Source: GovHK

Others

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is entering a new phase. Community Vaccination Centres located at the Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre, the MTR Tsing Yi Station and the Millennium City 5 will operate until noon on February 28 and be closed afterwards. The vaccination programme will take public and private medical facilities as prime vaccination venues under the new mode of operation. Vaccination service of the paediatric and toddler formulations of the BioNTech vaccines at the Children Community Vaccination Centre of the Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre will be provided by Yan Chai Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Station starting from March 1.

Please refer to the press release for details

The Government announced that, in view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic and the overall demand for nucleic acid testing, starting from March 1, the requirement for nucleic acid tests for public hospitals and residential care homes for the elderly and the residential care homes for persons with disabilities will be replaced by rapid antigen tests. Moreover, from the same day onwards, free nucleic acid testing service will no longer be provided at the community testing network, and the operation of nucleic acid testing will be scaled down.

Please refer to the press release for details

The Government earlier announced the transitional arrangements of voluntary admission to community isolation facilities (CIFs) for people tested positive of COVID-19. The Government reminded members of the public that the relevant transitional arrangements for use by Hong Kong residents will last until February 28. As confinees can stay at the CIF for up to seven days, the last date for admission application would be on February 21. The same arrangement is also applicable to the holding centres manged by the Social Welfare Department for residents of residential care homes tested positive.

Please refer to the press release for details

As Hong Kong returns to normalcy, the following daily COVID-19 update and the weekly list of current travel advisories and airline/cruise announcements will be suspended from tomorrow, February 15 (Wednesday). Information about the COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong can be found on https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html.

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 13, 3,224 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,666,758 doses have been administered; 167 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 13:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 167
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 5,086
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 4
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 91

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 13:
* 51 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,345 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 92 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,795,081 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 448 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,837,335 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.8% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,037 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,063,069 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 596 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 57,928 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,666,758 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

CE meets Mayor of Guangzhou Municipal Government

Mr Lee welcomed the visit by Mr Guo and the delegation after the implementation of full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. He said that Hong Kong and Guangzhou enjoy close geographical and cultural ties, and have always maintained close co-operation among governments, the business sector and the community… "As the epidemic situation stabilises, and the travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland has resumed, I will visit Guangdong Province, particularly cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) very soon, and discuss with the leaders of the province and cities to further bring the mutual co-operation to new heights, with a view to jointly promoting the high-quality development of the GBA," said Mr Lee.

Two holding centres and dedicated hotline for residential care homes to cease operation

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced on February 13 that the holding centres (HCs) at Halls 11 and 9 of AsiaWorld-Expo will cease operation on February 15 and March 1 respectively. At the same time, the dedicated hotline for residential care homes operated by the SWD in collaboration with the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority and the Fire Services Department will also cease service from March 1.

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 13, Monday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 12, 1,343 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,663,534 doses have been administered; 241 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 12:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 241
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 4,919
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 2
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 87

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 12:
* 32 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,294 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 80 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,989 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 251 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,836,887 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.8% of the population aged 12 or above
* 759 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,061,032 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 221 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 57,332 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,663,534 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 12, Sunday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 11, 3,566 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,662,174 doses have been administered; 266 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 11:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 266
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 4,678
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 4
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 85

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 11:
* 43 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,262 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 178 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,907 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 568 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,836,634 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.8% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,233 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,060,260 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 544 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 57,111 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,662,174 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

To further encourage unvaccinated elderly to get vaccinated as soon as possible so as to reduce their risk of serious illness and death from infection, the Health Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Home Affairs Department and the Housing Department will, further to the earlier visits to the public housing estates of 10 Districts, continue with the scheme to visit elderly persons at public housing estates in the Islands, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long Districts, as well as those at "three-nil building" of the 18 Districts to encourage them to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Starting from February 10 until end-March, the Government, together with District groups, will conduct door-to-door visits to households at the above Districts' estates or buildings with tenants aged 70 or above who have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccination and persuade them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Elderly persons who are willing to receive vaccination will have arrangements made for them to receive the Home Vaccination Service.

