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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Fact Sheet

ข้อมูลสำคัญด้านสุขภาพ

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

Government maintains most social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government will gazette the extension of most existing social distancing measures for 14 days till December 8.

In addition, in order to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of exposure risk tracing and testing upon identification of a confirmed case as a way to tackle the more transmissible variant strains and to enhance the epidemic control capacity to protect members of the public, starting from December 9 (i.e. the commencement of the cycle of social distancing measures following the next), the requirement to use the “LeaveHomeSafe” (LHS) mobile application will be extended to all premises regulated 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/202111/23/P2021112300621.htm

Persons aged 12 to 17 can make reservations as priority to receive Sinovac vaccine from December 2

The Government announced that persons aged 12 to 17 will be accorded priority to make reservations for and receive a Sinovac vaccination starting from December 2.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/22/P2021112200366.htm

SFH approves lowering age limit for receiving CoronaVac vaccine

The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has approved extending the age eligibility of the CoronaVac vaccine to cover those aged three to 17. Also, having regard to the recommendations made by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (JSC) together with the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), the SFH agreed that adolescents aged 12 to 17 will be accorded priority to receive the CoronaVac vaccine, with a view to extending to children of a younger age group at a later stage.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/20/P2021112000292.htm

Government adjusts testing arrangement for persons arriving at Hong Kong

The Government announced that the COVID-19 testing arrangement for persons arriving at Hong Kong will be adjusted from November 23 onwards. Nucleic acid tests with deep throat saliva specimen will no longer be accepted.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/22/P2021112200862.htm

38th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 38th 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/202111/19/P2021111800541.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

We would like to solicit your support to disseminate the information to your colleagues, work associates and/or business partners so that they could adopt proper preventive measures. Thank you very much for your support.

Department of Health (2021.11.24)

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

Government extends third dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements

The Government announced that members of the public who have received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine with the second dose received six months ago, irrespective of whether they belong to the certain groups, can make reservations for and receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine starting from November 23.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/18/P2021111800310.htm

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 authorised COVID-19 vaccines. The meeting also reviewed the latest data of the two authorised vaccines immunised in different age groups and made recommendations.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111500813.htm

DH’s Temporary Specimen Collection Centre Two at Hong Kong International Airport to commence operation on November 18

The Department of Health (DH) announced that Temporary Specimen Collection Centre Two (TSCC-2) set up by the DH at the T1 Satellite Concourse of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) commenced operation on November 18. Together with the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre One (TSCC-1) set up at the T1 Midfield Concourse, travellers arriving from places of different risk levels can be effectively segregated.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/16/P2021111600500.htm

FEHD reminds cold store practitioners to comply with latest compulsory testing requirements on COVID-19

Government has included designated cold store practitioners in the compulsory testing notice and the relevant persons have to undergo polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 regularly from November 17.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111500783.htm

COVID-19 compulsory testing arrangement for frontline staff of terminals and ship services sector

Following the announcement of strengthening the testing arrangement of high-risk and high-exposure groups by the Government earlier, a compulsory testing notice has been issued to specific frontline staff of the terminals and ship services sector to require them to undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid tests on a periodic basis pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/14/P2021111300385.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.11.22)

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

Government extends third dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/18/P2021111800310.htm

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

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111500813.htm

DH’s Temporary Specimen Collection Centre Two at Hong Kong International Airport to commence operation on November 18

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/16/P2021111600500.htm

FEHD reminds cold store practitioners to comply with latest compulsory testing requirements on COVID-19

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111500783.htm

COVID-19 compulsory testing arrangement for frontline staff of terminals and ship services sector

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/14/P2021111300385.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.11.19)

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

Anti-epidemic measures for air crew strengthened

The Government will further enhance the prevailing anti-epidemic measures applicable to air crew, with a view to maintaining smooth air cargo services into and out of Hong Kong and addressing the basic daily needs of society, while safeguarding public health.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/12/P2021111200717.htm

Additional rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin for quarantine of foreign domestic helpers

The Labour Department (LD) announced that, starting from December 8, the Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin will be added as a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF), providing a total of 500 rooms for quarantine of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) coming to work in Hong Kong.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/12/P2021111200277.htm

Government to specify New Zealand as medium-risk Group B specified place

The Government announced that New Zealand will be specified as a medium-risk Group B specified place in view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation there. The adjustment will take effect from 0.00am on November 17.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/10/P2021111000307.htm

37th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The 37th 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/202111/12/P2021111100366.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.11.15)

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

Government maintains social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government will gazette the extension of existing social distancing measures for 14 days till November 24.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/09/P2021110900265.htm

