I’m here to give advice: mainland health expert

A senior mainland health official, Liang Wannian, said on Thursday that he’s in Hong Kong to give advice but the decision making on anti-Covid strategy lies with the SAR government.

The expert from the National Health Commission has been in town since Monday.

He told reporters after visiting several elderly homes that he couldn’t make specific anti-epidemic recommendations yet because he still needs to learn more about the local situation, but he’s here to share the mainland’s experience.

“The SAR government is the main body making decisions, [the officials] have the main responsibility. We’re just advisers,” Liang said.

“We do have the responsibility, determination and confidence to study [the situation] and make recommendations along with Hong Kong experts and those from the local medical system.”

The renowned epidemiologist said it’s understandable that people are anxious about Covid, but he’s sure Hong Kong can overcome the epidemic thanks to its experience in battling Sars and bird flu as well as the central government’s strong backing.

He said the key mission is to raise the city’s vaccination rate.