Please refer to the press release for details

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 11, Saturday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 10, 3,339 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,658,571 doses have been administered; 250 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 10:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 250
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 4,412
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 5
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 81

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 10:
* 61 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,218 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 126 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,728 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 540 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,836,056 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.8% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,092 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,058,006 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 520 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 56,563 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,658,571 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Dubai

I think what is important is we need to tell the world Hong Kong has overcome the trouble of COVID, which troubled us for the past three years, and we are fully open and we are fully connected to Mainland cities, and we are ready for action to promote not just ourselves, but to welcome other people to come to Hong Kong to develop their markets and enhance our co-operation.

Government continues with scheme to visit elderly to encourage COVID-19 vaccination

To further encourage unvaccinated elderly to get vaccinated as soon as possible so as to reduce their risk of serious illness and death from infection, the Health Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Home Affairs Department and the Housing Department will, further to the earlier visits to the public housing estates of 10 Districts, continue with the scheme to visit elderly persons at public housing estates in the Islands, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long Districts, as well as those at "three-nil building" of the 18 Districts to encourage them to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Starting from February 10 until end-March, the Government, together with District groups, will conduct door-to-door visits to households at the above Districts' estates or buildings with tenants aged 70 or above who have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccination and persuade them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Elderly persons who are willing to receive vaccination will have arrangements made for them to receive the Home Vaccination Service.

CE Facebook: 【Mission to the Middle East】

The HKSAR government, including all ETOs, and various social sectors should join hands to tell the good stories of Hong Kong globally and stress that the city has fully reopened and returned to normalcy. I am positive that with such a concerted effort, we will open up new opportunities and charter a brighter future for Hong Kong.

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 10, Friday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 9, 2,753 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,655,209 doses have been administered; 307 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 9:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 307
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 4,162
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 6
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 76

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 9:
* 59 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,157 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 120 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,601 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 452 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,835,510 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 1,674 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,055,901 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 448 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 56,040 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,655,209 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Secretary for Health visits Tuen Mun Hospital

Having gone through the epidemic for three years, Hong Kong is now moving forward on the road to normalcy at full speed, while normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland has also fully resumed since February 6. Despite a substantial rise in the cross-boundary flow of people to and from Hong Kong over the past three days, there is no significant increase in the number of non-eligible persons seeking medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency departments of public hospitals under the Hospital Authority. The Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic development and the demand for public healthcare services, and ensure that the healthcare system has adequate ability and capacity, such that healthcare services will not be affected.

The Department of Health (DH) takes the initiative to approach parents of young children who have yet to receive vaccination, which is estimated to be about 70 000 persons. For now, Sai Wan Ho, Tang Chi Ngong, Lam Tin, Ma On Shan and Tsing Yi Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) provide vaccination service with prior bookings to children aged between 6 months and 4 years with the toddler formulation of the BioNTech vaccine, while Sai Wan Ho, Tang Chi Ngong, Lam Tin, Ma On Shan and Yan Oi MCHCs provide booked Sinovac vaccination service to children aged between 6 months and 4 years. Parents can also have their young children receive the Sinovac vaccine at 28 MCHCs of the DH when they receive services there.

Please refer to the press release for details

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 8, 2,939 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,652,420 doses have been administered; 322 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 8:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 322
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 3,855
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 2
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 70

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 8:
* 67 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,099 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 107 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,477 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 441 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,835,052 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 1,851 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,054,203 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 473 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 55,589 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,652,420 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Maternal and Child Health Centre staff reaching parents to brief them on COVID-19 vaccines

The Department of Health (DH) takes the initiative to approach parents of young children who have yet to receive vaccination, which is estimated to be about 70,000 persons. For now, Sai Wan Ho, Tang Chi Ngong, Lam Tin, Ma On Shan and Tsing Yi Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) provide vaccination service with prior bookings to children aged between 6 months and 4 years with the toddler formulation of the BioNTech vaccine, while Sai Wan Ho, Tang Chi Ngong, Lam Tin, Ma On Shan and Yan Oi MCHCs provide booked Sinovac vaccination service to children aged between 6 months and 4 years. Parents can also have their young children receive the Sinovac vaccine at 28 MCHCs of the DH when they receive services there.