Third dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements for persons under certain groups

Taking reference from experts’ recommendations, eligible persons under certain groups, i.e. immunocompromised patients and persons with a higher risk of infection, can receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine free of charge starting from November 11 (Thursday). Booking for third dose vaccination for these persons was opened on November 5.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/03/P2021110300536.htm

Further measures to push forward COVID-19 vaccination of government employees

To further encourage government employees to receive COVID-19 vaccination as early as possible so as to ensure that government bureaux and departments (B/Ds) have strong defense, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) announced that government employees eligible for receiving the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be offered a day of vaccination leave for their third dose.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/09/P2021110900700.htm

36th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 36th 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/202111/05/P2021110400420.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.11.10)

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

Conditional free COVID-19 testing service continues for targeted groups

The Government is progressively arranging various types of working staff with higher risk of exposure to the virus to undergo more frequent regular virus testing as a strengthened measure to guard against the importation of cases and the resurgence of local infections. The arrangement is applicable to all full-time and part-time staff of relevant industries. As the Government no longer accepts deep throat saliva specimen for compulsory or regular testing, the testing of all targeted group persons (whether they have completed a vaccination course or not) must be done by using combined nasal and throat swabs.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/29/P2021102900750.htm

Government appeals to public to take note of opening hours of Community Vaccination Centres

Starting from November 1, the CVCs will operate from 10am to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and will be closed on Wednesdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the opening hours will be from 8am to 8pm. All CVCs will close between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on working days for cleaning.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/31/P2021102900294.htm

Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government will accept the vaccination records issued by Argentina and Armenia as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places for boarding flights for Hong Kong. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on November 3 (Wednesday).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/01/P2021110100544.htm

Government announces comprehensive tightening of quarantine exemption arrangements

The Government announced that quarantine exemption arrangements will be comprehensively tightened with effect from November 12. Monitoring on exempted persons will also be strengthened. The new measures to be implemented include:

(1) Cancellation of quarantine exemption arrangements for most of the exemption categories of persons upon their arrival in Hong Kong; and
(2) Requiring consular and diplomatic officers to be subject to self-isolation at designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) upon their arrival in Hong Kong. Home isolation is not allowed (except for consuls general or representatives in Hong Kong at equivalent/higher level).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/01/P2021110100531.htm

35th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 35th 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 would commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/29/P2021102800525.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.11.03)

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

Government maintains social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government gazette the extension of existing social distancing measures for 14 days till November 10.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/27/P2021102700793.htm

Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health convened a meeting on October 27, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel, to discuss and update consensus interim recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination, including the use of a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines and co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/27/P2021102700905.htm

Government enhances virus testing for high-risk and high-exposure groups

The Government announced that staff of high-risk and high-exposure groups will be required to undergo more frequent regular virus testing as a way to counter the latest development of the COVID-19 epidemic and mutant strains, and also as a more stringent anti-epidemic measure to complement the proactive “zero infection” strategy. In addition to airport staff of targeted groups who have started to undergo testing every three days recently, healthcare staff handling COVID-19 cases in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre (HKICC) also need to be tested every three days, whereas staff of other high-risk and high-exposure groups will be progressively arranged to undergo more frequent testing.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/28/P2021102800454.htm

Government to resume quarantine exemption arrangement for persons arriving in Hong Kong from Macao

The Government announced that from November 2 (Tuesday) the quarantine exemption arrangement for persons arriving in Hong Kong from Macao under the Return2hk Scheme and the Come2hk Scheme will be resumed, given that the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Macao has stabilised.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/28/P2021102800684.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.11.01)

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

Government maintains social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government gazette the extension of existing social distancing measures for 14 days till November 10.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/27/P2021102700793.htm

Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/27/P2021102700905.htm

Government enhances virus testing for high-risk and high-exposure groups

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/28/P2021102800454.htm

Government to resume quarantine exemption arrangement for persons arriving in Hong Kong from Macao

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/28/P2021102800684.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.10.29)

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

Strict enforcement of requirement of using “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile application when entering government buildings or offices

Starting from November 1, except for exempted persons, all government employees and members of the public will be required to use the app to scan the venue QR code before they are allowed to enter government buildings or offices.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/21/P2021102100647.htm

Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government has concluded discussions with the Government of Cambodia 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 Kazakhstan and British Virgin Islands 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 October 27 (Wednesday).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/25/P2021102500507.htm

