Coronavirus: Hong Kong to cancel 20,000 Covid jab exemptions but new legal battle looms for government over vaccine pass scheme
- Government spokesman says the medical certificates will officially become invalid from November 9
- Former civil servant who lodged initial legal challenge vows to bring fresh round of review on vaccine pass policy
A government spokesman said the medical certificates would officially become invalid from November 9, adding that the seven doctors could offer written representations to defend their cases before November 1.
He also urged those who held invalidated certificates to consult doctors to ensure they either received inoculations or continued to enjoy the exemption.
“Anyone using a false instrument knowingly may contravene the Crimes Ordinance,” he warned, adding the maximum penalty upon conviction was 14 years’ jail. “Members of the public are urged not to defy the law and not to use exemption certificates obtained through improper means.”
The announcement came hours after Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said that amending the law could ensure “sufficient legal basis” for the government to assume its duty in pandemic work.