisation by the SFH must be premised on objective clinical data and experts’ views, and complemented with a mechanism for monitoring any adverse event that occurs to the recipient associated with the administration of the relevant vaccine. The member list of the independent advisory panel is at Annex.

For authorised vaccines approved for emergency use in accordance with the Regulation, members of the public will be clearly informed of the relevant information in relation to the vaccine before vaccination, and the vaccine must be administered with the recipient’s informed consent.  To facilitate the above arrangement, the Government will provide the latest information on the relevant vaccines through different channels at appropriate juncture, in order to enable members of the public to receive accurate information with respect to the relevant vaccines.

Moreover, a new virus variant with higher transmissibility is spotted in the UK and certain European countries. In view of the expert advice that the incubation period of virus carried by very few infected persons may be longer than the quarantine period of 14 days, as precautionary measures, the Government has amended the legislation to allow flexibility in lengthening the compulsory quarantine period for persons arriving at Hong Kong from a certain place (to a maximum of 28 days), and lengthening the period for a certain foreign place in which persons who arrive at Hong Kong have stayed before the arrival for determining the quarantine and boarding requirements under the relevant Regulations (to a maximum of 28 days), taking into account the needs of infection control.

The SFH has exercised the power under the newly amended Regulations to make relevant specifications. Effective from 0.00am on December 24, all persons who have stayed in the UK for more than two hours on the day of boarding or during the 21 days before that day are not allowed to board for Hong Kong; Persons arriving at Hong Kong (either via the airport or land boundary control points) who have stayed in the UK on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or during the 21 days before that day have to undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in designated quarantine hotels.

As for persons who arrived at Hong Kong during the period of December 2 to December 23, 2020, if they have stayed in the UK and are placed under compulsory quarantine in Hong Kong (including the quarantine orders issued under Cap. 599E or Cap. 599C), they still have to undergo testing at the Community Testing Centre or the designated quarantine hotel on the 19th or 20th day following their arrival at Hong Kong, and also stay at their place of residence, private premises or the place of quarantine specified on the quarantine order according to the compulsory testing notice made under Cap. 599J by the Government.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:

Government makes Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/24/P2020122300963.htm

Annex
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202012/24/P2020122300963_357200_1_1608740401982.pdf

Government tightens compulsory quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in United Kingdom
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/24/P2020122400141.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and Government strengthens restrictions to persons arriving at Hong Kong from United Kingdom

The COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong is at the most serious and critical stage. The Government will maintain the current social distancing measures.

The details of the requirements and restrictions maintained during the 14-day period from December 24, 2020 to January 6, 2021 are as follows:

(1) The requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business and scheduled premises (details at Annex 1) will be maintained: from 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, save for specific premises (details at Annex 2), a person responsible for carrying on a catering business must cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises of the business; no more than two persons may be seated together at one table within any catering premises; bars or pubs will continue to be closed; and except club-houses and hotels or guesthouses, all scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F must be closed.

(2) Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than two persons in public places will continue. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with.

(3) The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will be extended.

Moreover, ​in view of the development of COVID-19 epidemic situation in the United Kingdom (UK), the Government has tightened a number of infection control measures applicable to persons arriving at Hong Kong from the UK. Details of the measures are as below:

(1) The requirements under Cap. 599H will be tightened so that all persons who have stayed in the UK for more than two hours in the past 14 days (including Hong Kong residents) will not be allowed to board for Hong Kong.

(2) An updated compulsory testing notice will be made under Cap. 599J, which requires persons who have stayed in the UK, arrive at Hong Kong on or after December 2, 2020, and are placed under compulsory quarantine in Hong Kong (including the quarantine orders issued under the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E) or Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C)), to stay at their place of residence, private premises or the place of quarantine specified on the quarantine order (place of stay) apart from undergoing testing at the Community Testing Centres on the 19th or 20th day following their arrival at Hong Kong. If the persons who arrive at Hong Kong from the UK and are subject to testing need to take public transport for the purpose of undergoing testing or for going to their place of stay, the persons can only travel direct by taking taxis and cannot disembark on the way. Any person who fails to comply with the above requirements commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him/her to undergo testing within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

The Government is also working on the legislative amendment in parallel, which will allow the compulsory quarantine period to last for more than 14 days when necessary, including lengthening the compulsory quarantine period for persons who arrive at Hong Kong from the UK to 21 days.

Please visit the Thematic Website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) regularly for further information and updates.  We would like to solicit your support to disseminate the information to your service users so that they could adopt proper preventive measures. For more details, please refer to the press releases and the Annex:

Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/21/P2020122100978.htm

Annex
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202012/21/P2020122100978_356950_1_1608565358631.pdf

Government strengthens restrictions to persons arriving at Hong Kong from United Kingdom
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/22/P2020122200030.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government strengthens testing requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from foreign places and Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted

For early identification of imported cases to achieve the objective of preventing the importation of cases, after making reference to expert advice, the Government will require persons who arrive at Hong Kong from places outside China and have completed the 14-day quarantine to undergo another test on the 19th or 20th day following their arrival at Hong Kong. This is to ensure that with compulsory testing, no case would slip through the net even under very exceptional cases where the incubation period of the virus is longer than the quarantine period.

According to the compulsory testing notice, any person aged six or above who arrives at Hong Kong on or after December 2, 2020 and is placed under quarantine pursuant to a Quarantine Order under section 3 of the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E), must undergo testing on the 19th or 20th day following the person’s arrival at Hong Kong. The 19th or 20th day following the person’s arrival at Hong Kong is counted with the day of arrival as the 1st day.

Persons subject to compulsory testing must attend any community testing centres to undergo testing (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/). Any person who fails to comply with the testing notice commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him/her to undergo testing within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

Moreover, the Government announced that it will gazette the specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to include Canada as a specified place starting from December 25 to more effectively combat the epidemic. The Government has earlier introduced Cap. 599H to impose testing and quarantine conditions on travellers coming to Hong Kong from very high-risk places to reduce the health risk they may bring to Hong Kong. The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has previously published in the Gazette specifications on the relevant measures applicable to 19 specified places (i.e. Bangladesh, Belgium, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America) and adjusted the relevant conditions having regard to the circumstances on the ground since the implementation of the regulation.

For more details, please refer to the press releases:

Government strengthens testing requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from foreign places
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/18/P2020121800850.htm

Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/18/P2020121800522.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Season’s Greetings and health advice

The Department of Health has prepared a series of Season’s Greetings and health advice in different languages.  Please visit the following thematic pages:

Hindi: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102743.html
Nepali: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102786.html
Urdu: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102787.html
Thai: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102788.html
Bahasa Indonesia: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102790.html
Tagalog: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102791.html
Sinhala: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102799.html
Bengali: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102796.html
Vietnamese: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102797.html

Receive free nasal spray live attenuated influenza vaccines through the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme

Hong Kong residents aged between 2 years and 49 years who also belong to the following eligible groups of the VSS (except those who are pregnant, have low immunity or have other contraindications, and are therefore unsuitable to receive nasal spray LAIV) are eligible to receive free nasal spray LAIV from private doctors enrolled in the VSS:

  • Children aged between 2 years and below 12 years, or children aged 12 years or above who are studying at a primary school in Hong Kong; or
  • Persons with intellectual disability; or
  • Persons receiving the Disability Allowance; or
  • Recipients of standard rate of “100% disabled” or “requiring constant attendance” under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme.

