(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government has adopted stringent measures to prevent the Omicron COVID-19 variant from spreading in the community as it continues its preparation work on the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam made the remarks ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting and noted that the city has worked hard to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

“In the case of Hong Kong, of course, we are particularly alert because we have basically attained zero infections in the local situation, and we are right at the moment preparing to resume some normal travel into the Mainland, which is the number one priority of many people in society.

“So we have to adopt very stringent measures to prevent Omicron from spreading into the community.”

Mrs Lam emphasised that Hong Kong has to date accomplished its zero infection goal and added that a delegation led by Chief Secretary John Lee will meet with Mainland officials to discuss preparations for the resumption of quarantine-free travel.

“So far, I would say that we are successful. All the seven confirmed cases of Omicron were detected during the test-and-hold arrangement at the Hong Kong International Airport or during the mandatory quarantine period. At this moment, I do not see any change to what we are doing in terms of resumption of normal travel into the Mainland as a result of Omicron.

“But because this variant and the whole situation could be changing very rapidly, I could provide no absolute guarantee.

“But it is gratifying for me to say that negotiations or discussions between the two sides, that is between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government as well as the Mainland authorities, are still going on.

“Today, the Chief Secretary for Administration is leading a Hong Kong SAR Government delegation to meet with Guangdong officials and other relevant officials in Shenzhen to take forward the preparatory work.”