Government adjusts COVID-19 vaccination requirements for inbound travellers

The Government announced that two COVID-19 vaccination requirements for inbound travellers will be adjusted from October 29. The two sets of requirements cover inbound travellers aged 12 to 17 who have received one dose of Comirnaty vaccine, and Hong Kong residents who have received one dose of recognised COVID-19 vaccine but are deemed unfit to receive the second dose because of health reasons.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/26/P2021102600817.htm

Government announces list of sixth-cycle designated quarantine hotels

The Government announced the list of designated quarantine hotels for the sixth cycle of the Designated Quarantine Hotel (DQH) Scheme. A total of 40 hotels will provide about 11 500 rooms in the new cycle, which will run from December 1, 2021, to February 28, 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/202110/19/P2021101900511.htm

34th round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced that the 34th 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/202110/22/P2021102100619.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (2021.10.27)

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Latest situation of invasive Group B Streptococcus cluster

CHP updates on latest situation of invasive Group B Streptococcus cluster

On October 21, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said that it is proactively following up on the epidemiological investigations into the cluster outbreak of invasive Group B Streptococcus cases, and appealed to members of the public again to refrain from consuming raw freshwater fish or aquatic products, and to handle raw freshwater fish or aquatic products with caution by avoiding contact with wounds.

The CHP’s current epidemiological investigations showed that the 32 ST283 cases should have the same source of infection, indicating an outbreak cluster. The 32 cases involved 14 males and 18 females with ages ranging from 31 years to 87 years resided in various districts. Half of the cases had reported a history of handling freshwater fish and some of them had reported handling of raw freshwater fish with hand wounds. None of them reported consuming raw freshwater fish. Three of them are cooks in restaurant and one of them is part-time fishmonger. According to the information from the HA, two out of the 32 cases have died (but the cause of death cannot be ascertained to be infection-associated) and ten have been discharged from hospitals.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/21/P2021102100796.htm

CHP provides update on investigation into invasive Group B Streptococcus cases

The CHP has received reports by the Hospital Authority that 58 and 21 in-patients had tested positive for invasive Group B Streptococcus last month and in October (as of October 10) respectively, showing a surge as compared with a range of nine to 26 cases per month over the past three years (2019 to August 2021). The 79 cases involve 42 males and 37 females aged from one month to 96 years. They mainly presented with septicaemia, meningitis, pyogenic arthritis or abscess/cellulitis.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/18/P2021101800707.htm

CHP appeals for heightened vigilance against invasive Group B Streptococcus

On October 4, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance against invasive Group B Streptococcus and urged them to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene.

The CHP has recently received reports by the Hospital Authority that number of in-patients who tested positive for invasive Group B Streptococcus last month is increased when compared to the figures over the past three years.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/04/P2021100400774.htm

Department of Health (22Oct2021)

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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/

Department of Health (19Oct2021)

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

COVID-19 Vaccination Stations to be set up at four public hospitals

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/15/P2021101500248.htm

Latest shipment of Comirnaty vaccine arrives in Hong Kong

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/

Department of Health (18Oct2021)

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Dear Sir/Madam,

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

Government maintains most social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

The Government gazetted the extension of most social distancing measures for 14 days till October 27 with two new “vaccine bubble” arrangements for fitness centres introduced.

Under the condition that the fitness centres have complied with the requirements such as ventilation standards, the maximum number of participants in each sub-group of training groups or classes will be relaxed to 12 persons provided that all staff members have completed a vaccination course and all participants are wearing masks, and customers will be allowed to exercise without wearing a mask if all staff members and users have completed a vaccination course.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/12/P2021101200683.htm

33rd round of compulsory testing for staff members of RCHEs, RCHDs and nursing homes to commence shortly

The Government announced on October 13 that the 33rd 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 would commence shortly.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202110/13/P2021101300311.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health (15Oct2021)

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

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

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

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

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/

Department of Health (12Oct2021)

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

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

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/

Department of Health 5.10.2021

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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 most existing social distancing measures for 14 days till October 13. Meanwhile, the maximum number of persons allowed per banquet in catering businesses adopting Type D Mode of Operation will be relaxed to 240.

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202109/28/P2021092800244.htm

2. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government has concluded discussions with the Governments of Brazil and Russia to accept vaccination records issued by these two countries as recognised vaccination records for 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/202109/27/P2021092700724.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health 29/9/2021

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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

2. 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

3. 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/

Department of Health 27/9

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

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

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/

Department of Health 21/9

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

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

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

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/

Department of Health 16/9

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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/

Department of Health 15/9

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

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.

he 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/

Department of Health 13/9

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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/

Department of Health

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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/

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

Quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from places in Mainland other than Guangdong Province, Macao, and Taiwan

The Government will from August 9 require all persons who have stayed in places in the Mainland other than Guangdong Province or Macao to present prior to boarding a flight for Hong Kong a negative result proof of a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 which is conducted on the day or within three days prior to the scheduled time of departure. Persons who fail to present the relevant negative test result will not be allowed to board for Hong Kong.