Eligible persons should receive influenza vaccination early because the end date of this special arrangement depends on the supply of vaccines and the shelf life of vaccines. Children under 9 years of age who have never received any influenza vaccination before are recommended to receive 2 doses with a minimum interval of 4 weeks in the 2020-21 season.

Please refer to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) website (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/103755.html) for details of the special arrangement. Eligible persons should as soon as practicable refer to the list of clinics providing such vaccination service (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/list_vssdr_gov_laiv_eng.pdf) and check with the clinics about the vaccination arrangement.

Pamphlet of “Protect Yourself and Those Around You, Get Seasonal Influenza Vaccination”

Hindi : https://bit.ly/3p2sQQa

Nepali : https://bit.ly/3p9MDgy

Urdu : https://bit.ly/3h2h0CO

Thai : https://bit.ly/3nzPgrS

Bahasa Indonesian : https://bit.ly/3h3StgF

Tagalog : https://bit.ly/2J5O8wZ

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government to gazette compulsory testing notice (Boarding facility at Unit 1C, Fung Nin Building, Tai Po)

The Government has exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and published in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice. Any person who had been present at a boarding facility at Unit 1C, Fung Nin Building, 28-32 Tai Wing Lane, Tai Po, for more than two hours at any time during the period from November 15 to December 15, 2020 (including but not limited to visitors, residents and workers) is required to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test by December 20.

Persons who are subject to testing may choose testing routes (1) to (5) below. They must report the result of the test or submit the test report to the Government by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) by December 23. If persons who are subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone the above mentioned test between December 11 and December 15, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice. For details, please refer to this press release .

Testing routes for persons subject to compulsory testing:

  1.        To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the designated post offices, vending machines set up at MTR stations or 47 designated general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority (see the distribution points and time, and the specimen collection points and time at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
  2.        To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories recognised by the Department of Health (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf);
  3.        To attend any Community Testing Centres (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/);
  4.        To visit any mobile specimen collection stations (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
  5.        To undergo testing at any healthcare facilities of the Hospital Authority (including GOPCs and accident and emergency departments) as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority.

For more details, please refer to the press release and annexes:

Government to gazette compulsory testing notice
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/15/P2020121500668.htm

Information in Tagalog
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/government_to_gazette_compulsory_testing_notice_tagalog.pdf
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/compulsory_testing_for_certain_persons_tagalog.pdf

Information in Bahasa Indonesian
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/government_to_gazette_compulsory_testing_notice_bahasa_indonesian.pdf
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/compulsory_testing_for_certain_persons_indonesian.pdf

More information on compulsory testing
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/compulsory-testing.html

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Laucnch of designated webpage in different EM languages on compulsory quarantine arrangement

Department of Health has launched a designated webpage in different EM languages on compulsory quarantine arrangement in designated quarantine hotels for travellers from countries outside China.

Please visit the website below for more details :

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel.html

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Latest development of Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme and Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted

To further enhance the prevention of importation of cases and reduce the contact between returnees from overseas and local community, the Government will implement a new measure with effective from 0.00am on December 22, mandating all returnees from countries outside China to undergo 14-day compulsory quarantine at the designated quarantine hotels in accordance with the directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H). Under the new measure, the Government would arrange dedicated transportation to send returnees to the designated quarantine hotels from airport and the Holding Centre for Test Result, for further reducing their contact with the community. By then, all designated quarantine hotels should solely be serving guests under quarantine. In addition, as a traveller arriving in Hong Kong on December 21 may not be able to check-in hotels on the same day owing to flight delay or time required for having test result, to avoid confusion, the Government will require these travellers to reserve hotel booking at a designated quarantine hotel, otherwise they will be refused to board the flight.

The Government is liaising with the designated quarantine hotels and will announce relevant information on the thematic webpage (www.designatedhotel.gov.hk) when the number of designated hotels which can start operating as quarantine hotels earlier is confirmed.

Moreover, in view of the global developments and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government will gazette the specifications under Cap. 599H to include Ukraine as a specified place starting from December 17 to more effectively combat the epidemic. The Government has earlier introduced Cap. 599H to impose testing and quarantine conditions on travellers coming to Hong Kong from very high-risk places to reduce the health risk they may bring to Hong Kong. The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has previously published in the Gazette specifications on the relevant measures applicable to 18 specified places (i.e. Bangladesh, Belgium, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America) and adjusted the relevant conditions having regard to the circumstances on the ground since the implementation of the regulation.

Please visit the Thematic Website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) regularly for further information and updates.  We would like to solicit your support to disseminate the information to your service users so that they could adopt proper preventive measures. For more details, please refer to the press releases:

Latest development of Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/13/P2020121300563.htm

Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/10/P2020121000609.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government further tightens social distancing measures and extends expiry dates of Regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and Government gazetted latest amendments to Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation

In view of the development of COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Government announced that it will further tighten social distancing measures, and will extend the expiry dates of various regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) to March 31, 2021. The relevant statutory framework had provisions in place to allow flexibility such that the Government may tighten or relax or even suspend specific requirements and conditions subject to development of the epidemic situation.

The following measures will take effect from December 10, 2020 for a period of 14 days to December 23, 2020:

(I) Catering premises (details at Annex 1)

(1) From 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, save for specific premises (details at Annex 2), a person responsible for carrying on a catering business must cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises of the business; and close any premises, or part of the premises, on which food or drink is sold or supplied by the business for consumption on the premises. The premises concerned may still sell or supply food and/or drink for takeaway services and deliveries. A person responsible for carrying on a catering business is also required to put up a notice at the entrance to the catering premises to remind customers that food or drink should not be consumed in areas adjacent to the catering premises.

(2) The number of people participating in banquets in catering premises is limited to 20.

(3) Other requirements and restrictions on catering business will be maintained, including the following requirements: no more than two persons may be seated together at one table within any catering premises; the number of customers must not exceed 50 per cent of the normal seating capacity; persons must not consume food or drink and must wear a mask when they are away from the table; and no live performance and dancing is allowed, etc. A person responsible for carrying on a catering business must display the poster containing the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code at the entrance of the premises or at a conspicuous location which must be unobstructed at any one time so that it is readily accessible for scanning with a mobile phone by a person entering the catering premises and the size of the image of the poster displayed must not be not less than 210 x 297mm (A4 size).

(4) Bars or pubs will continue to be closed.

(II) Scheduled premises (details at Annex 1)

(5) Except club-houses and hotels or guesthouses, all scheduled premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) as listed below must be closed:
(a) Amusement game centres;
(b) Bathhouses;
(c) Fitness centres;
(d) Places of amusement;
(e) Places of public entertainment;
(f) Premises (commonly known as party rooms) that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings;
(g) Beauty parlours;
(h) Establishments (commonly known as clubs or nightclubs) that are open late into the night, usually for drinking, and dancing or other entertainment;
(i) Karaoke establishments;
(j) Mahjong-tin kau premises;
(k) Massage establishments (save for those set out in Annex 3);
(l) Sports premises; and
(m) Swimming pools.

(6) For club-houses and hotels or guesthouses, managers must comply with the relevant restrictions under Cap. 599F, including the following requirements: closing the facilities therein that are being used or operated as premises mentioned in point (5) above, such as fitness centres or swimming pools; the number of persons in meeting rooms or function rooms must not at any one time exceed 50 per cent of the normal capacity of that room; and no more than four persons are allowed in a guest room or a rental unit of hotels or guesthouses, etc.

(III) Group gathering

(7) Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than two persons in public places will continue. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with.

(IV) Mask-wearing requirement

(8) The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) will be extended.

