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

1. Government announced latest arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination services and vaccination venues with effect from end of April

The Government announced that further adjustment would be made to the COVID-19 vaccination service arrangements and vaccination venues starting from the end of April to align with the updated COVID-19 vaccination arrangement in the new phase of resumption of normalcy, with a view to sustaining sufficient capacity to cater for public demand while ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the arrangements.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/20/P2023042000559.htm

2. Heightened vigilance against COVID-19 and influenza urged

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged members of the public to heighten their vigilance against COVID-19 due to its increased activity as indicated in local surveillance data. Persons who are symptomatic, even if having mild symptoms, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly with a view to lowering the risk of spreading the virus to high-risk persons. Strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene should also be observed at all times. The CHP stressed that vaccination can effectively prevent infection and serious cases.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/18/P2023041800574.htm

3. Amount of COVID-19 oral drugs requested by private doctors via online platform adjusted

A Government spokesman reiterated that it has been closely monitoring the usage of COVID-19 oral drugs, and in light of the recent epidemic situation, the number of standard courses of each of the two COVID-19 oral drugs private doctors can request via the dedicated online platform set up by the Government has been increased to 10 courses per order with immediate effect.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/24/P2023042400650.htm

4. COVID-19 vaccination new arrangement

In light of local experts' advice, the Government announced a new phase of COVID-19 vaccination arrangement.
For details, refer to:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=605863158253000&set=a.348153910690594

5. COVID-19-related hotlines to cease operation

The Government announced that the COVID-19 hotlines (2125 1111/2125 1122/1830 111) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health as well as the enquiry hotline (1836 115) and the Chinese Medicine Service Hotline (1834 511) under the Hospital Authority (HA) ceased operation on 8pm April 18.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/14/P2023041400692.htm

6. Repeal of provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination under Employment Ordinance

The Labour Department (LD) announced that the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 (Commencement) Notice was published in the Gazette on April 14 and would take effect on June 16 to repeal the provisions under the Employment Ordinance (EO) relating to a legitimate COVID-19 vaccination request (vaccination provisions).
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/12/P2023041100385.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health