The Government said today that Prof Keiji Fukuda will resign from the expert advisory panel under the Steering Committee & Command Centre in relation to the Novel Coronavirus and the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines with effect from December 1.

Prof Fukuda notified the Government that he will return to the US for retirement upon his departure from the University of Hong Kong's School of Public Health by the end of this year.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Prof Fukuda for his significant contribution in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong and wished him a happy retirement.

She said: "With his rich experience and expertise in public health, Prof Fukuda offered a wealth of invaluable professional advice which is constructive to the Government's effort in combatting the epidemic during the past two years.

"He also shared his experience gained during his days in the World Health Organization and effectively supported the Government to deal with the epidemic situation based on science and theories."

The membership list of the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines has been updated and will take effect from December 1.