Transcript of remarks on anti-epidemic measures by SFH at media session

     Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after attending a radio programme today (November 13):
 
Reporter: Secretary, is the Government considering rolling out the vaccine passport? Also, have the recent two imported cases involving pilots affected resuming quarantine-free travel?
 
Secretary of Food and Health: Your first question about vaccine passport, in fact, I think vaccination or promoting vaccination is one of the key measures in epidemic control. Not only can vaccine keep people safe, it can also protect people from infecting as well as protecting people from having less severe symptoms and also protect people from dying when they contract the virus. This is something that the Government would like to promote and take forward. Whether people are required to show vaccination certificates in entering any premises, this is not something new. We have already started in Type D restaurants, and also premises like karaoke. If we are to put in place this requirement, I think the most important thing is for the operators of these premises to be co-operative, and for people who have not been vaccinated for no reason to get vaccinated, so that the entire society is protected against COVID-19.
 
     As far as the two (confirmed cases involving cargo) pilots are concerned, the Transport and Housing Bureau has already quickly communicated with the airline company to firstly trace the two persons, and also requested airlines to increase and improve their measures at outports as well as after their crew have come into Hong Kong. Upon arriving at the airport, they must take tests and obtain a negative result before going to their self-isolation place. Now, there are a few strengthening measures, first is to strengthen the outport control. Secondly, (for returning local cargo crew) there will be a daily test for at least 14 days. Thirdly, their movement is restricted to, for example, going out to take test at Community Testing Centre or going to consult a doctor, otherwise they should be staying at home. I think the Transport and Housing Bureau will monitor the situation closely together with the airline companies.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)