The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a press conference on anti-epidemic measures this morning (March 12). Also joining were the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan. Following is the transcript of remarks of the press conference:

Reporter: The first question is whether the Government has set a specific target to meet as to how many cases it has to reduce in a certain period of time. If the Government does not have such a goal, how can the Government assure the Hong Kong public that it can successfully combat the fifth wave of the pandemic? And also, the second question is about the remarks of Xia Baolong yesterday, because he said the anti-epidemic work in Hong Kong should be carried out as precise as acupuncture. So what area can the Government do to ensure a more precise and targeted approach when combating the epidemic? For example, does the Government agree that it should have targeted the elderly in its vaccination drive with a more aggressive and targeted approach to avoid the thousands of deaths recorded right now? Thank you.

Chief Executive: Of the two questions, first of all, we have been fighting this epidemic for more than two years like the rest of the world, and every government will have to determine its anti-epidemic policies according to the actual situation, the ability of the government and the co-operation of the people in that particular place. I could understand that people are very worried about the current fifth wave because of the tsunami-like increase in the number of confirmed cases and the number of deaths. But we mustn't forget that we have gone through four waves of the COVID-19 epidemic with, I would say, relative success – I wouldn't say we are very successful because at the same time we need to impose border control and social distancing measures. In tackling this unprecedented fifth wave, we have to examine very carefully the development of the epidemic. That's why I said that at this moment we could not comfortably say that we have passed the peak. Although some experts have said that perhaps we have passed the peak, but we'd rather take a very cautious stance that we will closely monitor the coming days to see whether we are seeing a drop in the confirmed cases, especially under the self-declaration system of those who test positive under the rapid antigen test. Of course, we would like to see the cases come down to an extent that from our experience and with the experts' advice we could call it an end to the fifth wave and then we go back to normal, and this has happened in the second wave, the third wave and the fourth wave. And the objective now is to achieve that goal as soon as possible, but it would be too simplistic for me to set a specific number – setting a specific number would mean that we are not being very scientific – because we need to take into account all circumstances.

     The second question about remarks made by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (of the State Council), I would first wish to express my deepest gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his personal attention and tremendous efforts in co-ordinating the various ministries and commissions in the Central People's Government to support Hong Kong. As I understand, he has personally chaired eight co-ordination meetings to make sure that every request from the Hong Kong SAR Government has been attended to by the relevant ministries and commissions, and he also through his Deputy Directors communicates with me very often to convey his care and concern about Hong Kong and also to assure me as well as the people of Hong Kong that the Central People’s Government is always behind us. I cannot really comment on the adjective or the description he used, but I can assure him and assure the people of Hong Kong that we are putting in every effort to fight this epidemic. We are not short of money; we will spend whatever money as required in order to get us out of this epidemic as soon as possible. More importantly, the whole of the Hong Kong SAR Government is acting as one government to tackle this epidemic. I don't want any more speculations that there are bureaus and departments that are working very hard whereas others are not doing so. I can assure you every bureau, every department has been mobilised in this fight against the epidemic.

     Coming back to the elderly, as you will remember a few days ago I announced a series of measures exactly to help the elderly – to save lives, to keep them healthy, and to ensure that we could achieve the target of vaccinating as many elderly people as possible within the shortest period of time. As far as the elderly who could take a jab in the elderly care homes are concerned, the target is to complete going round all the homes and administer the vaccination on or before the March 18, and we told you yesterday that we should be able to meet this target with the participation and co-operation of all our partners from the medical community. We will continue to do so because every life is very valuable. We will do all we can to protect the elderly people of Hong Kong and also the general public. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

  

     The Government today (March 12) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" (declaration) effective from 4.30pm, under which people (hereafter referred to as "persons subject to compulsory testing") within the specified "restricted area" in Wong Tai Sin (i.e. Nga Yuen House, Chuk Yuen South Estate, Wong Tai Sin, excluding kindergarten on G/F. See Annex) are required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing. Persons subject to compulsory testing are required to stay in their premises until all such persons identified in the "restricted area" have undergone testing and the test results are mostly ascertained. The Government aims at finishing this exercise at about 1pm tomorrow (March 13). The operation may be extended depending on test results. 
     
