Speaking on a radio program on Monday, University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung said compulsory hotel quarantine for arrivals could be lifted once three prerequisites were met.

They include the introduction of the fourth phase of the Vaccine Pass, extending the vaccine pass to cover toddlers, and acquiring new vaccines to boost the city’s vaccination rate.

Ho said authorities should push ahead with the fourth phase of the Vaccine Pass - requiring all citizens to get their fourth jab as the essential requirement to enter designated premises.

Authorities should also look into expanding the vaccine pass to cover children under the age of 12, and acquire new vaccines from different technology platforms to encourage vaccine uptake, according to Ho.

He noted that since Hong Kong reduced quarantine for incoming travellers, the number of imported cases only took up some 0.8 percent of the city’s total infection.

Ho’s view is echoed by former Hospital Authority chief executive Leung Pak-yin, who said authorities should cancel hotel quarantine as soon as possible, describing the move as “what the people want”.

Leung also called on authorities to cancel the implementation of overnight lockdowns.

He said authorities are now adopting a more laid-back way of dealing with the city’s epidemic situation to allow hybrid immunity to kick in, hugely lowering the risk of a massive outbreak during Winter.

He also said authorities should remain on the road to normalcy and cancel the implementation of the overnight lockdowns, as well as resume full-day in-person classes for students.

The former Hospital Authority chief pointed out that many places around the world have already lifted their border control measures and that the SAR government should follow suit, considering the city’s business and social needs.