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 7, 2,916 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,649,441 doses have been administered; 284 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 7:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 284
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 3,533
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 8
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 68

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 7:
* 59 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,913,032 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 126 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,367 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 411 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,834,606 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 1,910 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,052,325 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 410 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 55,111 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,649,441 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 7, Tuesday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 6, 3,652 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,646,477 doses have been administered; 291 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 6
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 291
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 3,249
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 5
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 60

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 6
* 64 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,973 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 137 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,240 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 488 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,834,190 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,412 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,050,379 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 551 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 54,695 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,646,477 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Acting CE inspects first-day full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and Mainland at Lo Wu Control Point

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki said that, since the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland on February 6, all boundary control points (BCPs) have commenced operation without any prescribed daily number of people or pre-departure nucleic acid test requirement imposed. Cross-boundary travel by people of the two places has fully resumed as normal. With the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's full co-operation with organisations of the relevant sectors, and its close liaison with the relevant authorities of the Central Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, all seaborne, land and air BCPs, including the newly opened ones, have been in good operation overall. Suitable arrangements on local transport to and from the BCPs have been put in place.

Secretary for Health visits Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

The Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic development and the demand for public healthcare services, and work closely with the Hospital Authority to enhance the ability and capacity of the healthcare system, including ensuring adequate stock of medical supplies, formulating effective contingency plans, launching different phases of Bed Mobilisation Plans as needed, wide use of COVID-19 oral drugs, telehealth and collaboration with private hospitals.

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 6, Monday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 5, 1,400 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,642,824 doses have been administered; 400 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 5
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 400
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 2,958
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 7
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 55

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 5
* 26 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,909 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 92 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,103 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 217 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,833,702 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 858 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,047,966 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 207 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 54,144 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,642,824 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 5, Sunday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 4, 3,693 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,641,421 doses have been administered; 469 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 4:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 469
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 2,558
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 7
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 48

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 4:
* 65 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,883 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 197 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,794,010 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 588 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,833,485 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,358 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,047,106 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 485 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 53,937 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,641,421 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

The Government announced that the normal travel of persons between Hong Kong and the Mainland will be fully resumed starting from February 6. All pre-departure testing requirements for travelling between the two places will also be lifted at the same time. Except for persons who have stayed in overseas places or Taiwan on the day of entering the Mainland or during the seven days before that day, other cross-boundary travellers will not be required to conduct any pre-departure test for travelling between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. Meanwhile, the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan will be maintained at this juncture.

After the implementation of full resumption of normal travel on February 6, all inbound persons from the Mainland or Macao will no longer be required to conduct any pre-departure nucleic acid tests or rapid antigen tests. However, for persons travelling from Hong Kong to the Mainland (except those aged 3 and below), if they have stayed in overseas places or Taiwan on the day of departing Hong Kong for the Mainland or during the seven days before that day, they will still be required to conduct a nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to departure and obtain a negative result as per the Mainland's requirements.

Please refer to the press release for details

Besides, the requirement for non-Hong Kong residents to be fully vaccinated for coming to Hong Kong from overseas places will be lifted starting February 6.

Please refer to the press release for details

The Government announced that, upon deliberation and co-ordination with the Central Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland will fully resume starting February 6. The arrangements concerned include opening up all boundary control points without imposing any prescribed daily numbers of people thereon; cancelling the pre-departure nucleic acid test requirement; and enabling cross-boundary students to resume face-to-face classes in an orderly manner.

Please refer to the press release for details

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 3, 4,114 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,637,675 doses have been administered; 471 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 3:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 471
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 2,089
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 4
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 41

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 3:
* 54 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,816 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 156 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,793,812 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 600 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,832,887 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,747 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,044,713 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 557 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 53,447 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,637,675 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Government lifts vaccination requirement for non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas places

From February 6 (Hong Kong time), the Government will lift the requirement for non-Hong Kong residents to be fully vaccinated for coming to Hong Kong from overseas places. At present, inbound persons from the Mainland, Macao or Taiwan are not required to be vaccinated. In other words, starting February 6, no inbound travellers will be subject to any vaccination requirement, regardless of where they come from before coming to Hong Kong. However, the testing requirement for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan will be maintained at this juncture.

