Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced on Tuesday (4th) that the "vaccine bubble" will be expanded from February 24th, when entering restaurants, fitness rooms, public libraries, etc., all people must receive at least one dose of the new crown vaccine.
The local vaccination program started in February last year and the vaccination rate has so far exceeded 70%.
The remaining 20% of citizens who have not been vaccinated are still hesitant about the vaccine, perhaps worried about the side effects, or believe that the current epidemic in Hong Kong is under control and there is no compulsory vaccination.
However, with the spread of the Omicron variant virus and the fifth wave of the epidemic, suitable citizens should be vaccinated as soon as possible anyway.
Whether or not to be vaccinated is of course a personal freedom, but if a diagnosis is made and other people are infected, it is actually a burden on the medical system and an impact on society.
The government will expand the "vaccine bubble" on February 24, which will not only help reduce the spread of the epidemic, but also a way to encourage citizens to get vaccinated.
The authoritative medical journal "Acupuncture" published a study on January 1, pointing out that the experience of Denmark, Israel, Italy, France, Germany, and Switzerland shows that 20 days before the implementation of the vaccine bubble and 40 days after its entry into force, the public’s vaccination The rate is improved.
Vaccination significantly reduces the condition
Some citizens believe that people who have been vaccinated may still be infected with the new coronavirus, and therefore question the limited effectiveness of the vaccine.
But vaccines never mean 100% immunity, but to reduce the possibility of infection, and can significantly reduce the condition of the disease, thereby reducing the burden on the medical system.
Taking the figures from the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) as an example, the rate of hospital admissions without vaccinations is eight times higher than those already vaccinated, and vaccination with booster shots can reduce the admission rate by 88%.
While the WHO European Director Hans Kluge recently pointed out that mandatory vaccines can only be the last resort, he also admitted that without mass vaccination, there may be many more deaths.
According to the research he cited, in the past year counted in November last year, 5 million people worldwide died of the new crown virus disease, but if large-scale vaccination were not carried out in many countries, about 470,000 people would have died because of the disease.
Liang Zhuowei: Omicron can cause the medical system to collapse
In fact, some European and American countries or cities have implemented similar vaccine requirements to step up epidemic prevention.
For example, New Yorkers must complete vaccination before they can enter indoor restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters and other places.
French President Macron also stated in an interview with a local newspaper on Tuesday (4th), "From January 15th, you (unvaccinated) cannot enter the restaurant, drink coffee, or go to the theater or the theater. "
Government expert consultant Yuan Guoyong, chair professor of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong, said on Wednesday (5th) that he believed that the fifth wave of the epidemic may have already begun technically.
Another consultant, Leung Cheuk Wai, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, also pointed out that if Omicron spreads in Hong Kong, there will be up to 120 deaths per day. Hong Kong cannot afford it and the medical system must collapse.
The epidemic has arrived. Isn’t there a clear answer to the question "Why should we get vaccinated?"
01 Forum.
Pan Zhuohong｜The Han people see the absurdity of the system and the rules return to normal, understand that the same boat can effectively fight the epidemic, rational and mutual trust can plug the loopholes in epidemic prevention