Newsletter

Hong Kong COVID-19 Updates	February 2021

Dear friends in the ASEAN,

This is a special COVID-19 series, through which we would like to bring you updates on how Hong Kong responds to the pandemic and also share with you some exciting buzzes of how our city moves forward. We hope that you will find it relevant and encouraging. Please feel free to share the news with your friends and families.

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Hong Kong eases social distancing measures As the epidemic situation in Hong Kong continues to improve, some social distancing measures for catering businesses and some premises was eased after the Lunar New Year holiday. From February 18, premises including sports premises, fitness centres, cinemas, performance venues, beauty parlours, amusement game centres, will be allowed to reopen and dine-in services at restaurants can be extended to 10pm. New infection control measures are introduced. Staff at these premises will undergo virus testing every 14 days. Patrons will have to use the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app or provide their personal information to keep a record of their whereabouts.
Vaccination Programme to be launched Hong Kong will launch its citywide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme from February 26 and five priority groups may make an appointment via the online booking system from February 23. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, and a number of Principal Officials took the lead to receive their first dose of the vaccine on February 22. Healthcare staff and staff involved in anti-epidemic work, people aged 60 or above, residents and staff of residential care homes for the elderly and disabled, people providing essential public services as well as those providing cross-boundary transport or working at control points and ports are classified as priority groups. The Government will set up 29 Community Vaccination Centres across the city. Over 1,200 private doctors of more than 1,500 clinics will also participate in the programme.
HK boosts testing to cut transmission Hong Kong continues to step up testing efforts so as to identify cases before the formation of transmission chains in the community. For any building in Hong Kong, if two unrelated confirmed cases are found, residents and visitors would be required to undergo compulsory testing. For buildings within higher-risk areas, the threshold has been lowered from two cases to one. Closed community compulsory testing has also been carried out in “restricted areas” with even higher risks. High risk groups, including elderly home workers and airport staff, are also required to undergo testing.
Robot "Rice" at your COVID-safe service In her January article, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, wrote that the Government had put in place the most stringent measures yet to tackle the current wave of COVID that began in late November. Hong Kong have stepped up testing efforts, including exercising statutory powers to mandate citizens to undergo testing. At the same time, the Government has been working at full steam to prepare for the vaccination programme.
Hong Kong Celebrates Chinese New Year Although COVID is still on our mind, Hong Kong celebrated the Chinese New Year with all the necessary anti-epidemic measures. May we wish you a healthy and prosperous Year of the Ox!
Useful links Hong Kong update: Response to COVID-19 https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/Hong-Kong-Update/Response-to-COVID-19.html HKSAR Government COVID-19 Thematic Website http://www.coronavirus.gov.hk