The Omicron variant of the new crown virus has entered the Hong Kong community. The Secretary for Food and Health, Chen Zhaoshi, announced at the epidemic press conference today (31st) that a series of measures will be tightened to prevent the Omicron variant virus, and it is planned to be before the Lunar New Year. That is to say, before February, the scope of vaccine bubbles was expanded to premises regulated by Chapter 599F, including 18 types of premises such as restaurants, and citizens must be vaccinated with at least one dose of vaccine.
Cathay Pacific quarantine-free crew members have been diagnosed with multiple cases in the past few days. Chen Zhaoshi revealed that Chief Executive Carrie Lam had summoned Cathay Pacific’s chairman and chief executive officer this morning and expressed to them that the crew members of Cathay Pacific stationed in Hong Kong were suspected of violating the three-day home quarantine requirements. The community communication opportunity expresses strong dissatisfaction.
Chen Zhaoshi denounced “irresponsible behavior, which led to a large number of citizens being sent to quarantine centers and multiple virus tests during the New Year”. The government has also ordered the chairman of Cathay Pacific to review the incident in person and provide a satisfactory account to the public.
The Secretary for Food and Health, Chen Zhaoshi, has announced that a series of measures will be tightened.
(Photo by Yu Junliang)
"Vaccine Bubble" expanded to 18 types of premises, including theaters and sports venues
The Secretary for Food and Health, Chen Zhaoshi, announced that a series of measures will be tightened to strengthen the anti-epidemic barrier against the Omicron variant virus, and plans to expand the scope of vaccine bubbles before the Chinese New Year, that is, before February.
Chen Zhaoshi pointed out that currently under the regulation of Chapter 599F, 18 types of premises including restaurants, such as theaters, fitness centers, gymnasiums, libraries, sports venues, etc., must receive at least one dose of vaccine to enter the public.
In addition, employees on the premises also need to complete the vaccination before the specified deadline. If the age does not meet the vaccination requirements or has a doctor's certification that they are not suitable for vaccination, they can be exempted.
▼Mochizuki Tower is temporarily closed for inspection by the Health Protection Center ▼
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Chen Zhaoshi: The Chief Executive asked Cathay Pacific Chairman to personally explain to the public
In recent days, a number of confirmed cases involved Cathay Pacific crew members going out in violation of regulations. Chen Zhaoshi pointed out that Chief Executive Carrie Lam had summoned Cathay Pacific’s chairman and chief executive officer this morning and expressed to them that the Cathay Pacific crew members in Hong Kong were suspected of violating the three-day home quarantine requirements and increasing the community. Spread the opportunity to express strong dissatisfaction.
She continued that in the past few days, Cathay Pacific crew members violated regulations after returning to Hong Kong and even visited places where a large number of people gather, increasing the risk of the virus spreading locally. Center, and repeated virus tests.” She quoted the Chief Executive as saying that the relevant violations must not be accepted, and the chairman of Cathay Pacific has been ordered to personally review the incident and provide a satisfactory explanation to the public.
In addition, the Transport and Housing Bureau has announced further tightening of the quarantine arrangements for crew members stationed in Hong Kong. The crew members who arrive in Hong Kong will not be allowed to leave until they obtain a negative nucleic acid test result on the 7th day instead of staying in a quarantine hotel for 3 days.
The relevant arrangements will take effect tomorrow, at midnight on January 1.
▼Family of the occupants who eat on the same table are infected with the disease in the closed area of Rongze Building in Shikipwei ▼
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Director of Health: Omciron's unprecedented and alarming global spread
Lin Wenjian, Director of the Department of Health, pointed out that the global epidemic of Omciron brings risks to Hong Kong.
He pointed out that a total of 5 million new cases involving Omciron had been added in the world last week, describing it as "unprecedented global proliferation at an alarming rate." It has now spread to at least 110 countries.
As of yesterday, a total of 81 Omciron cases have been recorded in Hong Kong. Another 28 cases have not yet been sequenced but are highly suspected with N501Y and T478K. Omicron’s share of imported cases in Hong Kong rose from 35% two weeks ago to yesterday’s Over 90%, "I see the pressure of Omciron imported from foreign defenses in the future will increase unabated."
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He continued that the virus characteristics of Omciron are more threatening than the Delta variant, and it is highly contagious. Its transmission power is four to eight times higher than that of Delta. It can also infect many people who have been infected and recovered.
In addition, Omciron has more genetic variation, which weakens the effectiveness of the vaccine in disguise.
He pointed out that the current vaccination coverage rate is "a very large gap." Nearly 30% of the population in Hong Kong has not yet been vaccinated or has been vaccinated, especially for the elderly. He said that in terms of scientific data, vaccines still effectively reduce the chance of contracting the new coronavirus, including Omciron, and reduce severe illness, mortality and hospitalization rates after infection. He called on citizens to get the third dose of vaccine as soon as possible.
Lin Wenjian, Director of the Department of Health, pointed out that the global epidemic of Omciron brings risks to Hong Kong.
(Photo by Yu Junliang)
Lin also described the spread of Omicron in community restaurants. "Seeing that Hong Kong is already at a critical point where the fifth wave of epidemics may occur. A single spark can start a prairie fire. Put out the first fire in every way, except for prevention and control work. , They must also rely on the public to do a good job of epidemic prevention.” The public should also avoid unnecessary travels during the New Year or Lunar New Year. Even if they want to travel outside, they should wear masks and take good personal hygiene. Parents should also avoid bringing in those who have not been vaccinated. Young children travel outside.
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