'Vaccines Reduce Symptoms But Don't Block Infection'

A medical expert advising the government on the pandemic said on Saturday that the vaccines do not completely prevent people from catching the virus, but they do reduce the chance of developing symptoms or even complications.

David Hui from the Chinese University sought to set out how the vaccines would protect people - and also stressed that the government could consider moving to ease social distancing measures even if the majority of the population had not yet been vaccinated.

"Those who have received the vaccination, even if they have become infected [afterwards], the illness will be very mild and there is a very low chance of developing complications," said Hui.

"So hopefully by the end of the year... if more than 70 percent of the local population have received the vaccine, then hopefully the herd immunity will appear, and we will see fewer and fewer community outbreaks."

Hui added that Covid-19 infections in Israel have plummeted after many people there got vaccinated, proving that vaccines have taken effect.

But he advised elderly people who are in relatively poor health not to get vaccinated - regardless of the brand of vaccine - while those who suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes can get the shot as long as their condition is stable and under control.

He also said pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should get the BioNTech jab

Hui added that we don't have to wait until most people are vaccinated before relaxing anti-epidemic measures, saying some curbs can be lifted if the city records single-digit or zero new cases for 14 days.