Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines
1. Government lifts all mandatory mask-wearing requirements
Having assessed the latest epidemic development, the Government announced that all mandatory mask-wearing requirements will be lifted with effect from March 1, thereby enabling the society to resume normalcy in full.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800677.htm
2. Hospital Authority supports resumption of normalcy measures
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman said the HA will implement a series of measures to fully tie in with the Government's latest resumption of normalcy measures from March 1 onwards, embracing the full recovery of Hong Kong with the whole society.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800473.htm
3. New arrangements for nucleic acid testing service to commence from Wednesday
The Government reminded members of the public that the nucleic acid testing requirement for public hospitals, residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) has been replaced by rapid antigen tests (RATs) starting from March 1. Following the complete lifting of compulsory nucleic acid testing requirements, free nucleic acid testing service in the community testing network ceased accordingly from the same day onwards. A total of 21 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) will be retained for provision of self-paid nucleic acid testing service to members of the public from 10am to 8pm daily (closed from 1.30pm to 2pm/2.30pm for deep cleaning and disinfection).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700235.htm
4. Health Bureau's response on regulatory mechanism of nucleic acid testing services
The Government has been maintaining a robust regulatory mechanism for community nucleic acid testing services to strictly monitor the quality of the relevant services in order to safeguard the credibility of testing results and the proper use of public money. In addition, the Government has all along been requiring all testing contractors to ensure that community testing centres and stations (CTC/CTSs) are run properly as stipulated and in compliance with various daily operation and infection control requirements.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/26/P2023022600276.htm
5. Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation assesses serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccination
The Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation, set up under the Department of Health (DH) to provide independent assessment on the potential causal link between Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) and COVID-19 vaccination in Hong Kong, convened a meeting on February 27 to assess serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccination.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700637.htm
6. Government reminds public not to resell or provide to others COVID-19 oral drugs
The Government reminded members of the public not to resell or provide to others COVID-19 oral drugs, nor should they attempt to obtain COVID-19 oral drugs through improper means. It is an offence to illegally possess, sell or resell (including supply without payment) COVID-19 oral drugs. Obtaining COVID-19 oral drugs through improper means may well constitute the related criminal offence, liable to imprisonment.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800529.htm
7. Penny's Bay Community Isolation Facility closing ceremony
The closing ceremony of the Penny's Bay Community Isolation Facility (PBCIF) was held on March 1. It was officiated by the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk. Representatives from various departments and organisations which had provided services for the PBCIF also attended the ceremony to witness the important moment marking the completion of mission by the anti-epidemic facility.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100631.htm
8. AMS completes COVID-19 anti-epidemic duties
The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) announced that the Headquarters Control Room, which was activated in view of the epidemic, ceased operation on March 1. The AMS also held a lights-off ceremony in the Headquarters Control Room today, signifying the completion of its COVID-19 anti-epidemic duties. The Commissioner of the AMS, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chief Staff Officer, Mr Wong Ying-keung; volunteer members and staff members joined and witnessed this ceremony.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100559.htm
More information on COVID-19 vaccines:
https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/
Department of Health
