HK experts divided over relaxation of vaccine pass

Public health experts are split on whether the vaccine pass should stay as Hong Kong's coronavirus situation eases. Some suggest the requirement should be dropped for those under 60, while others say it is still helpful in boosting the inoculation rate.

People aged over 12 have to be double-jabbed to enter venues such as restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping malls, and the requirement will be raised to three doses from May 31.

In an article published in the local newspaper Ming Pao on Monday, they said most young adults already have immunity against the coronavirus. They have either been vaccinated or infected in the latest Omicron outbreak.

The experts said it's unlikely that these people would overburden the healthcare system even if they get infected in the future.

"We still appeal to Hong Kong citizens – especially the elderly – to receive the third or fourth vaccine doses to protect themselves and their families," they wrote.

"But we don't agree that the government should continue to use a coercive measure to boost the vaccine take-up among young adults."

Other experts, however, preferred a more cautious approach.

The director of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, Ho Pak-leung, told an RTHK radio program on Monday that it's too early to revise the scheme.

"The vaccine pass is an important way to boost the vaccine take-up. Hong Kong is gradually and slowly returning to normal. Cases are expected to go up and down. It's inappropriate to scrap the vaccine pass now," he said.

Speaking on the same program, Kwok Kin-on, an assistant professor at Chinese University’s Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, agreed that the measure is needed to push more people to get vaccinated.

"Many people under 60 are in the workforce and have high-risk jobs such as medical workers, restaurant staff, and truck drivers. I think the mandate should stay to boost the vaccination rate," he said.

Kwok added that the mandate will be a crucial factor in resuming quarantine-free travel with the mainland.

(Source: RTHK)