Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today visited the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market to observe the Government’s COVID-19 outreach vaccination service.

Prof Chan was pleased to learn that over 600 fishing vessel deckhands joined the outreach service and thanked the deckhands and fishermen associations for their positive response to it.

She said: “These fishing vessel deckhands support local fishing vessels in their operations in Mainland waters, and assist in the unloading of fish catches at wholesale fish markets. They help maintain a steady supply of fresh marine fish in Hong Kong.”

In addition to explaining why the outreach vaccination arrangement is crucially important, Prof Chan expressed hope that more fishermen and fishing vessel deckhands will get vaccinated.

“Mainland fishing vessel deckhands travel frequently between Hong Kong and Mainland waters, and have contact with fellow local crew members on fishing vessels and the staff and buyers and others at wholesale fish markets.

“This outreach vaccination service is of utmost importance to safeguarding public health and ensuring normal operation of relevant businesses.”

Prof Chan also appealed to other sectors and trades for their participation in the city’s vaccination campaign with a view to protecting one another.

“In the face of 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.”