Moreover, the Government gazetted the latest amendments to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (the Regulation) (Cap. 599J) to provide the legal framework for the Government to, according to the needs of infection control, restrict movement of persons subject to compulsory testing, or seal off premises with epidemic outbreaks until all persons on the premises have undergone testing and the test results are ascertained. If necessary, such as when there is suspicion on environmental contamination onsite which increases the infection risks of persons therein, the Government may transfer persons on the premises to a designated place to wait for the test result having regard to the situation, or send them to quarantine centres for compulsory quarantine under the existing mechanism.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
Government further tightens social distancing measures and extends expiry dates of Regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/08/P2020120800780.htm
Attachment:
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202012/08/P2020120800780_356123_1_1607440526936.pdf

Government gazetted latest amendments to Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/08/P2020120800808.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government to raise penalties for offences against relevant Regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government has introduced a number of regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in the past few months to reduce people flow and social contact so as to stop the virus from spreading in the community. Faced with the epidemic surge, apart from tightening various infection control measures, it is imperative to increase the relevant penalties in order to create the necessary deterrence effect and ensure strict compliance with relevant requirements.

The relevant legislative amendments will take effect from 11 December 2020.

The latest penalties as amended under relevant Regulations are as follows:

(1) under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), any person who participates in a prohibited group gathering commits an offence. The fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000;

(2) under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), anyone who fails to wear a mask in accordance with the requirement when boarding or on board a public transport carrier, entering or present in an MTR paid area, or entering or present in a specified public place (currently covering all public places, save for outdoor public places in country parks and special areas as defined in section 2 of the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208)) commits an offence. The fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000; and

(3) Under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J), anyone who fails to comply with a requirement of a compulsory testing direction or a compulsory testing notice commits an offence. The fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000.

In tandem with the increase in fixed penalties, the maximum penalty upon conviction for the related offences under Cap. 599I and Cap. 599J would be increased accordingly. Details are at Annex.

The Government will step up inspections and law enforcement, taking stringent enforcement actions against offenders. If compliance is not satisfactory, the Government does not rule out the possibility of further raising the penalties.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:

Government to raise penalties for offences against relevant Regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/04/P2020120400674.htm
Annex:
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202012/04/P2020120400674_355888_1_1607082494736.pdf

**Government to raise penalties for offences against relevant Regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance**

The penalties for participating in a prohibited group gathering, failing to wear a mask under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap.599) or failing to comply with a requirement of a compulsory testing direction or a compulsory testing notice will be increased with effect from 11 December 2020.

A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, “Anti-epidemic work requires the cooperation and self-discipline of all citizens by strictly complying with various anti-epidemic measures, including avoiding crowds, keeping social distance and maintaining personal hygiene. The Government has introduced a number of regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in the past few months to reduce people flow and social contact so as to stop the virus from spreading in the community. Faced with the epidemic surge, apart from tightening various infection control measures, it is imperative to increase the relevant penalties in order to create the necessary deterrence effect and ensure strict compliance with relevant requirements.”

The latest penalties as amended under relevant Regulations are as follows:

(1) under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), any person who participates in a prohibited group gathering commits an offence. The fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000;

(2) under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), anyone who fails to wear a mask in accordance with the requirement when boarding or on board a public transport carrier, entering or present in an MTR paid area, or entering or present in a specified public place (currently covering all public places, save for outdoor public places in country parks and special areas as defined in section 2 of the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208)) commits an offence. The fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000; and

(3) Under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J), anyone who fails to comply with a requirement of a compulsory testing direction or a compulsory testing notice commits an offence. The fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000.

In tandem with the increase in fixed penalties, the maximum penalty upon conviction for the related offences under Cap. 599I and Cap. 599J would be increased accordingly. Details are at Annex.

For details, please refer to the press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/04/P2020120400674.htm?fontSize=2

For other Ethnic Minority language :

  1. Bahasa indonesia_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/2JJxkfD

– Annex : https://bit.ly/36TRQTy

  1. Punjabi_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/3mW5FXf

– Annex : https://bit.ly/2JL9vnx

  1. Thai_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/3qEEEKf

– Annex : https://bit.ly/37KGm3P

  1. Hindi_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/36RTLYQ

– Annex : https://bit.ly/2JNjsRB

  1. Nepali_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/3lOrCWQ

– Annex : https://bit.ly/33SFPvU

  1. Tagalog_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/39QIGZL

– Annex : https://bit.ly/37ITwyz

  1. Urdu_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/3gpc2zL

– Annex : https://bit.ly/33Vhbui

  1. Vietnamese_text version

– Press Release : https://bit.ly/3oyMYJq

– Annex : https://bit.ly/3oymOqs

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government further tightens social distancing measures and Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted

In view of the development of COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Government announced on November 30 to further tighten social distancing measures under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F). The Government strongly urges all members of the public to stay at home as much as possible, avoid going out unless necessary, dine out less often, reduce the frequency of all mask-off activities, and stop all unnecessary social activities, especially meal gatherings across family bubbles.

The following measures will take effect from December 2 for a period of 14 days till December 15, 2020.

(I) Catering premises and scheduled premises (details at Annex 1)

1.        From 10pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, save for specific premises (details at Annex 2), a person responsible for carrying on a catering business must cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises of the business; and close any premises, or part of the premises, on which food or drink is sold or supplied by the business for consumption on the premises. The premises concerned may still sell or supply food and/or drink for takeaway services and deliveries. A person responsible for carrying on a catering business is also required to put up a notice at the entrance to the catering premises to remind customers that food or drink should not be consumed in areas adjacent to the catering premises;
2.        No more than two persons may be seated together at one table within any catering premises;
3.        All amusement game centres, places of amusement, places of public entertainment (including museums, cinemas and theme parks, except performance venues), karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises and swimming pools must be closed. Bars or pubs, bath-houses, clubs or nightclubs and party rooms will continue to be closed;
4.        Persons in fitness centres or indoor sports premises must wear masks at all times (except when having a shower or drinking).  No more than two persons may be allowed in each training group or class including the coach, i.e. only one-on-one classes are allowed. Spectator stands in sports premises must be closed;
5.        Persons in beauty parlours and massage establishments must wear masks at all times (except when having facial treatments).  No more than two persons may be allowed in each partitioned service area, i.e. only one–on-one services are allowed;
6.        Places of public entertainment for live performance can only be open without live audience. Also, performers must always wear masks as far as feasible; and
7.        Other requirements and restrictions on catering business and scheduled premises will be maintained, including the following requirements – the number of customers in catering premises must not exceed 50 per cent of the seating capacity; persons must not consume food or drink and must wear a mask when they are away from the table in catering premises; no live performance and dancing is allowed in catering premises and meeting rooms or function rooms of club-houses; the number of people participating in banquets in catering premises is limited to 40; catering premises and scheduled premises must display the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code obtained at the entrance of the premises or at a conspicuous position; and no more than four persons may be allowed in a guest room or a rental unit in hotels/guesthouses. Facilities involving higher health risks such as steam and sauna facilities and ball pits will continue to be closed. The relevant requirements and restrictions are also applicable to scheduled premises in club-houses.

(II) Mask-wearing requirement

8.        The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) is extended.

(III) Group Gathering

Apart from the above measures, the Government plans to amend the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) to further tighten requirements on group gatherings. Details will be announced later.

