Possible fourth wave epidemic will be worse: Sophia Chan

It is not feasible to ease social distancing measures as in June, given the possible fourth wave epidemic likely to occur in the fourth quarter this year, said Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee.

“Authorities are now making their best endeavors in border control, tracking and diagnosting close contacts of infected, better our quarantine facilities, adjust social distancing measures and vaccine procurement,” said Chan.

Chan said in a press conference today that there are plans to test high-risk groups for Covid-19 on a regular basis, such as people working in care homes and restaurants.

The government is also building more quarantine facilities, such as the quarantine camp at the Penny’s Bay Phase 1 site. There will be more than 4,000 places to be added by the end of the year.

Chan also warned that the next wave of Covid-19 infections, which are expected to hit in the winter, could be worse than the recent third wave, along with the winter influenza season, which is why the government is stepping up its infection-control measures.

On efforts to secure vaccines, the health secretary revealed that the government is planning to buy two doses for each Hong Kong resident.

"Procuring vaccines two times of our population would provide a safety net, so that if one of the vaccines is not working, we would still have another vaccine enough for Hong Kong citizens," she said.

She said they have made preliminary agreements with two different manufacturers, but is still deciding which to choose.