Govt to relax restrictions for care home visits

The government said on Monday that visiting restrictions at care homes for the elderly and the disabled will be relaxed for those who’re fully vaccinated.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong, said under the plan for a “vaccine bubble”, family and friends of care home residents must have received both doses of vaccine, and need to undergo a rapid Covid-19 test before their visits.

For those who’re unfit or haven’t completed their vaccinations, they’d be required to undergo two rounds of tests before being allowed into the premises.

Law said details of the arrangement still need to be ironed out, but stressed the stringent measures are needed to protect the health of vulnerable care home residents.

A woman surnamed Wong, 60, who used to visit her 100-year-old mother at least twice a week before the pandemic, told RTHK that her desire to get the Covid jabs has increased after the announcement.

She said she’s desperate to meet her mum in person again, because stringent restrictions at elderly homes meant they’ve only had one chance to see each other over the past year – through a glass door during Chinese New Year.

“I have never considered getting vaccinated before the government announcement, but now I will,” she said.

But with a history of high blood pressure, she said she’s unsure whether she’s fit for the jabs.

“I have previously sought medical advice from a doctor, but the advice I was given was to wait and see.”

“My mother is 100 years old, I wish I can treasure every moment to be with her.”

Wong’s comment was very much echoed by Tim Pang of the Society for Community Organisation, who said while some families welcome the latest announcement and are happy to get the shots, others are concerned about the potential side-effects.

“After the pandemic started last year, they have a very long period of time they cannot get contact with the family members, so they are willing to take the risk. But for some, because of their own physical condition or they have some chronic diseases, they are worried that there will be serious incidents that affect them,” he said.