     A Government spokesman said, "Under Cap. 599J, the Government can, according to the needs of infection control, make a 'restriction-testing declaration'. As the sewage discharged from the above building was tested positive for COVID-19, it is suspected that there are asymptomatic patients in the building. Given the risk of infection in the relevant area is assessed to be likely higher, the Government decided to make a 'restriction-testing declaration' for the relevant area."

    The Government will set up temporary specimen collection stations at the "restricted area" and request persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo testing before 9pm today. Arrangements will be made for persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo a nucleic acid test at specimen collection stations where dedicated staff will collect samples through combined nasal and throat swabs. Persons subject to compulsory testing must stay at their place of residence until all test results are ascertained to avoid cross-infection risk. The Government will make arrangement to facilitate specimen collection for people with impaired mobility. All persons in the "restricted area" who were tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on or after December 31, 2021 will not be required to undergo testing in this compulsory testing exercise.
 
     The Government spokesman said, "We understand that this exercise will cause inconvenience to the public. The Government has made arrangements to carry out testing for all persons present in the 'restricted area' as soon as possible. The aim is to strive to complete testing of all identified persons subject to compulsory testing and confirm the results, and finish the exercise at around 1pm tomorrow. The Government will make a public announcement when the declaration expires officially. In the cases in which employees are unable to go to work because of the declaration, the Government hopes their employers can exercise discretion and not deduct the salaries or benefits of the employees."

     If staying in the "restricted area" will cause unreasonable hardship to individuals who are not residents in the area when the declaration takes effect, government officers may exercise discretion and allow that person to leave the area after considering the individual circumstances. That person must have followed the instructions to undergo testing and leave his/her personal information for contact purposes.

   According to the compulsory testing notice to be issued today, any persons other than those specified above who had been present at the above building for more than two hours from February 27 to March 12, 2022, even if they were not present in the "restricted area" at the time when the declaration took effect, must undergo compulsory testing on or before March 14, 2022. As a mutant strain is involved, for prudence's sake, vaccinated persons and persons who have recently been tested are also required to undergo testing.

    The Housing Department has set up a hotline (Tel: 2327 8818) which has started operation at 4.30pm today for residents restricted by the declaration to make enquiries and seek assistance. The Social Welfare Department will also provide assistance to the affected persons.

    The Government appeals to persons subject to compulsory testing for their full co-operation by registering and undergoing testing, and waiting for the results patiently at home. The Government will strictly follow up on whether the persons concerned have complied with the compulsory testing notices and "restriction-testing declaration". Any person who fails to comply with the compulsory testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $10,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the compulsory testing order or the "restriction-testing declaration" is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. 

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said that the current epidemic situation is of grave concern. To enable more members of the public to receive vaccination for self-protection in a short period of time, the Government is sparing no effort in boosting the speed of vaccination through different ways that bring benefits and convenience to the public.
      
     Mr Nip today (March 12) went to Tsing Yi to inspect the operation of the MTR Tsing Yi Station Community Vaccination Centre (CVC). The centre commenced operation yesterday (March 11) to provide Sinovac CoronaVac vaccination to people aged 3 or above. He also visited the Hong Kong Children's Hospital Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC) in Kowloon Bay, which provides Fosun/BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine to children aged 5 to 11.
      
     He said, "The MTR Tsing Yi Station CVC is located at the unpaid area of the Airport Express Concourse (Hong Kong-bound) on the U2 floor of MTR Tsing Yi Station. It not only facilitates residents in the district, but also provides a convenient venue of COVID-19 vaccination to members of the public, in particular the elderly, in the neighbouring districts and along the railway line. I am grateful to the MTR Corporation Limited for providing the venue free of charge so that more people can be protected by COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
      
     "While face-to-face classes are still suspended in schools, the epidemic situation in the community is severe and students yet to get vaccinated should receive vaccination as soon as possible for their own protection. Those already vaccinated should also receive their second or third dose on time so as to maintain the protection conferred by the vaccination, thereby reducing their risk of falling seriously ill and dying should they get infected, and to prepare for the future resumption of classes."
      
