Hong Kong vaccine pass: What is it and how does it work?
In the latest Hong Kong news, the local government will begin its vaccine pass scheme on February 24th, 2022. As of Thursday, all HK residents are required to show proof of one COVID-19 vaccination dose at a minimum to enter specific premises. To remain eligible for the vaccine pass, second and third doses will be necessary by April and June 2022, respectively. This Pacific Prime Hong Kong article covers everything you need to know about the Hong Kong vaccine pass, including what it is and how it works.
What is the HK vaccine pass?
From February 24th, 2022, anyone who wishes to enter government venues and 23 other types of premises must present a vaccine pass. This includes premises such as restaurants, shopping centers, supermarkets, and wet markets. It currently does not apply to public transport, including MTR trains.
The latest government initiative hopes to ease the burden on the healthcare system during HK’s fifth coronavirus wave. In due time, the vaccine pass scheme will also include schools, government offices, public hospitals, and residential care homes. Students and those who seek medical treatment at public hospitals (including those accompanying them) will, however, be exempted from the vaccine pass requirements.
HK vaccine pass requirements
While a single injection is required for an HK vaccine pass at present, the requirements will be tightened in stages. By the end of April, two doses will be necessary for adults and one for 12- to 17-year-olds. All adults who received the jab over nine months ago will have to get a booster shot by the end of June. Likewise, 12- to 17-year-olds must receive a second dose six months following the first inoculation.
How will the vaccine pass work?
To allow for easy digital scanning, the paper vaccination certificate features a QR code. Similarly, residents can upload an electronic certificate to the LeaveHomeSafe app, which also includes the number of doses they have received. Other government apps (e.g. iAM smart app and eHealth app) can also be used to create a QR code as vaccination proof for entry. Those who cannot prove that they have had at least one shot will not be able to enter the premises.
Active checking vs passive checking
There will be two types of premises moving forward: active checking and passive checking of inoculation records. The division of premises is based on risk assessment. It also takes the exact nature of the premises into consideration. For instance, restaurants have a significantly higher risk of infection and transmission and therefore require active checking.
Passive checking
Passive-checking premises include shopping malls, supermarkets, markets, and department stores. In premises such as these, visitors do not have to actively show their vaccination records (or exemption certificates) to those in charge. Premise operators must display a vaccine pass notice at all entry points, and ensure their employees meet vaccination requirements. Note that law enforcement may conduct spot checks at these premises.
Active checking
With the exception of hotels and guesthouses, all remaining specified premises fall under the active-checking category. Any person who enters active-checking premises must provide a QR code with vaccination records for scanning, except for sports and event premises, as well as outdoor places of entertainment. Those without a QR code (e.g. exemption certificates or non-local vaccination records) must complete a form for retention with their name, contact number, and other personal particulars.
At a press briefing earlier this week, Deputy Secretary for Food & Health (Health) Kevin Choi said while there is “preference over active checking”, certain premises make it difficult from an operational standpoint.
Verifying inoculation or exemption
In places like restaurants, machines will scan QR codes and emit sound alerts to verify the validity of inoculation or exemption records. A blue QR code stands for an uploaded record while a red display means neither document has been provided. As mentioned, premises will also accept paper vaccination records.
Vaccine pass exemption
Along with residents under the age of 12, individuals who do not have to provide their COVID-19 vaccination records include those who are:
- Staying in hotels and guest houses
- Picking up/delivering belongings
- Buying takeaway
- Getting tested for COVID-19
- Getting vaccinated
- Attending medical, legal, or government appointments
- Walking through a mall on the way home or to work
Employees who work in venues subject to the requirements (e.g. shopping center staff) are not exempt. Similarly, those who are medically exempt for age or health reasons must have proof from a doctor. They will also receive a certificate with a QR code that is valid for 90 to 180 days. Choi added that just a few medical certificates have been issued and mainly to elderly people with chronic conditions.
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Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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