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Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 9 June 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office   Dear Sir/Madam, 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 2. 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 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1. 政府延續《預防及控制疾病條例》下的社交距離措施 本港最近錄得數宗涉及N501Y變異病毒株的本地確診個案，感染源頭未明。為嚴防疫情反彈，目前並不適合放寬社交距離措施。政府會於6月10日至6月23日期間維持現行的社交距離措施，為期14天。 面對變異病毒株的威脅，接種疫苗刻不容緩。政府會視乎疫情的發展，繼續按『疫苗氣泡』的原則調整社交距離措施。已完成接種疫苗的市民，除了能夠得到保障外，亦會繼續於各項社交距離措施下得到較寬鬆的待遇。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/09/P2021060800886.htm 2. 政府將進一步調整回港易計劃下的暫不適用風險地區名單 按回港易計劃的要求，在抵港當天或之前14天曾逗留風險地區名單上所列地區的香港居民，將不可按回港易計劃獲豁免接受強制檢疫入境香港，而須接受14天家居檢疫。 特區政府會繼續與內地及澳門當局就三地疫情防控措施保持緊密溝通和聯繫，並適時按本地和內地疫情發展及風險評估調整計劃暫不適用的風險地區名單。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/06/P2021060600589.htm 更多疫情資訊： https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/index.html 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 27 May 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office   Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines 1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance While the recent number of confirmed cases has been maintained at a low level, past experiences tell us that any relaxation of social distancing measures may lead to a rebound in the epidemic situation. The current vaccine take-up rate in Hong Kong is still far below the level that can achieve herd immunity. If, unfortunately, a new wave of the epidemic arrives, we will not be able to build a herd immunity barrier for protection. To guard against a rebound of the epidemic situation, the Government will continue to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/26/P2021052600690.htm 2. 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 3. 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/ 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1. 政府延續《預防及控制疾病條例》下的社交距離措施 雖然近日確診個案數目維持於低水平，但根據過往經驗，放寬社交距離措施有機會導致疫情反彈。香港目前的疫苗接種率仍遠低於可達致羣體免疫的水平，如新一波疫情不幸來臨，並不足以築起羣體免疫屏障作保護。為嚴防疫情反彈，政府會繼續維持現行的社交距離措施。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/26/P2021052600685.htm 2. 疫苗接種計劃將分階段覆蓋合資格的非香港居民 基於公共衞生考慮，2019冠狀病毒病疫苗接種計劃將覆蓋持「雙程證」並將會在香港逗留一段時間的內地居民。此外，政府亦準備為在香港的免遣返聲請人及獲聯合國難民事務高級專員署（聯合國難民署）確認為難民的人接種疫苗。至於因疫情而繼續在港逗留的其他訪客，政府亦會適時公布接種安排。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/25/P2021052500333.htm 3. 疫苗接種監測更新 截至五月二十三日晚上八時，已接種最少一劑疫苗的巿民約125萬名。至今接獲的非死亡異常事件個案大部分為較輕微的個案。 新冠疫苗臨床事件評估專家委員會已總結八宗死亡個案與疫苗接種沒有因果關係，初步認為24宗個案與疫苗接種沒有關聯，兩宗個案尚待評估。專家委員會認為至今並未發現有不尋常的現象，會繼續密切監察有關情況並收集數據以作評估。 接種疫苗是防控疫情最有效和最徹底的措施，亦是克服疫情、恢復正常生活、盡早與各地通關的關鍵。政府呼籲市民不要再持觀望態度，趁疫苗充足及疫苗接種中心有足夠容量時盡早接種疫苗。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/26/P2021052600610.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/25/P2021052500877.htm 更多新冠疫苗資訊： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 18 May 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office   Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines 1. Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong The Government continues to closely monitor the epidemic situation of various places, the prevalence of new virus variants, vaccination progress, and changes in the volume of cross-boundary passenger traffic, and adjusts the boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from relevant places as the situation warrants. The Government will specify Argentina, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Singapore as high-risk Group B specified places with effect from May 21. To guard against the importation of COVID-19 cases into Hong Kong, persons arriving at Hong Kong from overseas are subject to testing and compulsory quarantine requirements under a set of stringent inbound prevention and control measures. Depending on the risk levels of places where the persons arriving at Hong Kong depart from and the applicable compulsory quarantine periods, the number of tests these persons subject to during compulsory quarantine will also be increased to two (for 7-day compulsory quarantine period) to four times (for 21-day compulsory quarantine period). Furthermore, persons arriving at Hong Kong from extremely high-risk or very high-risk specified places, or fully vaccinated persons with shortened quarantine periods, will also be required to undergo additional compulsory tests upon the completion of compulsory quarantine. Moreover, all persons who have stayed in Taiwan on the day of boarding or during the 14 days before that day, will have to present at boarding a negative result proof of a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the aircraft, as well as the confirmation of a room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong.  