     The two vaccination centres open daily from 8am to 8pm and are closed between 1.30pm and 2.30pm for cleaning. In addition to making prior bookings for vaccination, the MTR Tsing Yi Station CVC also distributes same-day tickets to persons aged 60 or above.
      
     Persons receiving the vaccination have to bring along original identity documents. If children's identity documents do not bear the child's photo, such as the birth certificate, then school documents (such as school handbooks) bearing a photo of the student must be presented at the time of vaccination.
      
     For children and teenagers aged 3 to 17 receiving the Sinovac vaccine, they must bring along a consent form signed by their parents on the date of vaccination. Please use the following version of consent form (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Consent_Form_for_COVID19_Vaccination_ENG.pdf). In addition, children aged 3 to 11 receiving the Sinovac vaccine must be accompanied by their parents/guardians in person when receiving vaccination.
      
     As the BioNTech vaccine for children requires a special dilution procedure, children aged 5 to 11 must receive the BioNTech vaccine at the four CCVCs and must be accompanied by their parents/guardians in person when receiving vaccination. They must bring along a consent form of the following version signed by their parents on the date of vaccination (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Consent_Form_for_Fractional_BioNTech_Vaccination_ENG.pdf).
      
     The designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme) provides the latest information including vaccination venues, reservation and enquiry hotlines.

                  

     The Government yesterday (March 11) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effective from 5pm that day, under which people (hereafter referred to as "persons subject to compulsory testing") within the specified "restricted area" in Kwun Tong (i.e. Chun Tat House, On Tat Estate, Kwun Tong, excluding On Tat Estate Property Services Management Office and Housing Department Kowloon East (13) District Tenancy Management Office) were required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing. Persons subject to compulsory testing were required to stay in their premises until all such persons identified in the "restricted area" had undergone testing and the test results were mostly ascertained.

     Moreover, the Government issued a compulsory testing notice yesterday, requiring persons who had been present at the above building for more than two hours from February 26 to March 11, 2022, even if they were not present in the "restricted area" at the time when the declaration took effect, to undergo compulsory testing on or before March 13, 2022. The Government announced the completion of the compulsory testing exercise at around noon today (March 12) and carried out enforcement action in the "restricted area" afterwards to verify that all people in the "restricted area" had undergone compulsory testing in accordance with the requirements of the relevant declaration and compulsory testing notice. The Government announced that the enforcement operation ended at around 2pm today.

     The Government provided food packs for persons subject to compulsory testing, so as to facilitate the meal arrangements of some persons subject to compulsory testing. Anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines supplied by the Central People's Government and rapid test kits were also provided to persons subject to compulsory testing to help them fight against the virus.

     The Home Affairs Department also set up a hotline for people restricted by the declaration to make enquiries and seek assistance.

     The Government thanks persons subject to compulsory testing for their support and understanding. With everyone's co-operation and efforts, coupled with the tireless efforts of the testing contractors, residents have been informed about their testing results by SMS notification. After finishing the compulsory testing exercise at around noon today, the Government took enforcement action in the "restricted area" immediately to verify that all people in the "restricted area" had undergone testing according to the requirements of the declaration and the compulsory testing notice. Persons who could present an SMS notification containing a negative testing result as proof of having undergone the compulsory testing could leave the "restricted area" through the designated exit after providing personal information to a prescribed officer. The enforcement operation was completed at around 2pm. Test records of around 500 persons subject to compulsory testing were checked. Around 10 persons were found not having undergone compulsory testing and compulsory testing orders were issued to them. Taking into account the above situation, the Secretary for Food and Health revoked the "restriction-testing declaration" in accordance with Cap. 599J (see attachment).