Moreover, in view of the global development and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government announced on November 30 that it will gazette the specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to include Romania as a specified place starting from December 7 to more effectively combat the epidemic. The Government has earlier introduced Cap. 599H to impose testing and quarantine conditions on travellers coming to Hong Kong from very high-risk places to reduce the health risk they may bring to Hong Kong. The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has previously published in the Gazette specifications on the relevant measures applicable to 17 specified places (i.e. Bangladesh, Belgium, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America) and adjusted the relevant conditions having regard to the circumstances on the ground since the implementation of the regulation.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
Government further tightens social distancing measures
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/01/P2020120100068.htm

Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/30/P2020113000821.htm

Please visit Facebook and Thematic Website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) regularly for further information and updates.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government further tightens social distancing measures

In view of the development of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the Government announced on November 24 to further tighten social distancing measures under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F).

The following measures will take effect from November 26 for a period of seven days till December 2, 2020:

Catering premises and scheduled premises (details at Annex)

1. All bars or pubs, bath-houses, clubs or nightclubs must be closed. Party rooms will continue to be closed;

2. The number of people participating in any one banquet in catering premises will be limited to 40;

3. Apart from catering premises, live performance and dancing must not be allowed in meeting rooms or function rooms of clubhouses;

4. For hotels and guesthouses, restrictions will be imposed on gathering activities and infection control measures will be strengthened, including no more than four persons in a guest room, no more than eight persons in a suite with more than one bedroom, and no more than 20 persons during any religious or cultural ritual in relation to a wedding. Operators of hotels must arrange for persons under quarantine to be segregated from other persons not under quarantine, and must take reasonable steps to ensure that persons under quarantine cannot leave their guest rooms and cannot receive any visitors into their guest rooms during the quarantine period;

5. Persons responsible for carrying on catering businesses providing dine-in services and scheduled premises must apply for a “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code from the Government on or before December 2, and display the QR code obtained at the entrance of the premises or at a conspicuous position within two working days upon receipt of the QR code; and

6. Other requirements and restrictions on catering business and scheduled premises will be maintained, including no dine-in service from 0.00am to 4.59am and no more than four persons per table in catering premises with the number of customers not exceeding 50% of the seating capacity. Persons must not consume food or drink and must wear a mask when they are away from the table in catering premises. Facilities involving higher health risks such as steam and sauna facilities and ball pits will continue to be closed.

Group gatherings

7. Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue.

Mask-wearing requirement

8. The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will be extended.

The Government urges all members of the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out or dine out less often, and reduce the frequency of social activities with friends outside co-living family members to prevent getting themselves infected and subsequent transmission to their family members, in order to safeguard themselves and their family at this key moment. Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene at all times is key to prevention of infection and the spread of the virus in the community.

Please visit the Thematic Website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) regularly for further information and updates.  We would like to solicit your support to disseminate the information to your service users so that they could adopt proper preventive measures.  For more details, please refer to the below press releases and the attached Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/25/P2020112500059.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government tightens social distancing measures and Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation gazetted

In view of the development of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the Government announced on November 14 that social distancing measures will be tightened. The latest details of requirements and restrictions are as follows:

(I) Catering premises and scheduled premises (details at Annex 1)

(1) From 12.00am to 4.59am daily, save for specific premises (details at Annex 2), a person responsible for carrying on a catering business must cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises of the business; and close any premises, or part of the premises, on which food or drink is sold or supplied by the business for consumption on the premises. The premises concerned may still sell or supply food and/or drink for takeaway services and deliveries. A person responsible for carrying on a catering business is also required to put up a notice at the entrance to the catering premises to remind customers that food or drink should not be consumed in areas adjacent to the catering premises;

(2) No more than two persons may be seated together at one table within bars or pubs as well as clubs or nightclubs; no more than four persons may be seated together at one table within other catering business premises;

(3) Members of public must only consume food or drink at the table (but not any other places) within catering business premises. In other words, a person must not consume food or drink and must wear a mask when he or she is away from the table (such as toasting at weddings);

(4) The total number of people allowed in catering business premises (including bars or pubs), clubs or nightclubs, and swimming pools will be capped at 50 per cent of the normal seating capacity/maximum capacity of the respective premises;

(5) Members of the public must wear masks when doing exercise in indoor sports premises and public skating rinks, except when there is a distance of at least 1.5 metres or effective partition(s), or when doing certain exercises involving little physical contact;

(6) Other requirements and restrictions on catering business and scheduled premises will be maintained. Amongst others, facilities involving higher health risks such as steam and sauna facilities and ball pits will continue to be prohibited from opening; and

(7) The Government will explore to incorporate hotels /guesthouses into the list of scheduled premises, and requirements will be imposed to this newly added scheduled premises, including:
·        limiting the number of guests in each guestroom to four persons (except people living in the same household);
·        requiring all guests visiting guestrooms to register their personal particulars with the hotel/guesthouse operator;
·        conducting body temperature screening on a person before the person is allowed to enter the hotel/guesthouse;
·        conducting cleaning and disinfection of facilities and accessories before the use of the next customer;
·        providing hand sanitisers at the hotel/guesthouse for any person therein;
·        ensuring the guestrooms for hotel confinees and non-confinees must be separated in different floors; and
·        hotel operators must take effective measures to prevent hotel confinees from leaving their guestrooms.

The Government has gazetted the directions and specification under Cap. 599F to implement the above measures in (1) to (6). The above measures will take effect from November 16 for a period of 11 days till November 26, 2020. The Government has also started preparing for the legislative amendment work related to the above new requirements set out in (7).

(II) Tightening the visiting arrangement for persons under quarantine in hotels

(8) The Department of Health (DH) will shortly disallow visitors for any person under compulsory quarantine in hotels during the quarantine period.  If confinees have the need to replenish goods or food, their friends, family members or hotel staff can place them outside the guestrooms for the confinees to pick up without face-to-face contact.  If a person under compulsory hotel quarantine requires the company of a carer, with the prior permission from DH, the carer also has to be quarantined in the hotel till the end of the quarantine period. The above measures will take effect from November 18, 2020.

(III) Group gatherings

(9) Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue during the 11-day period from November 16 to 26, 2020.

(IV) Mask-wearing requirement

(10) The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) will be extended for a period of eleven days from November 16 to November 26, 2020.

Moreover, to further strengthen testing, the Government has published the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) in the Gazette on November 14, which commences at 0.00am on November 15. The Regulation provides the legal framework for the Government to require certain categories of persons to undergo COVID-19 testing, and for specified medical practitioners to require symptomatic patients to undergo COVID-19 testing.  Examples include persons who live or work in specified premises with outbreak of cases, persons of a particular occupation, or persons who are close to completion of the compulsory 14-day quarantine upon their arrival at Hong Kong.  The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) will publish the relevant notices when necessary taking into account the epidemic development and the testing participation rate.

Please visit the Thematic Website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) regularly for further information and updates.  We would like to solicit your support to disseminate the information to your service users so that they could adopt proper preventive measures.  For more details, please refer to the below press releases and the attached Annex:

Government tightens social distancing measures
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/14/P2020111400766.htm

Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation gazette
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/14/P2020111400767.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance | Launch of “LeaveHomeSafe” COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app

After taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, the Government decided to gazette directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) yesterday (November 11) to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place. These measures will take effect at 0.00am on November 13 for a period of seven days till November 19.

While the third wave of the local epidemic has been subsiding after reaching the peak in late July, new confirmed cases with unknown sources of infection have still been identified over the past week, indicating the existence of silent transmission chains in the community. In addition, it is worrying that the number of locally acquired cases has shown an increasing trend in recent days and that there are small cluster outbreaks in the community as a result of, inter alia, anti-epidemic fatigue, frequent social activities and delay in taking tests. Meanwhile, the global epidemic situation has continued to worsen, with the number of new confirmed cases hitting a record high of some 600 000 cases daily.