On arrival at Hong Kong, they will be subject to the "test-and-hold" arrangement at the airport.  Under the relevant requirements, non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry. Persons who are not fully vaccinated will be subject to a 21-day compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotels, with 4 tests to be conducted during the period.  Fully vaccinated persons will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotels, with 3 tests to be conducted during the period, followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period as well as compulsory testing on the 16th and 19th day of arrival at Hong Kong. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/17/P2021051700716.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/16/P2021051600804.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051300907.htm The Government has categorised the relevant specified places into different groups according to the relevant risk-based boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html 2. Foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to undergo second round of compulsory testing The Government thanked the 340 000 FDHs who contributed to the anti-epidemic efforts by complying with the compulsory testing requirement early this month, under which three confirmed cases involving the N501Y mutant strain were detected in a timely manner to cut the latent transmission chain in the community. All FDHs working in Hong Kong to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test for the second time during the period from May 15 to May 30. FDHs who have received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination on May 16 or before could be exempted from testing. The Government reminded exempted FDHs to download their electronic vaccination records or save the printouts of their vaccination records to their mobile phones, or bring along the printouts or copies of their vaccination records, so as to prove eligibility for exemption. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/12/P2021051200809.htm More information on COVID-19 vaccines https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/ 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1. 政府收緊到港人士的登機及檢疫要求 政府繼續密切監察不同地區的疫情、新變種病毒的流行程度、接種疫苗的進度及出入境人數的變化，並視乎情況需要調整相關地區到港人士的登機及強制檢疫要求。 政府將指明阿根廷、意大利、日本、肯尼亞、馬來西亞、荷蘭及新加坡為高風險的B組指明地區，五月二十一日起開始生效。 為了嚴防2019冠狀病毒病輸入香港，從海外抵港的人士需要按照嚴謹的入境防控措施接受檢測及強制檢疫。視乎抵港人士來源地區風險分組及適用的強制檢疫期，抵港人士除了現時在登機前及／或到埗時的檢測外，在強制檢疫期間須接受檢測的次數，視乎檢疫期會增至兩次（七天檢疫期）至四次（二十一天檢疫期）不等。此外，從極高或甚高風險地區抵港的人士，或已接種疫苗並獲縮減檢疫期的人士，亦須在完成檢疫後額外接受強制檢測。 另外，所有在登機當天或之前14天曾逗留台灣的人士，須於登機時出示預定起飛時間前72小時內進行的2019冠狀病毒病核酸檢測陰性結果證明，以及其在香港指定檢疫酒店預訂房間的確認書。抵港後，他們須於機場接受「檢測待行」安排。在相關要求下，非香港居民將不會獲准入境。未完成接種疫苗的人士須於指定檢疫酒店強制檢疫21天，期間接受四次檢測。已完成接種疫苗的人士則須於指定檢疫酒店強制檢疫14天，期間接受三次檢測，其後七天自行監察，及於抵港第16天和第19天接受強制檢測。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/17/P2021051700711.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/16/P2021051600800.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051300865.htm 政府已把相關指明地區按風險所實施的登機及強制檢疫要求整理為不同組別: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/high-risk-places.html 2. 外籍家庭傭工須接受第二次強制檢測 政府感謝逾34萬名外籍家庭傭工（外傭）為防疫抗疫作出貢獻，於本月初配合強制檢測安排，讓當局能及時偵測出三宗涉及N501Y變種病毒株的確診個案，從而堵截社區隱性傳播鏈。 所有在港工作的外傭須於五月十五日至五月三十日期間接受第二次2019冠狀病毒病核酸檢測。在五月十六日或之前已經在本港接種了第二劑新冠疫苗的外傭，可獲豁免接受檢測。獲得豁免的外傭，可下載電子疫苗紀錄或將疫苗紀錄的列印文本存在手提電話中，又或攜帶疫苗紀錄的列印文本或副本，以便證明豁免資格。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/12/P2021051200806.htm 更多新冠疫苗資訊： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 13 May 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office   Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines 1. Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance The implementation of the first phase of measures under the 'vaccine bubble' is generally in order. To allow the relevant operators of premises and the general public to get used to the relevant measures, the Government will continue to maintain the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business premises and scheduled premises, as well as the requirements for group gatherings and mask wearing for 14 days until May 26. At the same time, the Government has also made slight adjustments to the requirements to fit anti-epidemic needs. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051300512.htm Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) thematic webpage www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble_FP.html 2. 