​The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, attended a health talk on COVID-19 vaccines organised by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) at Lai Chi Kok Government Offices today (July 30) to encourage catering, market, hawker and cold store staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

     The FEHD invited Dr David Lung, a specialist in clinical microbiology and infection, to serve as the guest speaker. Around 170 members of the trade participated. During the talk, Dr Lung explained to the participants the principles of the vaccines, their protection and need-to-know facts, etc. He also addressed enquiries on vaccination at the question-and-answer session.

     In delivering her remarks, Professor Chan said, "The global pandemic situation remains severe. In face of challenges posed by mutant strains, we count on our citizens to fulfil their civic responsibility and receive vaccines extensively in order to strengthen the immunity barrier in Hong Kong. I strongly appeal to individuals from various trades and organisations to get vaccinated in support of the "Early Vaccination for All" campaign proactively, with a view to protecting themselves and their families.

     "Practitioners of catering businesses, markets and cold stores are important stakeholders. In light of their job nature or the possibility of coming into frequent contact with the public, vaccination is of utmost importance to protecting their as well as the public's health and ensuring the normal operation of the relevant businesses," she added.

     Professor Chan also reminded participants to continue to comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner, as well as to maintain personal and environmental hygiene continuously with a view to ensuring cleanliness of the premises and food safety.

     The FEHD reserved quotas at Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Centre Community Vaccination Centre and Kwun Chung Sports Centre Community Vaccination Centre for participants to receive vaccines immediately after the talk. Staff members were also present to assist participants to book a vaccination session for the second dose. For those who were unable to get vaccinated today, FEHD staff also helped them to book a session at vaccination centres to receive vaccines later.

Ends/Friday, July 30, 2021
Issued at HKT 21:40

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