13 August 2021

To All Licensees/Operators of Cold Stores:

Calling on cold store operators for early COVID-19 vaccination

The Government launched the "Early Vaccination for All" campaign in the hope that by raising the vaccination rate during the anti-epidemic critical period spanning until the end of August, we can build an immune barrier for Hong Kong swiftly, thereby restoring our society to its normal state sooner rather than later.  Recently, the swabs of a batch of two imported chilled fish and its outer packaging samples imported from Indonesia were tested positive on the COVID-19 testing by the Center for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Thus, cold store practitioners who frequently come into contact with imported frozen foods and other frozen goods should observe personal hygiene and take adequate personal protection measures all the time.  At this critical juncture, we urge for your support for our anti-epidemic efforts and active participation in the campaign by encouraging your staff to receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, so that they can protect themselves, their families and friends.

26 Community Vaccination Centres to extend operation for one month

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme website provides detailed and up-to-date information about the Vaccination Programme.  Individuals can make reservations on the website for receiving vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) or designated general outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority.  They can also contact the private clinics participating in the Vaccination Programme direct for an appointment.  The demand for COVID-19 vaccination has increased recently.  Should the progress of vaccination be maintained at the current pace or increase, it is likely that 70% of the eligible population will at least have had their first dose of a vaccine by the end of September.  In view of the demand for vaccination and the vaccination progress, the Government has extended the operation of the 26 CVCs to 31 October 2021.  Members of the public can learn about the addresses of the CVCs and make reservations on the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

Vaccination rate survey

To gain an understanding of the vaccination progress of cold store practitioners, our staff will soon contact your company by phone to conduct a survey on the total number of practitioners regularly working in your cold store and the number of those who have received the first dose or the whole course of a COVID-19 vaccine, etc.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 remains severe.  In the face of the 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.

Early Vaccination for All!