With the relaxation of social distancing measures, members of the public appeared to become less alert in combating the epidemic. Amongst others, there was even a new cluster relating to a staycation at a local hotel identified in early November. In light of the staycation-related local cases identified in recent days, while such gatherings in private places may not contravene the social distancing measures, they should be avoided as far as possible from a public health perspective. While resuming social and economic activities, members of the public should continue to stay vigilant in maintaining personal hygiene, and complying with anti-epidemic measures and social distancing, with a view to putting the epidemic under control as soon as possible.

Moreover, the Government has launched the “LeaveHomeSafe” COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app. Tapping technology to combat the pandemic, the app aims to encourage the public to keep a more precise record of their whereabouts, minimising the risk of further transmission of the virus. There are currently over 6 000 public and private venues that have pledged support for the scheme. The mobile app can also be used directly in over 18 000 taxis. The Government has been actively engaging with trades and businesses, and would welcome more sectors to participate in the scheme and contribute to the epidemic prevention and control work in Hong Kong. Participating public venues include government office buildings, sports centres, swimming pools, libraries, markets, cooked food markets, community halls/centres, building lobbies and shopping centres of public housing estates, hospitals, clinics, post offices, public works and construction sites. Other participating venues from various sectors and businesses include restaurants, bars or pubs, karaoke establishments, clubs, fitness centres and banks. Venue QR codes will be posted at the participating locations for the public to scan via the app.

The ”LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app supports iOS, Android and Huawei mobile devices and will be available for public download from November 16. More details are available on the ”LeaveHomeSafe” website (www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk).

For more details, please refer to the press release(s) and the Annex:
Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/11/P2020111100658.htm

Launch of “LeaveHomeSafe” COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/11/P2020111100367.htm

The Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme

The Scheme has been implemented since 1 January 2009 to provide subsidies for the elderly to receive private primary healthcare services that best suit their needs.  At present, elderly people aged 65 or above holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption issued by the Immigration Department, except for those who obtained a Hong Kong Identity Card by virtue of a previous permission to land or remain in Hong Kong granted to him/her and such permission has expired or ceased to be valid, are eligible to receive health care vouchers each year to pay for healthcare services provided by the following private healthcare professionals who have enrolled in the Scheme: medical practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners, dentists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory technologists, radiographers, nurses, chiropractors and optometrists.  In addition to preventive care services, the eligible elders can also use vouchers for curative and rehabilitative services.

At present, the annual voucher amount for each eligible elderly person is $2,000 and the accumulation limit of vouchers is $8,000.  Appended below are some tips on using vouchers:

–   Before consultation: If an elder already has his/her voucher account created, he/she can visit the Scheme website at www.hcv.gov.hk or call 2838 0511 to check voucher balance.  The elder can also ask the healthcare service provider about the details of service fees.  Please note that using vouchers or not should not affect the service fees charged.

–   Before using vouchers: The elder should understand and agree to the charging items.

–   Before signing the consent form for using vouchers: The elder should check the information on the consent form, including whether the voucher recipient shown on the form is himself/ herself and the voucher amount agreed to be used.  The elder should also provide his/her contact phone number on the consent form to facilitate staff of the Department of Health to verify the elder’s use of vouchers when needed.

–   If necessary, an elder can seek assistance from relatives, friends or carers, e.g. ask them to help checking voucher balance and accompany when seeking medical consultations.

A copy of the new leaflet in English (text only) is attached for your reference.  In order to promote the Scheme among the ethnic minority elderly people, we have arranged translation of the Scheme’s new leaflet into seven different languages, namely Hindi, Bahasa Indonesia, Japanese, Nepali, Tagalog, Thai and Urdu which can be found at the Scheme’s website (http://www.hcv.gov.hk/eng/pub_leaflet.htm) under the “Resources Corner” of both the Voucher Recipients’ and Healthcare Service Providers’ platforms.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government continues to relax social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in a gradual and orderly manner and Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted

After taking into account the latest public health risk assessment and having struck a balance with economic needs and level of acceptance of the society, the Government decided to continue relaxing the social distancing measures under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in a gradual and orderly manner.

Starting from this Friday (October 30), the dine-in hours of catering business premises (including bars and pubs) will be extended to end at 1.59 am (i.e. such premises can provide dine-in service from 0.00am to 1.59am on October 30), the number of persons that may be seated together at one table will be increased from four to six for catering business premises (except bars or pubs) and from two to four for bars or pubs and clubs or nightclubs. Meanwhile, the Government decided to impose a restriction that members of public must only consume food or drink at the table (but not any other places) within bars or pubs and clubs or nightclubs. In other words, a person must not consume food or drink and must wear a mask when he or she is away from the table. Moreover, subject to appropriate infection prevention and control measures being put in place, live performances and dancing activities will be allowed to be conducted in catering business premises and clubs or nightclubs. Members of the public also are not required to wear masks when doing exercise in indoor sports premises and public skating rinks. The total number of people allowed in catering business premises (including bars and pubs), places of public entertainment (including theme parks, performance venues, etc.), clubs or nightclubs, and swimming pools will be increased to 75 per cent of the normal seating capacity or maximum capacity of the premises. The measures will take effect at 0.00am on October 30 for a period of seven days till November 5.

In addition, in view of the developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation worldwide and in Hong Kong, the Government will gazette today (October 27) the latest specifications to include Belgium as a specified place under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) starting from November 3 to more effectively combat the epidemic. The Government has earlier introduced Cap. 599H to impose testing and quarantine conditions on travellers coming to Hong Kong from very high-risk places to reduce the health risk they may bring to Hong Kong. The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has previously published in the Gazette specifications on the relevant measures applicable to 13 specified places (i.e. Bangladesh, Ethiopia, France, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America) and adjusted the relevant conditions having regard to the circumstances on the ground since the implementation of the regulation.Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, and the changes and developments of the epidemic situation, the SFH will publish in the Gazette new specifications to maintain the conditions imposed and to include Belgium as specified places with effect from November 3 until further notice.

Co-operation and self-discipline of members of the public are the keys to the effectiveness of social distancing measures in preventing the spread of the disease in the community. Only with the co-operation of society as a whole can the Government continue to allow resumption of social and economic activities in a gradual and orderly manner. Therefore, the public’s concerted efforts in fighting the epidemic and compliance with requirements and restrictions applicable to individual premises are of utmost importance.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review and adjust the various measures in place from time to time while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society, and will announce the latest social distancing measures in a timely manner.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:

Government continues to relax social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in a gradual and orderly manner
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/27/P2020102700873.htm?fontSize=1

Updated information on COVID-19
Government to gazette latest legislative amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

After taking into account the latest public health risk assessment and having struck a balance with economic needs and level of acceptance of the society, the Government amends the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) to expand the scope of the existing exempted group gatherings to cover local tours and relax the restrictions on the number of persons allowed at wedding ceremonies and meetings that are held in accordance with any Ordinance or other regulatory instrument that governs the operation of the company or its business. The amendments will come into effect on October 23. For other social distancing measures, apart from minor refinements, the Government will largely maintain the measures currently in place for a period of seven days effective from October 23 till October 29.

