Coronavirus: no restrictions on unvaccinated Hongkongers for now, but Lam warns of changes if fifth wave hits

City leader says no immediate plans to ban people from certain premises if they have not had the jabs, but that could change if infections surge

Reveals city is in talks with 10 high-risk jurisdictions over mutually recognised vaccination record system

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A man walks past a sign urging people to get vaccinated outside the Hiu Kwong Street Sports Centre in Kwun Tong. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 10:43am, 31 Aug 2021Updated: 11:32pm, 31 Aug 2021

Unvaccinated Hongkongers could have their movements in the city limited if a fifth wave of Covid-19 infections strikes, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has warned.

Despite assuring residents there were no immediate plans to restrict who could enter certain premises, the city’s leader on Tuesday said that could change.

Lam also revealed at her weekly media briefing that the government was discussing a mutually recognised Covid-19 vaccination record system with consulates from more than 10 high-risk areas, so residents could return to the city as soon as possible.

But the strict approach to fighting the coronavirus would remain, Lam warned, adding that a new wave could signal a change in tactics.

“I would say, if there is another wave hitting the city, as I do not want to shut down a lot of premises, we might impose a requirement for [residents] to take jabs before they can enter a campus to attend lessons or take part in other activities. But we now have no plans or timetable on this,” she said.

The discussion of a “health pass” first arose after Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen suggested on Sunday that Hong Kong could follow France’s example in requiring residents to provide evidence of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or proof of immunity after infection to enter restaurants, cinemas, major shopping centres, and long-distance trains and planes.