Relevant persons will be tested multiple times during quarantine. In the light of the ravages of mutant virus, the Government will also enhance the testing requirements applicable to persons arriving from the Mainland, Macao and Taiwan, including the addition of compulsory testing on the ninth, 16th, and 19th days of arrival at Hong Kong for persons with exempted or shortened quarantine periods. The newly enhanced compulsory testing requirements are applicable to all persons arriving at Hong Kong on or after August 4 (including persons returning to Hong Kong under Return2hk).

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/06/P2021080500905.htm

Government tightens eligibility criteria for free COVID-19 testing for targeted groups at community testing centres

In the face of the threat posed by mutant strains and as a preparation for the fifth wave of epidemic, 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. In view of the protection brought by the vaccination, fully vaccinated staff will in general no longer be required to undergo regular or such frequent testing. Only in very exceptional situations can an individual staff member postpone his or her vaccination, e.g. if he or she is unfit to receive vaccination at the moment because of health reasons, but the staff will be subject to undergo more frequent testing which must be done by using combined nasal and throat swabs.

Starting from August, free COVID-19 testing at community testing centres (CTCs) will only be provided 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 the eligibility criteria for free test will also be tightened

For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/04/P2021080401030.htm

Update on monitoring COVID-19 vaccination

As at 8pm on August 1, close to 5.72 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered for members of the public. Over 3.25 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine, accounting for 47.9 per cent of the population aged 12 or above. The DH received 4 735 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 27 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/202108/04/P2021080400986.htm

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202108/04/P2021080400870.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines

www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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/

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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

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

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

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

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

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/

HKO launches new personalized weather website to enhance weather information services to ethnic minorities.

https://my.weather.gov.hk/personalized-website/thai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

【COVID-19 Vaccines: Top tips replay in Punjabi 】

Don’t miss the chance to watch Centre for Health Promotion’s online webinar to know more about COVID-19 vaccines in Punjabi with 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/

https://ne-np.facebook.com/CentreforHealthProtection/posts/covid-19-vaccines-top-tips-replay-in-punjabi-dont-miss-the-chance-to-watch-again/4544108158938399/

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

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

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

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

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

Interview on COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Radio Programmes in Ethnic Minority Languages

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:-

	Bahasa Indonesia	Nepali	Hindi
Name of Radio Programme	Good Morning Indonesians (Selamat Pagi Indonesians)	Saptahik Sandesh	Desi Tadka
Channel	RTHK Radio 2 (FM94.8-96.9)	RTHK Radio 3 (Hong Kong-wide: AM567)	Metro Plus AM1044
Broadcast Date and Time	11 April 2021, 6:00-8:00am	11 April 2021, 7:05-8:00pm	11 April 2021, 4:00-5:00 pm
Name of Guest Speaker from UCNCHS	Viviana indriani	Sharmila Gurung	Rinzin Chodor

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

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

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/

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. Thank you very much for your support.

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

Government announces initial investigation results regarding packaging defects of BioNTech vaccine

The Department of Health (DH) had earlier noticed that there was an accumulated number of cases of packaging defects (including loose vial caps, leakages from the vials, etc.) regarding the BioNTech vaccines (batch no. 210102). The DH immediately notified the vaccine supplier (Fosun Industrial Co., Limited (Fosun) and German drug manufacturer BioNTech) and requested for prompt follow-up. At the same time, in view that the supplier has launched an urgent and comprehensive investigation on the packaging defects, the Government agreed to the supplier’s recommendation and suspended vaccination of batch 210102 and 210104 of the BioNTech vaccines in Hong Kong for the sake of prudence and as a precautionary measure.

According to the initial investigation results, Fosun and German drug manufacturer BioNTech considered that there is no evidence indicating any safety risks of the BioNTech vaccines delivered to Hong Kong (batch no. 210102 and 210104). Members of the public who have received the BioNTech vaccines do not need to worry. The subsequent investigation work will mainly target on ascertaining the integrity of the intrinsic properties of the relevant batches of vaccine, and that the batches are safe for use.

Premised on the condition of safety, the Government will strive to resume the administration of the BioNTech vaccine for members of the public as soon as possible, so as to protect public health and the health of citizens.