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/ 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1. 政府延續《預防及控制疾病條例》下的社交距離措施 「疫苗氣泡」第一階段措施的落實情況大致穩定有序。為了讓相關處所負責人及市民適應相關措施，政府會繼續維持現行適用於餐飲業務處所及表列處所的規定及限制，以及有關羣組聚集及佩戴口罩的要求，為期14天至五月二十六日。同時，政府亦調整部分規定，以切合防疫需要。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051300503.htm 食環署主題專頁: www.fehd.gov.hk/tc_chi/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble_FP.html 2. 2019冠狀病毒病疫苗接種監測更新 截至五月九日晚上八時，本港市民合共接種了約174萬劑新冠疫苗。新冠疫苗臨床事件評估專家委員會就接種新冠疫苗可能出現的異常事件進行持續監察，並在認可新冠疫苗的安全監察提供專業意見和建議。專家委員會認為至今並未發現有不尋常的現象，會繼續密切監察有關情況並收集數據以作評估。至今接獲的非死亡異常事件個案大部分為較輕微的個案。 另外，根據統計分析，未有證據顯示接種疫苗增加接種者的死亡風險。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/13/P2021051300503.htm 《香港新冠疫苗的安全監察報告》 www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/tc/doc/Safety_Monitoring_of_COVID-19_Vaccines_in_Hong_Kong.pdf 更多新冠疫苗資訊： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 11 May 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines 1. The latest boarding and quarantine arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong under "vaccine bubble" concept The Government will adjust the boarding, quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong (including Hong Kong residents returning to Hong Kong) who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course under the "vaccine bubble" concept. Subject to no significant change to the epidemic situation locally and in relevant overseas places, the relevant measures will be implemented on May 12 at 0.00am. Concise guide to the arrangements https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/concise_guide_vaccinated_travellers_ENG.pdf Points to note regarding self-monitoring period for inbound travellers https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/selfmonitoring_travellers_ENG.pdf For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700821.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html 2. 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 3. 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/ 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1.「疫苗氣泡」下來港人士最新登機及檢疫安排 政府將按照「疫苗氣泡」概念，調整已完成接種2019冠狀病毒病疫苗的來港人士（包括回港的香港居民）的登機、檢疫及檢測安排。如果本地及相關外地地區疫情未有重大轉變，相關措施將於五月十二日凌晨零時實施。 一圖看清安排 https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/concise_guide_vaccinated_travellers_CHI.pdf 入境旅客自我監察期間注意事項 https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/selfmonitoring_travellers_CHI.pdf 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700751.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/high-risk-places.html 2.本地感染確診個案密切接觸者的檢疫期要求 政府參考衞生署衞生防護中心中心轄下的新發現及動物傳染病科學委員會和疫苗可預防疾病科學委員會（聯合科學委員會）聯同行政長官專家顧問團（專家顧問團）作出的暫擬共識建議，並考慮本港疫情的最新情況，決定採取循序漸進安排，調整相關密切接觸者的檢疫期要求。 一圖看清安排 https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Quarantine_Requirements_CHI.pdf 密切接觸者自我監察期間注意事項 https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/selfmonitoring_closecontacts_CHI.pdf 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700774.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/early-testing.html 3.涉及變異病毒株的確診本地個案檢疫安排 衞生防護中心一直檢討涉及變異病毒株確診個案的相關感染防控措施。因應對N501Y變異病毒株個案進行密切接觸者追蹤所得的最新流行病學證據，中心認為除了與N501Y變異病毒株確診個案居於同一單位的人士外，其餘居於同一大廈的人士不會列作密切接觸者及無須接受檢疫。然而，由於N501Y個案具較高傳染性並從而增加在同一大廈共用公用設施造成傳播的機會，大廈居民須接受更頻密的檢測。 一圖看清安排 https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Quarantine_Arrangements_for_Mutant_Strain_CHI.pdf 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/07/P2021050700769.htm 更多新冠疫苗資訊： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 7 May 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines 1. Government further adjusts boarding and quarantine arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong To implement the more targeted risk-based approach on boarding, quarantine, and testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong under the new direction in fighting the pandemic, the Government announced on April 14 the adjusted grouping of boarding and compulsory quarantine arrangements: places outside China will be categorised under Cap. 599H into the extremely high-risk Group A1 specified places (equivalent to the existing Group A specified places), the newly added very high-risk Group A2 specified places, as well as the existing high-risk Group B specified places, the medium-risk Group C specified places, and the low-risk Group D specified places. Considering that the epidemic situation is still unstable in the existing extremely high-risk places, i.e. India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Brazil, and South Africa, the existing restrictions under Cap. 599H will continue. On the other hand, having considered the stabilising