Co-operation and self-discipline of members of the public are the keys to the effectiveness of social distancing measures in preventing the spread of the disease in the community. Only with the co-operation of society as a whole can the Government continue to allow resumption of social and economic activities in a gradual and orderly manner. Therefore, the public’s concerted efforts in fighting the epidemic and compliance with requirements and restrictions applicable to individual premises are of utmost importance.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review and adjust the various measures in place from time to time while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society, and will announce the latest social distancing measures in a timely manner.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/20/P2020102000807.htm

Free influenza vaccination to start on October 22

Press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/18/P2020101800293.htm

With the launch of the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) 2020/21 this Thursday (October 22), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) appealed to eligible persons to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) in the public health system to better protect themselves in the coming winter influenza season. Meanwhile, under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach (Free of Charge), the Government will arrange a Public-Private-Partnership Team or a Government Outreach Team to provide free vaccination for schoolchildren in participating schools.

Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Given that influenza vaccines are safe and effective, all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are recommended to receive SIV for personal protection. Apart from vaccination, effective ways to prevent infection from seasonal influenza include maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, in particular the proper use of surgical masks, performing hand hygiene at all times, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption (www.chp.gov.hk/en/resources/464/29.html).

The CHP also reminds the public that influenza viruses and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 will possibly both spread in the coming winter influenza season. A person getting influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill. Getting an influenza vaccine during 2020/21 is therefore important.

If you are interested, please call the CHP’s telephone number (2125 2125) or visit the CHP’s Vaccination Schemes page for more details.

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, starting this Friday (October 16), the Government will maintain all requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business and scheduled premises.

Co-operation and self-discipline of members of the public are the keys to the effectiveness of social distancing measures in preventing the spread of the disease in the community and the public’s concerted efforts in fighting the epidemic and compliance with requirements and restrictions applicable to individual premises are of utmost importance. Only with the co-operation of society as a whole can we prevent another outbreak in the community and the hard work that the entire society has put in for the past three months from going in vain.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review and adjust the various measures in place from time to time while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society, and will announce the latest social distancing measures in a timely manner.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/13/P2020101300690.htm


Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, starting this Friday (October 9), apart from refinements to the measures to allow team sports at public skating rinks, the Government will maintain all other requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business and scheduled premises.

Co-operation and self-discipline of members of the public are the keys to the effectiveness of social distancing measures in preventing the spread of the disease in the community. The Government calls on the public to continue maintaining the awareness of epidemic prevention when resuming social and economic activities, and to continue to stay vigilant in maintaining personal and environmental hygiene with a view to making concerted efforts to prevent another outbreak in the community and to prevent the hard work the entire community has put in for almost three months from going in vain.  The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review and adjust the various measures in place from time to time while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society, and will announce the latest social distancing measures in a timely manner.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/06/P2020100600813.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Latest legislative amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance gazetted

In light of the fact that local epidemic wave has continued to subside, the Government has relaxed social distancing measures in phases under a refined and sophisticated approach in a gradual and orderly manner over the past few weeks. Taking into account the importance of effective implementation of social distancing measures in reducing virus transmission in the community, the Government decided to amend the relevant regulations to enhance the related statutory framework to further reduce non-compliance with relevant requirements and restrictions at catering business and scheduled premises, as well as to extend the expiry date of the regulation related to the wearing of masks.

The global epidemic situation remains severe, thus there is a need for the Government to continue implementing cross-boundary epidemic control measures to prevent imported cases, in addition to social distancing measures within the community. As such, the Government will extend the expiry dates for the relevant regulations, and introduce refinements to the statutory framework under the relevant regulations to allow the Government to more flexibly relax the compulsory quarantine requirements on inbound arrivals from certain countries and places in a gradual manner after assessing the relevant public health risks.

The Government calls on the public to continue maintaining the awareness of epidemic prevention when resuming social and economic activities, especially during the long weekend with the National Day and the day following Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, and to continue to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202009/29/P2020092900903.htm


Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

Taking into account the latest assessment of public health risk, starting this Friday (September 25), apart from minor refinements to the opening arrangements for billiard establishments, public bowling-alleys and shower facilities, the Government will maintain other restrictions applicable to catering business premises and scheduled premises. In addition, starting from October 1, performance with live audience may resume in some places of public entertainment subject to the latest requirements and restrictions and the adoption of sufficient epidemic prevention measures.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and announce the latest social distancing measures in a timely manner while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society. Co-operation and self-discipline of members of the public is the key to the effectiveness of social distancing measures in preventing the spread of the disease in the community. Only with the co-operation of the public as a whole can the Government continue to allow resumption of social and economic activities in a gradual and orderly manner.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202009/23/P2020092300817.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government continues to relax social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in a gradual and orderly manner

Taking into account the latest assessment of public health risk, starting this Friday (September 18), the Government will further extend the hours when dine-in services are allowed at catering business premises to midnight, and re-open those catering premises and scheduled premises which have not been allowed to open under the last three phases owing to the higher infection risk involved, namely bars or pubs, bathhouses, all places of public entertainment (including theme parks and exhibition venues), party rooms, clubs or nightclubs, karaoke establishments and swimming pools. The Government will also relax the restrictions currently applicable to some scheduled premises, including those concerning wearing of mask and arrangement of groups in fitness centres and sports premises.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation, and consider when and how to further adjust social distancing measures having regard to the latest risk assessment. At this stage, we need the co-operation of members of the public in order to further bring the epidemic under control. To this end, amidst resumption of social and economic activities, we appeal to members of the public to continue to maintain the awareness of epidemic prevention, particularly to stay vigilant and maintain personal and environmental hygiene, in order to prevent the recurrence of epidemic outbreak in the community.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202009/16/P2020091500937.htm

Universal Community Testing Programme has been extended until 14/9/2020 

The COVID-19 Universal Community Testing Programme has been extended until September 14 (Monday).  Those who are interested in taking the tests should book a time slot online in advance at https://booking.communitytest.gov.hk/form/index.jsp.  If you need assistance to make a booking, please contact LINK Centre at 3955 1556.

Information on the Programme in ethnic minority languages are available on the Home Affairs Department Race Relations Unit website at https://www.had.gov.hk/rru/english/home/index.html.  Join the test, Protect yourself and others!

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government continues to relax social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in a gradual and orderly manner

In view of the local epidemic wave that has continued to subside and the situation is stabilising gradually, the Government will continue to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner from September 11, for a period of 7 days till September 17.

1) The number of persons allowed to be seated together at one table in catering premises will be relaxed from 2 to 4, other infection control measures would remain in effect
2) Re-open more scheduled premises, including sports premises, amusement game centres, places of amusement, places of public entertainment as well as mahjong-tin kau premises
3) The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be relaxed from 2 to 4
4) Maintain the mandatory mask-wearing requirement on public transports and in all public places

Unless the epidemic situation takes a sudden downturn, the Government expects to re-open scheduled premises that involve higher infection risk in the next phase, including theme parks, exhibition venues, swimming pools etc.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202009/08/P2020090800764.htm

Universal Community Testing Programme has been extended until 11/9/2020 

The COVID-19 Universal Community Testing Programme has been extended until September 11 (Friday).  Those who are interested in taking the tests should book a time slot online in advance at https://booking.communitytest.gov.hk/form/index.jsp.  If you need assistance to make a booking, please contact LINK Centre at 3955 1555.

Information on the Programme in ethnic minority languages are available on the Home Affairs Department Race Relations Unit website at https://www.had.gov.hk/rru/english/home/index.html. Join the test, Protect yourself and others!

Video of Experts take part in Universal Community Testing Programme

The Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) aims to better gauge the COVID-19 infection situation in Hong Kong and find asymptomatic patients as early as possible to achieve early identification, early isolation and early treatment, and to cut the virus transmission chain in the community. We encourage you to participate in the Programme.

Let’s watch the video below with experts take part in the Universal Community Testing Programme.