For details, please refer to the press release:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202103/27/P2021032700785.htm

Safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines

DH has put in place a pharmacovigilance system for COVID-19 immunization, including receiving reports of Adverse Events Following Immunization (“AEFIs”) related to the COVID-19 vaccines used in Hong Kong from healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical industries.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation, Cap. 599K to monitor any adverse event that occurs to the recipient associated with the administration of the relevant vaccine, the Director of Health appointed the Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunization (“Expert Committee”) to provide independent assessment of potential causal link between AEFIs and COVID-19 vaccines used in Hong Kong and to provide expert advice to the Government on safety-related matters. The Department of Health also partners with the University of Hong Kong to conduct an active surveillance programme for Adverse Events of Special Interest (“AESIs”) related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Thematic webpage:

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/vaccine

Report on the Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccines in Hong Kong (updated regularly):

https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/doc/Safety_Monitoring_of_COVID-19_Vaccines_in_Hong_Kong.pdf

Multilingual information

To facilitate more ethnic minorities to receive the Government’s latest information, various materials on COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring and fact sheets etc. have been translated into multiple languages. For details, please refer to the attachment.

Health updates from Hong Kong Red Cross

Website Health Express | Hong Kong Red Cross

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.

Thai https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102788.html

รัฐบาลเริ่มผ่อนปรนมาตรการควบคุมทางสังคมอย่างค่อยเป็นค่อยไปและเป็นระเบียบ
รัฐบาลขอขอบคุณความพยายามของชุมชนทั้งหมดในฮ่องกง สถานการณ์การแพร่ระบาดของโรคค่อยๆดีขึ้นในช่วงเดือนที่ผ่านมา เมื่อสถานการณ์การแพร่ระบาดอยู่ภายใต้การควบคุม รัฐบาลจะเริ่มผ่อนปรนมาตรการควบคุมทางสังคมอย่างค่อยเป็นค่อยไปและเป็นระเบียบ โดยมีผลเริ่มตั้งแต่วันที่ 18 กุมภาพันธ์ ถึง 3 มีนาคม 2021 ตามพัฒนาการของสถานการณ์การแพร่ระบาดล่าสุด รวมถึงการประเมินความเสี่ยง
สถานที่ตามกำหนดบางแห่งสามารถเปิดบริการได้ อันได้แก่ สถานที่เล่นกีฬา, สถานเสริมความงามและสถานบริการนวด, สถานบันเทิงสาธารณะ, สวนสนุก, ศูนย์เกมอาเขตและ ศูนย์ออกกำลังกาย ธุรกิจประเภทจัดเลี้ยงอาจจำหน่ายหรือบริการอาหาร หรือเครื่องดื่ม เพื่อการบริโภคภายในสถานที่ ให้เปิดบริการได้จนถึงเวลา 22.00 น. และจำกัดจำนวนคนไว้ที่สี่คนต่อหนึ่งโต๊ะ
นอกเหนือจากมาตรการควบคุมการติดเชื้อที่ดำเนินการอยู่ในปัจจุบันแล้ว สถานที่กำหนดและสถานที่จัดเลี้ยงตามระบุ จะต้องเพิ่มมาตรการใหม่ขึ้นอีกสองมาตรการดังต่อไปนี้
มาตรการ (a): เพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าผู้ใช้บริการจะต้องสแกนรหัสคิวอาร์โค้ด QR code
“LeaveHomeSafe” หรือลงทะเบียนชื่อ, หมายเลขติดต่อ, วันที่และเวลาของการไปใช้บริการ ก่อนที่บุคคลนั้นจะได้รับอนุญาตให้เข้ามาภายในสถานที่ โดยข้อมูลจะถูกบันทึกเก็บไว้เป็นเวลา 31 วัน และ
มาตรการ (b): จัดให้พนักงานทุกคนที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการดำเนินงานของสถานที่ต้องเข้ารับการทดสอบกรดนิวคลีอิกที่ใช้ปฏิกิริยาลูกโซ่โพลีเมอเรสสำหรับหาเชื้อไวรัส COVID 19
เป็นระยะทุกๆ 14 วัน (ต้องทำการทดสอบครั้งแรกภายใน 14 วัน นับจากวันที่ 11
กุมภาพันธ์ 2021 หรือภายในวันที่ 24 กุมภาพันธ์ 2021) และตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่า พนักงานจะต้องเก็บบันทึกการแจ้งเตือนทาง SMS ทุกครั้งที่มีผลการทดสอบไว้เป็นเวลา 31 วัน

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!

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