     The Government reminds the about 145 households who have not answered the door to contact the Government for arrangement of testing as soon as possible after reading the notices put up by the Government, in the hope of eliminating the possible risk of further spread of the virus in the community.

     The Government thanks all participating government staff and the testing agencies for their hard work. The Government is also grateful to those subject to compulsory testing for their support and understanding, and their full co-operation during this period in undergoing testing and waiting for the results at home.

     The Government will seriously follow up on the compliance situation of the compulsory testing notices and the "restriction-testing declaration" by persons subject to compulsory testing. Any person who fails to comply with the compulsory testing notices commits an offence and may be liable to a fixed penalty of $10,000. The person will also be issued with a compulsory testing order, requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order or the "restriction-testing declaration" is an offence and the offender may be liable to a fine of level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

  

     The Government today (March 12) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" (declaration) effective from 3.30pm, under which people (hereafter referred to as "persons subject to compulsory testing") within the specified "restricted area" in Ho Man Tin (i.e. Shun Man House, Oi Man Estate, Ho Man Tin, see Annex) are required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing. Persons subject to compulsory testing are required to stay in their premises until all such persons identified in the "restricted area" have undergone testing and the test results are mostly ascertained. The Government aims at finishing this exercise at about 1pm tomorrow (March 13). The operation may be extended depending on test results.

     A Government spokesman said, "Under Cap. 599J, the Government can, according to the needs of infection control, make a 'restriction-testing declaration'. As the sewage discharged from the above building was tested positive for COVID-19, it is suspected that there are asymptomatic patients in the building. Given the risk of infection in the relevant area is assessed to be likely higher, the Government decided to make a 'restriction-testing declaration' for the relevant area."

     The Government will set up temporary specimen collection stations at the "restricted area" and request persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo testing before 9pm today. Arrangements will be made for persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo a nucleic acid test at specimen collection stations where dedicated staff will collect samples through combined nasal and throat swabs. Persons subject to compulsory testing must stay at their place of residence until all test results are ascertained to avoid cross-infection risk. The Government will make arrangement to facilitate specimen collection for people with impaired mobility. All persons in the "restricted area" who were tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on or after December 31, 2021 will not be required to undergo testing in this compulsory testing exercise.

     The Government spokesman said, "We understand that this exercise will cause inconvenience to the public. The Government has made arrangements to carry out testing for all persons present in the 'restricted area' as soon as possible. The aim is to strive to complete testing of all identified persons subject to compulsory testing and confirm the results, and finish the exercise at around 1pm tomorrow. The Government will make a public announcement when the declaration expires officially. In the cases in which employees are unable to go to work because of the declaration, the Government hopes their employers can exercise discretion and not deduct the salaries or benefits of the employees."

     If staying in the "restricted area" will cause unreasonable hardship to individuals who are not residents in the area when the declaration takes effect, government officers may exercise discretion and allow that person to leave the area after considering the individual circumstances. That person must have followed the instructions to undergo testing and leave his/her personal information for contact purposes.

     According to the compulsory testing notice to be issued today, any persons other than those specified above who had been present at the above building for more than two hours from February 27 to March 12, 2022, even if they were not present in the "restricted area" at the time when the declaration took effect, must undergo compulsory testing on or before March 14, 2022. As a mutant strain is involved, for prudence's sake, vaccinated persons and persons who have recently been tested are also required to undergo testing.

     The Housing Department has set up a hotline (Tel: 2713 0121) which has started operation at 3.30pm today for residents restricted by the declaration to make enquiries and seek assistance. The Social Welfare Department will also provide assistance to the affected persons.

     The Government appeals to persons subject to compulsory testing for their full co-operation by registering and undergoing testing, and waiting for the results patiently at home. The Government will strictly follow up on whether the persons concerned have complied with the compulsory testing notices and "restriction-testing declaration". Any person who fails to comply with the compulsory testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $10,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the compulsory testing order or the "restriction-testing declaration" is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.