local epidemic situation and the relatively satisfactory vaccination rate in Ireland and the UK, the Government  has lifted the ban for persons who have stayed in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) on boarding for Hong Kong on May 7, to allow flights to resume from those places and for Hong Kong residents there to board for flights for Hong Kong, while these relevant persons would subject to the most stringent compulsory quarantine and testing arrangements upon arrival at Hong Kong. Based on the "vaccine bubble" concept, the Government is planning to suitably shorten the compulsory quarantine period, based on risk levels, for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have not stayed in extremely high-risk and very high-risk places, and who have been fully vaccinated.  The implementation date and details of the relevant measures will be announced separately. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/04/P2021050400899.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html 2. 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/ 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1.政府進一步調整到港人士的登機及檢疫安排 為實施「抗疫新路向」下更精準以風險為本的到港人士登機、檢疫及檢測安排，政府調整登機及強制檢疫安排分組：中國以外地區將分為第599H章下極高風險A1組指明地區（等同現行A組指明地區）；新增的甚高風險A2組指明地區；以及原有的高風險B組指明地區、中風險C組指明地區和低風險D組指明地區。 考慮到現時極高風險地區，即印度、尼泊爾、巴基斯坦、菲律賓、巴西及南非的疫情仍然不穩，現行第599H章下的禁令將會繼續維持。 另一方面，考慮到愛爾蘭及英國的疫情已趨平穩及疫苗接種率比較理想，政府於五月七日起撤銷曾逗留愛爾蘭及英國的人士登機來港的禁令，讓當地來港航班可以恢復，並容許當地香港居民登機回港，而有關人士抵港後必須遵守最嚴格的強制檢疫及檢測安排。 按照「疫苗氣泡」概念，政府正計劃根據風險水平適度縮減並未逗留極高或甚高風險地區，並已完成接種疫苗的來港人士的強制檢疫期。相關措施的實施日期及細節將另行公布。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/04/P2021050400797.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/high-risk-places.html 2.逾一百萬人已接種第一針新冠疫苗 政府公布，自2019冠狀病毒病疫苗接種計劃於二月二十六日正式展開，累計已接種第一針新冠疫苗的人口已超過一百萬人，約佔本港16歲或以上合資格接種人口百分之十五。 衞生署建立了新冠疫苗藥物安全監測系統，包括收集醫護人員及藥劑業界在香港使用的新冠疫苗接種異常事件報告，以及成立了新冠疫苗臨床事件評估專家委員會（專家委員會），對香港使用的新冠疫苗與疫苗接種異常事件的潛在關聯進行獨立評估。 截至二○二一年五月二日，本港有11 785人感染2019冠狀病毒病，其中210人因感染該病而離世。另外，本港共接種了約1 491 900劑新冠疫苗及接獲2 402宗異常事件報告（佔疫苗接種總劑量的0.16%）。衞生署同期共收到16宗（佔疫苗接種總劑量的0.001%）曾經於去世前14日內接種新冠疫苗的死亡報告，專家委員會已總結四宗個案與新冠疫苗接種沒有因果關係，而其他個案初步認為與新冠疫苗接種沒有關係。 政府呼籲尚未接種疫苗人士盡早接種疫苗。高疫苗接種率才可以令香港盡快恢復經濟和民生活動。同時，面對變種病毒株的威脅，為了保護自己和身邊的人，接種疫苗實刻不容緩。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/05/P2021050500851.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/06/P2021050600585.htm 更多新冠疫苗資訊 www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 3 May 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines Foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to receive compulsory testing and vaccination Testing has been an integral part of the strategy in preventing and fighting the virus. The Government has been implementing the Targeted Group Testing Scheme for high-risk and high-exposure groups and essential staff of critical infrastructure and services, etc since mid-2020. Around 3.4 million tests have been conducted so far. Among them, all FDHs were offered a one-off free test on a voluntary basis at CTCs from mid-December 2020 to end February this year. Over 34 000 FDHs, equivalent to less than 10 per cent of the total number of FDHs in Hong Kong, had received voluntary testing at CTCs during the period. Under the new direction for fighting the pandemic, high-risk or high-exposure groups such as staff members of residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities and nursing homes, as well as most of the frontline staff of catering businesses, are required to undergo regular testing if they have not completed a COVID-19 vaccination course. The Government exercised on April 30 the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and gazetted a compulsory testing notice and specifications, which require any person who had been present at 26 specified premises during the specified period and foreign domestic helpers (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test. In accordance with the established practice, the relevant decision was made solely on public health grounds after detailed risk assessment. The factors that have been taken into account include that two recent cases involving N501Y mutant strain were FDHs, the transmissibility of mutant strains is higher, the sources of infection of the cases were not known, and that the confirmed case had gatherings and contacts with other FDHs during the incubation and infection periods, etc. Any foreign domestic helper who had not completed a COVID-19 vaccination has to undergo testing by May 9, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone testing on April 30, 2021, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice. For both the