The Government today announced that it will tighten COVID-19 vaccination in lieu of the regular testing arrangement for government employees starting December 28 and implement a vaccine bubble arrangement at government buildings and offices in February.

It explained that in view of the increasing threat posed to Hong Kong amid the growing number of infection cases involving COVID-19 mutant strains with high transmissibility in the world, it is necessary to press for early vaccination among government employees to ensure its bureaus and departments have a strong defense.

Government employees who have not received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine need to get tested once every three days instead of once a week under the current arrangement.

Starting from December 28, their test results will be valid for three days only and specimens collected from them must be through combined nasal and throat swabs.

For government employees who are unfit to receive COVID-19 vaccination due to medical conditions supported by a valid medical certificate, relevant bureaus or departments will continue to allow them as far as possible to undergo tests at community testing centres on a three-day cycle provided that departmental operations are not affected.

Such employees will also receive reimbursement for their testing expenses.

Other government employees who have not received the first dose of a vaccine should get tested once every three days outside working hours and pay for the tests at their own expense.

Meanwhile, the Government noted that it will implement a vaccine bubble arrangement at government buildings and offices from mid-February 2022.

Government employees will be required to present their vaccination record when they enter such places for work-related purposes. Bureaus or departments will issue a special pass to those who are unfit for vaccination due to medical conditions supported by a valid medical certificate.

Upon implementation of the vaccine bubble arrangement, the requirement of using the LeaveHomeSafe mobile application when entering government buildings or offices will continue.

Currently, 96% of government employees have already taken the first dose of a vaccine.

The Government strongly appeals to unvaccinated staff to get vaccinated as early as possible and stressed that it will continue the current measures to enable such individuals to receive vaccination.

The measures include allowing staff to receive vaccination during duty hours and favourably handling applications for sick leave or vacation leave when they experience side effects arising from vaccination.