Reference website :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SrjkcMAe8c&feature=emb_logo

————————————————————————–

Scripts in other languages:

Bahasa Indonesia – https://bit.ly/2EVLBTI

Nepali – https://bit.ly/31R8JeY

Tagalog – https://bit.ly/2F0irD3

Urdu – https://bit.ly/31V74oZ

Hindi – https://bit.ly/31ThKEz

Punjabi – https://bit.ly/2GpDKP3

Thai – https://bit.ly/32KZzjm

Vietnamese – https://bit.ly/3lMJhPZ

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government continues to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner

Following the first phase of relaxation last week to extend the dine-in service hours for catering businesses and re-open some of the scheduled premises, the Government has decided to, starting from this Friday (September 4), further extend the dine-in service hours and re-open more scheduled premises including fitness centres, some of the places of amusement, club-houses (except for those premises and facilities that must remain closed under Cap. 599F), massage establishments as well as indoor and outdoor sports premises for activities involving little physical contact in order to resume more social and economic activities and provide more opportunities for the general public to exercise to maintain physical and mental health so that the public will be fit to continue to combat the epidemic.

The Government expects within a short period in the near future, having regard to the latest development of the epidemic situation and the outcome of the Universal Community Testing Programme, that it may continue to allow gradual resumption of normal daily lives of members of the public under the new normal by resuming more social and economic activities of which the infection risks can be considerably reduced through enhanced prevention and control measures, while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202009/02/P2020090200757.htm

Publicity Video for the Universal Community Testing Programme

The Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) aims to better gauge the COVID-19 infection situation in Hong Kong and find asymptomatic patients as early as possible to achieve early identification, early isolation and early treatment, and to cut the virus transmission chain in the community. We encourage you to participate in the Programme.

Online booking service to make appointments is launched on 29 August 2020 via the link below :

https://www.communitytest.gov.hk/

Hindi Version

Nepali Version

Urdu Version

– Universal Community Testing Programme –

To identify as early as possible asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the community and achieve the target of early identification, early isolation and early treatment to cut the community transmission chain, the Government will launch the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) on September 1 to provide a one-off free testing service for members of the public.

The Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) aims to better gauge the COVID-19 infection situation in Hong Kong and find asymptomatic patients as early as possible to achieve early identification, early isolation and early treatment, and to cut the virus transmission chain in the community. We encourage you to participate in the Programme.

Online booking service to make appointments will be launched on 29 August 2020 via the link below :

https://www.communitytest.gov.hk/

For other Ethnic Minority language :

  1. Bahasa indonesia_text version
  2. Punjabi_text version
  3. Thai_text version
  4. Hindi_text version
  5. Nepali_text version
  6. Tagalog_text version
  7. Urdu_text version
  8. Vietnamese_text version

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The latest social distancing measures

The Government has been closely monitoring the latest development of the epidemic situation in Hong Kong and has decided to, unless the epidemic situation takes a sudden downturn, issue the new directions and specifications before this Friday to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner. These directions and specifications would take effect from 0.00am August 28 and include:

(1) Extend the hours of dine-in services for catering businesses to 9pm and maintain other infection control measures.

(2) Re-open the following scheduled premises:
(a) Cinema,
(b) Beauty parlour,
(c) Some outdoor sports premises for activities involving little physical contact, namely athletic tracks in sports grounds; tennis and practice courts; golf courses; driving ranges and practice greens; bowling greens; shooting ranges; archery ranges; cycling parks; horse riding schools as well as radio-controlled model aircraft flying fields.

(3) Allow people not to wear masks in country parks.

In the meantime, the Government has gazetted amendments to expressly provide that engaging in any strenuous physical activity, including sports activity, in public places (except indoor areas) would be a reasonable excuse for not wearing a mask. The relevant amendment will take effect from August 28.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation, and allow gradual resumption of normal daily lives of members of the public under the new normal, while striking a balance among disease prevention and control, economic needs and level of acceptance of the society.

For more details, please refer to the press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/25/P2020082500904.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government extends social distancing measures

The epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong is still highly severe. Despite the fact that the number of daily new cases has come down from its peak in late July, it remains at a high level.

In view of the still severe epidemic situation and taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, it is necessary to continue to maintain highly stringent social distancing measures including continuing to require the cessation of dine-in services at catering businesses during specific periods and the closure of scheduled premises and to require any person to wear a mask at all times in public places.

If we do not persevere and proceed with caution, the hard work the entire community has put in over the past few weeks to contain the third wave of infections would be in vain and we may see extensive transmission of COVID-19 across different locations, sectors and population groups in Hong Kong as well as our healthcare system on the verge of collapse again. To this end, we appeal to the public’s co-operation and tolerance to maintain social distancing so as to cut the transmission chains in the community.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments of the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place from time to time with a view to making suitable adjustments taking into account all relevant factors.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/17/P2020081700445.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government extends social distancing measures

The epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has continued to remain severe. While the number of daily new confirmed cases in Hong Kong over the past week has declined slightly, the overall figure remains high and the mortality rate has continued to rise.

In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as well as various social activities as shown in recent cases, at present, it is necessary to extend social distancing measures implemented under Cap. 599F, Cap. 599G and Cap. 599I, including requiring the cessation of dine-in services at catering businesses during specific periods, continuing to require closure of scheduled premises, as well as requiring any person to wear mask at all times when entering or being present in any public place.

The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together without letting down one’s guard, in order to reduce community transmission so as to cut the community transmission chain.  Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene at all times is key to the prevention of infection and the spread of the disease in the community, as well as to the alleviation of the enormous burden currently put on the healthcare system.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/10/P2020081000774.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government extends social distancing measuresIn view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as well as various social activities as shown in recent cases, at present, it is necessary to extend social distancing measures implemented under Cap. 599F, Cap. 599G and Cap. 599I, including requiring the cessation of dine-in services at catering businesses during specific periods, continuing to require closure of scheduled premises, as well as requiring any person to wear mask at all times when entering or being present in any public place.The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together without letting down one’s guard, in order to reduce community transmission so as to cut the community transmission chain.  Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene at all times is key to the prevention of infection and the spread of the disease in the community, as well as to the alleviation of the enormous burden currently put on the healthcare system.For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/03/P2020080300770.htm
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government further tightens social distancing measures

In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as well as various social activities as shown in recent cases, it is now necessary to tighten social distancing measures implemented under Cap. 599F, Cap. 599G and Cap. 599I, including requiring the cessation of dine-in services at catering businesses, incorporating more premises into the list of scheduled premises and requiring their closure, as well as requiring any person to wear mask at all times when entering or being present in any public place.

The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together without letting down one’s guard and prevent the virus from continuing to spread in the community. Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene at all times is key to prevention of infection and the spread of the disease in the community.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700650.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government further tightens social distancing measures

In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as well as various social activities as shown in recent cases, it is now necessary to tighten social distancing measures implemented under Cap. 599F, Cap. 599G and Cap. 599I, including requiring the cessation of dine-in services at catering businesses, incorporating more premises into the list of scheduled premises and requiring their closure, as well as requiring any person to wear mask at all times when entering or being present in any public place.

The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together without letting down one’s guard and prevent the virus from continuing to spread in the community. Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene at all times is key to prevention of infection and the spread of the disease in the community.

For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700650.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Management upon notification of a confirmed case in workplace

To minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the community, we all need to work together. Members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and stay at home as far as possible. In addition, members of the public, persons-in-charge of premises and properties management should step up environmental hygiene: frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily. Common areas and facilities should be regularly cleaned, disinfected and maintained.

