Speaking in a Legco meeting today, Chan said with the vaccination program about to commence, the more citizens getting vaccinated, the earlier cross-border traffic will be made possible.

During the meeting, lawmakers requested authorities to exempt cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers from their daily Covid tests after they have received the jab in Shenzhen.

Chan said the government has maintained communication with the relevant mainland authorities to ensure these personnel’s safety.

“Authorities will, after careful consideration, prioritize practitioners from industries that are essential for our society to receive the jab first,” said Chan.

Frankie Yick Chi-ming, who represents the transport functional constituency in Legco, said the government should provide a "business resumption allowance" for industries related to cross-boundary traffic.

However, the transport chief said although it is understandable that the relevant businesses will need the extra funds to resume operation, the government had included the relevant industries in the previous rounds of the Anti-epidemic Fund.

“The government will have to cater the needs of other industries as well, we will first focus on resuming cross-border traffic with the mainland and Macau,” he added.