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Chief Executive, Carrie Lam:
This morning, we called a special meeting. In the meeting we have amended Cap599 - one change for vaccines, and one change to extend quarantine up to 28 days.
This morning, we called a special meeting. In the meeting we have amended Cap599 - one change for vaccines, and one change to extend quarantine up to 28 days.
Vaccines: We need to work on 3 areas. How to procure enough vaccines. For the emergency use, provide scientific and legal basis. Thirdly, necessary groups for vaccines.
We have now reached an agreement with AstraZeneca for 7.5 million vaccines, adding to BioNTech and Sinovac.
We have now reached an agreement with AstraZeneca for 7.5 million vaccines, adding to BioNTech and Sinovac.
22.5 million doses across the 3 vaccines, enough to cover 7.5 million Hkers. Still looking to buy 7.5 million vaccines from a 4th manufacturer.
Cap 599K, use of vaccine - introduce safe and efficient vaccines. Will last 12 months. SecHealth will have power to approve use.
Cap 599K, use of vaccine - introduce safe and efficient vaccines. Will last 12 months. SecHealth will have power to approve use.
We will establish an expert panel to supervise this. The convener is Professor Lau, along with 11 expert members in the field. There are 4 experts from the government expert panel.
Preparation for vaccines has began. Large scale program. Vaccines will be used on the entire population. Vaccines will arrive at different times, different preparations for each.
We have established a taskforce. Chaired by SecHealth and SecCivilService.
We have established a taskforce. Chaired by SecHealth and SecCivilService.
1. Liability and Compensation: People are concerned if serious reaction - the vaccines have gone through scientific trials, you don't have to worry. We can't rule out serious reactions though. To facilitate the launch, pharmaceutical companies have been given certain exemptions.
This mechanism is not invented by HK Government. If we do not accept such disclaimers, we cannot get the vaccines. However they are not exempt from all liabilities. Fraud, misconduct etc will be dealt with. The public has the right to make claims, but they will take a long time.
An indemnity fund is being created. The fund will provide support if problems are found. The fund will have to be approved before its enacted.
Choice of vaccines: It was reported that i said there would be no choice of vaccine. This is not true. This is a government vaccination program. However, the chance of HK having more than one type of vaccine in HK at one time is low.
The public will be informed what type of vaccine is available. You can chose when and where you receive a vaccine. But it's up to availability.
Can you travel immediately after getting a vaccine? Probably not right away. It will depend on how the pandemic is around the world.
Injection record: When one has been vaccinated, there will be an electronic record. HK Gov is enhancing this electronic record to show your vaccination.
Can also store records of tests that have been done.
Can also store records of tests that have been done.
Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan:
The vaccines have already undergone clinical trials. Those who receive inoculation around the world is on the rise, but the vaccines are very new, so there may be some unforeseen reactions.
The vaccines have already undergone clinical trials. Those who receive inoculation around the world is on the rise, but the vaccines are very new, so there may be some unforeseen reactions.
Quarantine period: A few people have a longer incubation of 14 days. Although it is rare, given the high transmission rate, we have extended the quarantine period for UK arrivals to 21 days.
We are amending Cap599C & Cap599E.
We are amending Cap599C & Cap599E.
Starting tomorrow, UK arrivals will be quarantined for 21 days in hotel.
Mandatory testing: We have already issued mandatory testing notices for buildings in the 4th wave. As of today, under 599J 52 venues have been issued with mandatory testing notices so far.
Mandatory testing: We have already issued mandatory testing notices for buildings in the 4th wave. As of today, under 599J 52 venues have been issued with mandatory testing notices so far.
We will continue with this testing strategy, plus tighten up the execution of these testing notices. if you are issued with a mandatory testing notice, you must go get tested immediately. Mobile testing units will arrive at the buildings when mandatory testing notice is issued.
Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip:
When the vaccines arrive in HK, we will start the program in a safe and orderly manner, to allow the largest number of people to get vaccination. Free vaccinations will be available to all HKers.
When the vaccines arrive in HK, we will start the program in a safe and orderly manner, to allow the largest number of people to get vaccination. Free vaccinations will be available to all HKers.
The program will cover the entire territory. voluntary program. Information about the vaccines will be open and easily available.
Advanced work has already begun.
Advanced work has already begun.
Stanley Ho Professor of Respiratory Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor David Hui:
How long COVID-19 antibodies last is somewhat unknown. Some last 6 months, some longer, some less than that.
How long COVID-19 antibodies last is somewhat unknown. Some last 6 months, some longer, some less than that.
The vaccination will protect us after 2 doses. We need both doses. There are studies showing that the vaccination protection for BioNTech is 95%. AstraZeneca 70%. Sinovac available on the 23rd.
Those who have already had COVID-19 can still take the vaccine. 90 days after initial infection.
We don't think children should be a priority group. Usually result in mild cases if infected with Covid-19.
In a few months time, looking at the research, will see which vaccine is best for children.
In a few months time, looking at the research, will see which vaccine is best for children.
Q&A:
Q: People at the moment aren't confident in the vaccines, will people just wait until their preferred vaccine arrives?
A: We have reiterated the information is based on scientific data. Once again emphasise, don't make a decision on its origin.
Q: People at the moment aren't confident in the vaccines, will people just wait until their preferred vaccine arrives?
A: We have reiterated the information is based on scientific data. Once again emphasise, don't make a decision on its origin.
cont.
Our job is to inform the public with all the information. Yesterday there were rumours that I was holding a press conference which was untrue. So we have to combat misinformation.
We once again appeal to the public to understand that all information will be transparent.
Our job is to inform the public with all the information. Yesterday there were rumours that I was holding a press conference which was untrue. So we have to combat misinformation.
We once again appeal to the public to understand that all information will be transparent.
Q: Liability
A: Pharmaceutical companies receive indemnities worldwide. But we are setting up the fund to help people that has adverse reactions to the vaccine, like if they can't work etc.
A: Pharmaceutical companies receive indemnities worldwide. But we are setting up the fund to help people that has adverse reactions to the vaccine, like if they can't work etc.
Q: Whether people will wait to chose their vaccine.
A: It is for the government to decide when a vaccine arrives in HK. But the public has the right to wait for their vaccine. Perhaps people would rather go through the private sector, and they can. (cont.)
A: It is for the government to decide when a vaccine arrives in HK. But the public has the right to wait for their vaccine. Perhaps people would rather go through the private sector, and they can. (cont.)
But a private clinic may not be able to stock all types of vaccines due to delivery and transport issues.
Q: Use of new technology in vaccines
A: The mRNA vaccine has gone through clinical trials, with 10s of thousands of people. A large number of people in the US have already had the vaccine. You can't say HKers are being used as labrats.
A: The mRNA vaccine has gone through clinical trials, with 10s of thousands of people. A large number of people in the US have already had the vaccine. You can't say HKers are being used as labrats.
Q: Booking of vaccines
A: Innovation and Technology Bureau is in the final stages of creating a booking system which will book both doses.
(ITB are also creating the vaccine and testing record system)
A: Innovation and Technology Bureau is in the final stages of creating a booking system which will book both doses.
(ITB are also creating the vaccine and testing record system)
I'll tack this on the end, I didn't think it needed saying, but just in case...
Professor David Hui said that you have to get the two doses from the same manufacturer.
Professor David Hui said that you have to get the two doses from the same manufacturer.
