Chief Executive John Lee has expanded the composition of the COVID-19 Expert Advisory Panel by appointing six experts aimed at boosting anti-epidemic efforts on a scientific basis that can yield the greatest effects with the lowest social costs.

The Government made the announcement today and explained that the six newly appointed professors, including David Hui, Ivan Hung, Lau Chak-sing, Lau Yu-lung, Gabriel Leung and Yuen Kwok-yung, will advise on areas such as public health, epidemiology and clinical experience.

Together with government officials and Hospital Authority representatives, Mr Lee will convene Expert Advisory Panel meetings from time to time to canvass professional opinions from the experts and gauge the epidemic situation in a more holistic manner.

Mr Lee said: "The Government upholds the principle of making targeted anti-epidemic efforts on a scientific basis, and the six experts have all along made valuable contributions to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in combatting against COVID-19.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to them for accepting the invitation to join the advisory panel and advise the Government based on science and statistics, helping Hong Kong to take forward our fight against the virus."

The Government added that it will take into account the recommendations from the panel to formulate targeted strategies and measures that may achieve the greatest effects with the lowest costs, thereby protecting the safety and health of citizens while minimising the impact to normal social activities.