Sinovac vaccine (CoronaVac vaccine) and Fosun Pharma/BioNTech vaccine (Comirnaty vaccine), completion of the vaccination course in general means having received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine 14 days ago, i.e. having received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before April 25, 2021. For persons previously infected with COVID-19, they may be deemed to have completed the COVID-19 vaccination course after receiving one dose of Comirnaty vaccine or one dose of CoronaVac vaccine 14 days ago, i.e. having received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before April 25, 2021. In view of the threat posed by the mutant strains, it is imperative for us to get vaccinated. The Government appeals to all FDHs to receive vaccination as soon as possible in order to protect their own health and that of their employers' family and others, and to avoid being subject to any regular testing in the future. Employers should encourage and assist FDHs to receive vaccination, such as allowing sufficient rest for FDHs after receiving vaccination. For details, please refer to: Government to gazette compulsory testing notice and specifications under Cap. 599J https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/01/P2021050100026.htm FHB thanks public for co-operation in compulsory testing https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/02/P2021050200877.htm LWB response to the requirement for foreign domestic helpers to receive compulsory testing and vaccination arrangement https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/01/P2021050100859.htm Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/compulsory-testing.html More information on COVID-19 vaccines www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 外籍家庭傭工（外傭）接受2019冠狀病毒病強制檢測及接種疫苗 病毒檢測一直是防疫抗疫策略中的重要一環。政府自去年中持續推行針對較高風險、高接觸群組、重要基建服務人員等推出的特定群組檢測計劃，已進行超過340萬次檢測。當中，由去年十二月中至今年二月底，政府亦曾於社區檢測中心為全港外籍家庭傭工（外傭）提供一次免費檢測，期間共有超過34 000名外傭於社區檢測中心接受自願檢測，少於全港外傭的一成。在抗疫新路向下，安老院、殘疾人士院舍及護養院員工、大部分餐飲業務前線員工等的高風險、高接觸群組，如未完成接種疫苗，均須接受定期強制檢測。 政府於四月三十日引用《預防及控制疾病（對若干人士強制檢測）規例》（《規例》）（第599J章），就《規例》下的強制檢測公告及指明刊憲，要求於指定期間曾身處26個指明地方的人士以及外籍家庭傭工，接受2019冠狀病毒病核酸檢測。 一如既往，有關決定完全基於公共衞生考慮，並經過詳細風險評估，當中的考慮因素包括於近期有兩宗涉及N501Y變種病毒株的確診個案均為外傭，變種病毒株的傳染性較高，個案感染源頭未明，而確診個案在病毒潛伏期及傳播期間曾經和其他外傭聚會或接觸等。 任何未完成2019冠狀病毒病疫苗接種的外籍家庭傭工，須於二○二一年五月九日或之前接受檢測。受檢人士若在二○二一年四月三十日已進行檢測，會獲視為已遵從強制檢測公告的規定。就科興疫苗(克爾來福疫苗)及復星醫藥╱德國藥廠疫苗(復必泰疫苗)，完成新冠疫苗接種一般而言是指在 14 天前已經合共接種了兩劑新冠疫苗 (即在二○二一年四月二十五日或之前已經接種了第 2 劑新冠疫苗)。就曾感染2019 冠狀病毒病的人士，在 14 天前接種一劑復必泰新冠疫苗或一劑克爾來福新冠疫苗後可獲視為已完成新冠疫苗接種(即在二○二一年四月二十五日或之前已經接種了一劑新冠疫苗)。 面對變種病毒株的威脅，接種疫苗已經是刻不容緩。政府呼籲所有外傭盡快接種疫苗，以保障自身、僱主家庭及他人的健康。僱主應鼓勵及協助外傭接種疫苗，例如讓外傭在接種疫苗後有充分休息。 詳情可參閱： 政府就第599J章下強制檢測公告及指明刊憲 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/01/P2021050100025.htm 食衞局感謝市民配合強制檢測要求 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/02/P2021050200824.htm 勞工及福利局就外籍家庭傭工接受強制檢測及接種疫苗安排的回應 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/01/P2021050100792.htm 對若干人士強制檢測 https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/compulsory-testing.html 更多新冠疫苗資訊 www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 30 Apr 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)and vaccines 1. Government to relax social distancing measures under "vaccine bubble" The Government has gazetted directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to relax social distancing measures with conditions with "vaccine bubble" as the basis. These directions and specifications take effect from 0.00am on April 29, for a period of 14 days till May 12. 1. Except for bars or pubs which are subject to other requirements, all catering business must operate according to one or more of the following operating mode(s). Among them, Types A and B Mode of Operation are existing arrangements, while Types C and D Mode of Operation are introduced under the "vaccine bubble". Arrangements for Catering Business, Bars/Pubs and five Scheduled Premises under the “Vaccine Bubble” https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800868_366077_1_1619624036686.pdf Summary of latest measures on catering business and scheduled premises: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800868_366078_1_1619624036680.pdf 2. Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue during the specified period. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with. Relaxation Arrangements for Group Gathering Restrictions under the “Vaccine Bubble”: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800868_366072_1_1619624036695.pdf 3. The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will be extended during the specified period. The Government reminds the public that a staff member or a customer who makes false declarations or provides false information under the measures may be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000. Relevant specified forms and template of medical certificate: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/cap599FG_forms.html To help catering premises and scheduled premises operators, as well as the general public, understand the operational details of the "vaccine bubble", the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has launched a thematic webpage as a one-stop portal to provide relevant information and working tools: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900690.htm www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble_FP.html Depending on the epidemic development and the implementation of the first phase of measures under the 'vaccine bubble', the Government will review and adjust the details of the measures and consider further relaxation of restrictions in respect of the operation of restaurants and other premises under the second phase. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/28/P2021042800868.htm 2. The Government continues to ensure that the authorised vaccines satisfy the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality The Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines convened a meeting on 29 April 2021 to conduct continuous benefit-risk analysis of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines. After reviewing all the latest available clinical and safety data related, the Advisory Panel still considered that the benefits outweighed the risks. There was no need to recommend changes regarding the use of the vaccine. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900881.htm More information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 3. Government further tightens place-specific flight suspension mechanism and suspends passenger flights from Nepal In view of the continually unstable global epidemic situation, the Government will adjust the place-specific flight suspension mechanism. A new criterion will also be introduced to run in parallel. If a total of 10 or more passengers were confirmed positive by any tests (including tests conducted during quarantine) with the N501Y mutant strain or relevant virus mutation within a seven-day period, the flight suspension mechanism would also be triggered. At the same time, as a measure to manage the flight resumption arrangements more cautiously under the mechanism, the Government will conduct risk assessments every two weeks for comprehensive reviews of relevant factors such as the epidemic situation of the relevant places, vaccination rate, and the prevalence of new virus variants, etc., before determining whether it was appropriate to remove the flight suspension. Due to the need to review the epidemic situation of the place concerned, the flight suspension mechanism will not be lifted automatically. Under the tightened place-specific flight suspension mechanism, the Government will extend the measure to prohibit all passenger flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines from landing in Hong Kong, and starting from 00.00am on May 1, prohibit all passenger flights from Nepal from landing in Hong Kong. For details: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900946.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1.政府以「疫苗氣泡」為基礎放寬社交距離措施 政府就《預防及控制疾病（規定及指示）（業務及處所）規例》（第599F章）、《預防及控制疾病（禁止羣組聚集）規例》（第599G章）及《預防及控制疾病（佩戴口罩）規例》（第599I章）下的指示及指明刊憲，以「疫苗氣泡」為基礎，有條件地放寬社交距離措施。這些指示及指明由4月29日凌晨零時起生效，為期14天，直至5月12日。 1. 除酒吧或酒館另有規定外，所有餐飲業務處所須按其中一種或多種模式運作。其中A類及B類運作模式為現時已有的運作模式，而C類及D類運作模式則為「疫苗氣泡」下的新增運作模式。 在「疫苗氣泡」下餐飲業務、酒吧/酒館及五類表列處所的安排: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800750_366059_1_1619612900714.pdf 餐飲業務及表列處所最新措施概覽: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800750_366056_1_1619612900707.pdf 2. 除獲豁免者外，於指明期間繼續禁止在公眾地方進行四人以上的羣組聚集。有關規定同樣適用於未有遵從第599F章下相關規定或限制的餐飲業務及表列處所內的羣組聚集。 在「疫苗氣泡」下羣組聚集限制的放寬安排: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202104/28/P2021042800750_366057_1_1619612900726.pdf 3. 指明期間延續第599I章下強制佩戴口罩的要求。 政府提醒市民，若員工或顧客在措施下作出虛假聲明或提供虛假資料，可處定額罰款5,000元。 相關指定表格及醫生證明書樣本: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/cap599FG_forms.html 為協助餐飲業務和表列處所負責人，以及公眾人士了解「疫苗氣泡」的操作細節，食環署已推出主題專頁，一站式提供相關資訊和操作工具: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900689.htm www.fehd.gov.hk/tc_chi/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble_FP.html 視乎疫情發展以及『疫苗氣泡』第一階段措施的落實情況，政府會在第二階段檢討和適當地調節有關措施細節，並考慮進一步放寬食肆和其他處所的營運限制。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/28/P2021042800750.htm 2.