Testing requirements for inbound persons coming to Hong Kong from places around world upon full resumption of normal travel with Mainland

After the implementation of full resumption of normal travel on February 6, all inbound persons from the Mainland or Macao will no longer be required to conduct any pre-departure nucleic acid tests or rapid antigen tests (RATs). However, for persons travelling from Hong Kong to the Mainland (except those aged 3 and below), if they have stayed in overseas places or Taiwan on the day of departing Hong Kong for the Mainland or during the seven days before that day, they will still be required to conduct a nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to departure and obtain a negative result as per the Mainland's requirements.

Full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and Mainland

Upon deliberation and co-ordination with the Central Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland will fully resume starting February 6. The arrangements concerned include opening up all boundary control points (BCPs) without imposing any prescribed daily numbers of people thereon; cancelling the pre-departure nucleic acid test requirement; and enabling cross-boundary students to resume face-to-face classes in an orderly manner.

Hospital Authority General Out-patient Clinics strengthen service on weekend

In order to provide appropriate treatment for COVID-19 patients, the HA General Out-patient Clinics will strengthen their service this weekend and continue to reserve about 2 000 quotas daily for COVID-19 patient consultation service.

Latest situations of COVID-19 (Feb 3, Friday)

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 2, 3,555 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,633,541 doses have been administered; 444 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 2:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 444
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 1,618
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 12
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 37

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 2:
* 63 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,762 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 127 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,793,655 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 565 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,832,281 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,331 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,041,953 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 469 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 52,890 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,633,541 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Speech by CE at "Hello Hong Kong" Campaign Launch Ceremony

Some three months ago at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, I told the world that Hong Kong was back on the centre stage again. Today, I am happy to tell you that Hong Kong is welcoming every one of you to join us on our centre stage, for Hong Kong is now seamlessly connected to the Mainland of China and the whole international world. There will be no isolation, no quarantine, and no restriction on experiencing our great wine and dine scenes, on doing business, on joining events and outings, on doing sports, on enjoying the hustle and bustle of Asia’s world city, and so much more.

Opening remarks by FS at press conference on "Hello Hong Kong" Campaign

After three years of the pandemic, Hong Kong has entered a new and exciting development phase. We are actively returning to normalcy. We are fully connected with the Mainland and the rest of the world once again. Going forward, nothing can stop us from bouncing back. The "Hello Hong Kong" Campaign heralds our return to the world stage. We eagerly welcome friends from around the world to come and see and experience for themselves the vibrancy, diversity, dynamism of our city, the trade and business opportunities we offer, our arts and cultural delights, spectacular sports events, scenic country parks, the sun and the sea, and of course, our delicacies, and more than 200 Michelin restaurants.

TOPLINE
- As at Feb 1, 3,799 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,629,939 doses have been administered; 455 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Feb 1:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 455
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 1,174
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 5
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 25

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Feb 1:
* 63 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,697 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 119 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,793,527 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 512 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,831,709 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,553 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,039,588 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 552 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 52,418 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,629,939 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

TOPLINE
- As at Jan 31, 4,027 persons received their doses of vaccine, a cumulative total of 20,626,010 doses have been administered; 361 positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded

Statistics on COVID-19

- As at Jan 31:
* Positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections newly recorded (not representing all COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong): 361
* Cumulative number of positive nucleic acid test laboratory detections (since Jan 30): 719
* Death cases related to COVID-19 newly recorded: 15
* Cumulative number of death cases related to COVID-19 (since Jan 30): 20

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics

- As at Jan 31:
* 92 persons received their first dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,912,630 persons have received their first vaccine dose, making up 94.6% of the population aged 3 or above
* 170 persons received their second dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 6,793,390 persons have received their second vaccine dose, making up 93.1% of the population aged 3 or above
* 620 persons received their third dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 5,831,133 persons have received their third vaccine dose, making up 83.7% of the population aged 12 or above
* 2,626 persons received their fourth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 1,036,994 persons have received their fourth vaccine dose
* 519 persons received their fifth dose of vaccine; a cumulative total of 51,863 persons have received their fifth vaccine dose
- a total of 20,626,010 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for members of the public

Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo

There is no other restriction other than the mask. We all know that, according to the advice of different medical experts, we have the winter surge, which is a period of high risk. We have to be able to ensure that we will be able to pass this winter surge, and when we successfully overcome this challenge, then there will be big room for consideration to see how and when we will remove the mask. And I think in the whole preparation for full resumption to normalcy, the mask is obviously a thing that I will consider seriously to lift.