Explainer | Coronavirus: what to expect as Hong Kong’s vaccine pass scheme enters third phase
- Third phase, set to launch on May 31, will require most residents to show proof of three jabs upon entering government venues and 23 other types of premises
- Booster shots will not be required for residents who have recently recovered from Covid-19 or had already got their second or third jab before contracting virus
When the third phase of Hong Kong’s vaccine pass scheme comes into effect on May 31, most residents will be required to show proof of three coronavirus jabs upon entering government venues and 23 other types of premises.
The Post examines how the third phase of the scheme will work.
What are the new requirements?
With coronavirus cases remaining at a steady level, debate over the future of the scheme has increased in recent weeks. Several lawmakers have called for the postponement of the third phase due to economic considerations, while some health experts have urged that healthy non-elderly adults be exempted from the mandate.
Despite the debate, authorities had announced the vaccine pass will apply to 13 types of public healthcare premises providing non-emergency medical services from June 13, including specialist outpatient clinics, student health service facilities and women’s health centres.
It has so far not been applied to MTR trains or other public transport.
The requirements for the pass have been tightened in three stages, from a single jab initially, to two doses for adults and one for 12- to 17-year-olds by the end of April. In the third stage, all adults and 12-to-17-year-olds who were inoculated with their second dose more than six months ago will need to get a booster shot.