If unfortunately a staff in your workplace was confirmed to be suffering from COVID-19, how to handle? Attached please find a flowchart regarding the management upon notification of a confirmed case in workplace.

For further information, please visit the website : https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Social distancing measures to be extendedIn view of the continued deterioration of the epidemic situation, theGovernment will extend the existing social distancing measures till July28, including imposing stringent limits on number of persons and capacity, and other infection control requirements on catering business and requiringthe closure of 12 types of scheduled premises.In addition, the prohibition of group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue to be effective until July 28.For more details, please refer to the press release and the Annex : https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/20/P2020072000711.htm
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Government further tightens social distancing measures

The detection of quite a number of local cases with unknown sources of infection over a short period of time raises an important alarm, reminding the community that members of the public must not let down their guard in terms of epidemic prevention and control. In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as shown in recent cases, it is now necessary to tighten social distancing measures, including imposing stringent limits on number of persons and capacity, and other infection control requirements on catering business and requiring the closure of scheduled premises.

For more details, please visit the website below :

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/14/P2020071400010.htm

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Government tightens social distancing measures

The detection of quite a number of local cases with unknown sources of infection detected over a short period of time raises an important alarm, reminding the community that members of the public must not let down their guard in terms of epidemic prevention and control. In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as shown in recent cases, it is now necessary to tighten social distancing measures, including the limits on number of persons and capacity, as well as other infection control requirements on catering business and some scheduled premises.

The requirements and restrictions under the latest directions will come into effect on July 11 for a period of 14 days till July 24:

(1) On catering business, the number of customers at any catering premises at any one time must not exceed 60% of the normal seating capacity of the premises. No more than eight persons may be seated together at one table within any catering premises, while for bars and pubs, no more than four persons may be seated together at one table therein.

(2) On scheduled premises, the limit on number of persons at premises where activities are conducted without wearing masks are tightened –

(a) For party rooms and karaoke establishments, the number of persons allowed in each room at the same time is tightened from 16 to eight.

(b) For fitness centres, the number of persons (including the coach) allowed in each group training or class at the same time is tightened from 16 to eight. For a group training or class of more than eight persons, it must be conducted in a way to ensure that persons are arranged in groups of no more than eight persons and there is at least 1.5 metres between each group or there is some form of partition which could serve as effective buffer between each group. The coach must wear a mask all the time if he/she is not staying at a fixed location not less than 1.5 metres from other persons.

(c) For clubs or nightclubs, the number of persons who may be seated together at one table is tightened from eight to four. The number of customers allowed therein at any one time is tightened from 80% to 60% of the normal seating capacity or normal capacity of such premises.

(3) No eating or drinking inside cinemas and all places of public entertainment with live performance is allowed.

For more details, please visit to the website below :
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/09/P2020070900723.htm

Prevention of Dengue Fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urges the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures at all times.

Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by dengue fever should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the dengue fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

For more information, please visit the website below :
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38847.html

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Social distancing measures to be further relaxed
Under the “suppress and lift” disease prevention strategy, the Government will extend the social distancing measures in relation to catering businesses, scheduled premises and group gatherings in public places, as well as make appropriate adjustments and relaxations having regard to the latest situation. The measures will come into effect on June 19 for a period of 14 days till July 2.
Group gatherings
(1) The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be relaxed from 8 to 50.
(2) The exempted groups will be extended to cover group gatherings at scheduled premises. Group gatherings at catering business premises (such as banquets at those premises) would be exempted.
—————————————————————————————————————————
Catering businesses and scheduled premises
(1) The limit on the number of persons allowed to be seated together at one table will be removed while the number of persons allowed to be seated together at one table in bars/pubs will be increased from 4 to 8.
(2) The limit on the number of persons at each facility/group/room at these premises will be increased from 8 to 16 persons, and the number of persons allowed to be seated together at one table in clubs or nightclubs will be increased from 4 to 8.
(3) Live performance and dancing will be allowed to resume at catering business and scheduled premises, but persons working at the premises and performers must wear masks all the time except when there is some form of effective buffer.
Please kindly find the website below for more information :
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Latest social distancing measures
The situation in Hong Kong has become more stabilised in terms of the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the recent weeks. However, in view of the three local cluster cases last week, the ‘suppress and lift’ strategy adopted to contain the epidemic and the impending school resumption, the Government will now maintain the current social distancing measures subject to refinements to meet the operational needs of some businesses, and review them further depending on the future development of the epidemic situation.

In view of the need for worshippers to participate in religious activities raised by religious groups, the Government will relax the restrictions in relation to group gatherings for religious gatherings subject to fulfilment of suitable infection control requirements. However, having regard to the need on public health and infection control considerations, there is a need to maintain restrictions on public group gatherings.

The scope of existing exempted group gatherings will be expanded to cover religious gatherings during which no food or drink is served (except food or drink as part of a religious ritual). The exempted religious activities must be held at premises constructed as or converted into a place of worship, such as a church, monastery or nunnery, mosque, synagogue or temple; or premises regularly used as a place of worship. Measures must be in place for restricting the number of participants in the activity to not more than 50 per cent of the number of persons that may normally be accommodated on the premises as a place of worship.
The prohibition of group gatherings with more than eight persons in public places under Cap. 599G will remain in force for 14 days until June 4, 2020.
Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Protect Yourself Against COVID-19, Quit Smoking Now

Application Form:

 

Press Release on Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation

With a view to combating the COVID-19 epidemic, the Government will impose stringent measures and prohibit any group gathering of more than four persons in any public place.  Stay at home, avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing

“Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — Enhancements for the anti-epidemic measures”

The Government announced enhancements yesterday (March 23) for the anti-epidemic measures, responding quickly to the latest developments of the disease.

To further prevent imported cases and cut the global and local virus transmission chain as far as possible, with effect from 0:00 a.m. on March 25, tentatively for 14 days:

  • All non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries and regions by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong;
  • Non-Hong Kong residents coming from the Mainland, Macao and Taiwan will be denied entry to Hong Kong if they have been to any overseas countries and regions in the past 14 days;
  • All transit services at Hong Kong International Airport will be suspended; and
  • All travellers coming from Macao and Taiwan, including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents, will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine, which is the same as the arrangements for people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland.
  • Other measures include: early identification of asymptomatic inbound travellers, stringent enforcement actions to combat breaches of quarantine orders and reducing social contacts and gatherings further.

Health information of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Chief Executive visits ethnic minorities families 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam visited several ethnic minority grassroots families in Yau Tsim Mong district. She gave them face masks, daily necessities and leaflets with health information prepared in the languages they are familiar with. The Chief Executive appealed to the whole community, regardless of their background and race to fight the disease together.

Video with subtitles in other languages:

(Hindi)

(Nepali)

 (Urdu)

For below details please visit the links below:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/01/P2020030100674.htm

Health information of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) 

(Bahasa Indonesia)

(Hindi)

                   

(Nepali)

   

(Tagalog)

(Thai)

(Urdu)

Health Information for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Avoid gatherings 

Health Advice on Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Workplace (Interim)

Health Advice on Prevention of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for Properties Management (Interim) 

Important Health information from the Centre for Health Protection 

Information of prevention of infectious diseases

【Prevent Diseases · Maintain Good Hygiene】Urdu – اردو

【Prevent Diseases · Maintain Good Hygiene】Nepali – नेपाली

【Prevent Diseases · Maintain Good Hygiene】Hindi – हिन्दी

Important announcement from the Chief Executive on the Anti-epidemic Fund


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