Carrie Lam: Beijing supports HK to ensure supply of COVID-19 vaccine

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Carrie Lam delivers her fourth Policy Address at the Legislative Council today (Nov. 25).

Based on her communication with Beijing, Lam notes that the Central Government has been highly concerned about the ongoing epidemic situation in HK and has responded positively to requests from the SAR Government. These requests include the supply of personal protective equipment, export of mask-making machinery, assistance for HK residents stranded in the Mainland and overseas to return to HK, and necessary items to support HK's efforts to contain the possible new wave of the epidemic and enhance its ability to treat future patients.

To support HK in ensuring COVID-19 vaccine supply, Lam says the Central Government has agreed to reserve a certain quantity of vaccines developed or produced in mainland China for use by HK people when necessary.

She mentions that to facilitate customs clearance, the Central Government supports the mutual recognition of health codes to allow HK and Guangdong residents to cross the boundary without compulsory quarantine in an orderly and gradual manner, provided that the epidemic in HK being controlled in the near future.