政府繼續確保認可疫苗符合安全、效能及質素要求 2019冠狀病毒病疫苗顧問專家委員會在2021年4月29日就認可新冠疫苗的持續效益及風險評估舉行會議。顧問專家委員會在檢視所有相關的最新臨床及安全數據後，仍然認為疫苗的效益均大於風險，並沒有需要建議更改疫苗的使用。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900743.htm 更多新冠疫苗資訊： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 3.政府進一步收緊地區性航班「熔斷機制」並禁止尼泊爾客機來港 鑑於全球疫情持續反覆，政府將調整地區性航班「熔斷機制」，增設一項並行準則：如七天內共有十名或以上乘客經任何檢測（包括檢疫期間的檢測）而確診並帶有N501Y變種病毒株或相關病毒變種，亦會觸發「熔斷機制」。同時，為了更審慎處理機制下的復飛安排，政府會每兩星期作風險評估，全盤考慮相關地區的疫情、疫苗接種率、新變種病毒的流行程度等因素，再決定是否適合撤銷「熔斷」要求。由於需要檢視當地疫情，「熔斷機制」因而不會自動撤銷。 在經收緊的地區性航班「熔斷機制」下，政府將延續禁止所有從印度、巴基斯坦及菲律賓來港的民航客機着陸香港的措施，並由五月一日凌晨零時起禁止所有從尼泊爾來港的民航客機着陸香港。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/29/P2021042900912.htm https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/high-risk-places.html 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

World Immunization Week 2021 · Vaccines bring us closer

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health on World Immunization Week 2021. Health, Safety and Environment Office Dear Sir/Madam, World Immunization Week 2021 · Vaccines bring us closer World Immunization Week is a global initiative organised by the World Health Organization in the last week of April (24 to 30 April) aiming to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases. Immunisation is recognized as one of the most successful, safe and cost-effective health interventions and protect millions of people each year globally from serious and often deadly diseases including measles, hepatitis B and even some forms of cancer. We have sacrificed so much to keep our loved ones and community safe from COVID-19: family reunions, hugs from loved ones, meals with friends and colleagues. Now, vaccines offer us the clearest path back to normal. Together, we can end the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve a healthier world for all. COVID-19 Vaccines are Safe and Effective Protect Yourself and Others Get Vaccinated Now About World Immunization Week 2021: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/104273.html For more information on vaccines, please visit thematic website: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en 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 ************************* 敬啟者： 2021年世界免疫周 · 疫苗使我們更緊密 世界衞生組織舉辦的世界免疫周於每年4月最後一周 (4月24至30日) 舉行，其目的是促進疫苗使用，使所有年齡組別人群得到保護，預防疫苗可預防疾病。 免疫接種是公認最成功、最安全和最具成本效益的衞生干預措施之一，每年保護全球數以百萬計的生命，免受麻疹、乙型肝炎以致某些癌症等嚴重甚至可致命疾病的威脅。 為了保護至親和社區免受2019冠狀病毒病傷害，我們犧牲甚多：停止家庭聚會、不與至親擁抱、避免與朋友和同事飯聚。現在，疫苗為我們提供回到正常生活的途徑。只要我們同心合力，便可結束2019冠狀病毒病疫情，為所有人建立更健康的世界。 新冠疫苗 安全有效 護己護人 立即接種 關於2021年世界免疫周： https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/104273.html 更多疫苗資訊，請瀏覽以下網站： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/zh-HK 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署

Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines - 20 Apr 2021

Dear Staff and Students, We would like to share the following message from Department of Health about Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines. Health, Safety and Environment Office Dear Sir/Madam, Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines 1. COVID-19 Vaccination Programme opens to persons aged 16 or above The Government announced that the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will be expanded to cover persons aged 16 to 29. The minimum age for receiving the BioNTech vaccine is 16, and that for receiving the Sinovac vaccine is 18. Separately, the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) across the territory are expected to operate until the end of September. Persons in the above age group can make reservations starting from 9am on April 23 through the online booking system on the designated website of the Vaccination Programme for receiving vaccines at 29 CVCs and 18 general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA). They can also make appointments for vaccinations with private doctors or clinics participating in the programme. Moreover, taking into account the supply of the BioNTech vaccine, the vaccination rate and its limitations in storage, the CVCs administering the BioNTech vaccine are expected to operate until the end of September. People must make an appointment to receive the first dose of BioNTech vaccine by the end of August in order to complete the vaccination of two doses by the end of September for better protection from the vaccine. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/15/P2021041500565.htm More information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 2. Ensure that the arrangement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme meets the requirements System safeguard measures are in place in the existing online booking system and eHS(S) to ensure that the arrangement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme meets the requirements. The Department of Health (DH) will continue to communicate with participating doctors to ensure that vaccination services are provided in accordance with the guidelines. Enhancement to the system safeguard measures has also been made to support different scenarios of vaccine administration. Members of the public should report their medical and vaccination record accurately to healthcare professionals and adhere to recommendations and advice on COVID-19 vaccination given by them. The practice of mixed doses vaccination involves uncertainty and risk, and is still in the experimental stage, which should only be conducted under the supervision of healthcare professionals. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800566.htm 3. Government invokes place-specific flight suspension mechanism & Enhancing the testing of persons returning to Hong Kong from overseas places The Government implemented on April 14 the tightened flight-specific suspension mechanism, as well as the new place-specific flight suspension mechanism in parallel. With confirmed cases involving the N501Y mutant strain detected for the first time in the community in Hong Kong, for prudence’s sake, the Government has applied the criteria of the newly implemented place-specific flight suspension mechanism retrospectively for 14 days on places where there had been imported cases confirmed by arrival tests that carried the N501Y mutant strain. The place-specific suspension mechanism for India, Pakistan, and the Philippines will be effective for 14 days from midnight on April 20.  Relevant restrictions will include the prohibition of passenger flights from these places from landing in Hong Kong, as well as specifying these three places as Group A specified places under Cap. 599H to restrict any person who have stayed in these places for more than two hours on the day of boarding or 21 days before that day from boarding for Hong Kong. At the same time, to enhance the testing of persons returning to Hong Kong from overseas places, the Government is issuing a compulsory testing notice for persons who returned to Hong Kong from extremely high-risk places specified under Cap. 599H (that is the current Group A specified places).  After completing the compulsory quarantine for 21 days as well as the testing on the 12th and 19th day during quarantine, these persons returning to Hong Kong will also need to self-monitor further for another seven days, and be subject to nucleic acid testing on the 26th day of their return to Hong Kong. For details, please refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800858.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800771.htm Details on the grouping of specified places and their respective boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements can be found at: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html 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 ****************************************** 敬啟者： 2019冠狀病毒病及疫苗的最新資訊 1. 16歲或以上合資格人士可預約接種新冠疫苗 政府宣布擴大2019冠狀病毒病疫苗接種計劃涵蓋16歲至29歲的人士。接種復必泰疫苗的最低年齡是16歲，而接種科興疫苗的最低年齡是18歲。以上年齡組別的人士可以由四月二十三日上午九時開始在專題網站內的預約系統，預約到29間社區疫苗接種中心或18間醫院管理局普通科門診診所接種疫苗，或自行與參與疫苗接種計劃的私家醫生或診所預約。 此外，考慮到復必泰疫苗的供應情況，接種率及其在保存方面的局限，政府計劃安排社區疫苗接種中心運作至九月底。市民須預約在八月底前接種第一劑復必泰疫苗，才能在九月底完成接種兩劑疫苗，得到疫苗的保護功效。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/15/P2021041500472.htm 更多新冠疫苗資訊： www.covidvaccine.gov.hk 2. 確保疫苗接種的安排符合要求 現行的網上預約及醫健通（資助）系統已經設有機制，以確保疫苗接種的安排符合要求。衞生署會繼續與參與計劃的私家醫生聯繫，確保私家醫生為應診人士提供符合指引的疫苗接種服務，亦已加強系統的管理措施，以支援不同場境的疫苗接種工作。市民應向醫護人員提供準確的醫療和疫苗接種紀錄，並聽從醫護人員就新冠疫苗接種作出的建議。而接種混合疫苗的做法存在不確定性，亦涉及一定風險，仍在試驗階段，須在醫護人員的監督下進行。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800561.htm 3. 政府實施地區性航班「熔斷機制」及 加強從海外地區回港人士的檢測 政府在四月十四日開始實施經收緊的個別航班「熔斷機制」，並同時實施新設並行的地區性航班「熔斷機制」。 由於香港首次在社區發現涉及N501Y變種病毒株的確診個案，為審慎起見，政府按剛落實的地區性航班『熔斷機制』所設的指標，追溯過去14天從不同地區經抵港檢測而確診帶有N501Y變種病毒株的輸入個案。 就印度、巴基斯坦及菲律賓實施的「熔斷機制」由四月二十日零時零分開始生效，為期14天。相關限制包括禁止所有從該些地區來港的民航客機着陸香港，以及將該三個地區指明為第599H章下的A組指明地區，限制任何在登機當天或當天之前21天曾經在該地區逗留超過兩小時的人士登機來港。 與此同時，為了加強從海外地區回港人士的檢測，政府就從第599H章下的極高風險地區（即目前的A組指明地區）回港人士發出強制檢測公告，要求相關回港人士即使在完成21天強制檢疫以及檢疫期間的第12天和第19天檢測後，仍需要進一步自我監察七天，並在回港第26天接受核酸檢測。 詳情可參閱： https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800807.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/18/P2021041800768.htm 就相關指明地區分組和相應的登機及強制檢疫要求的詳情，可參閱： https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/chi/high-risk-places.html 希望你可以將有關資訊與你的同事、合作者及／或業務伙伴分享，讓他們都能採取合適的預防措施。非常感謝你的支持。 衞生署