​The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
      
     The Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo Non-official Members) today (February 8) issued the following statement:
      
     The epidemic situation in Hong Kong has developed rapidly with the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic caused by the highly transmissible Omicron variant, with the most serious outbreaks Hong Kong has seen. To curb the spread of the disease, the Chief Executive has announced today a range of measures on various fronts, including the implementation of the "vaccine pass" and tightening gathering restrictions and social distancing measures. The ExCo Non-official Members unanimously and strongly support the Government in implementing these bold and precise measures in response to the severe situation that Hong Kong is facing.
      
     The Convenor of the ExCo Non-official Members, Mr Bernard Chan, said, "The measures announced by the Chief Executive are unprecedented in scale and intensity. We support the Government in taking swift and necessary actions against the rapidly changing epidemic situation. In this particularly critical time, we would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to healthcare workers, civil servants and volunteers for their tireless effort and selfless contribution to combating the epidemic. We trust that the Government would, as always, continue to strive for enhancing the implementation of the anti-epidemic measures to meet the expectations of the community."
      
     The ExCo Non-official Members appeal to the public that everyone should stay vigilant in fighting the epidemic through compliance of legal requirements, practising good hygiene habits and avoiding gatherings. The Members also encourage those who have yet to receive vaccination or are eligible to receive the third dose should get vaccinated as soon as possible. The Members believe that the concerted efforts of the Government and the community will help tide Hong Kong over this difficult situation in solidarity.

Ends/Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:03

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