Speaking on a radio program on Saturday, Hung believed the fifth wave has peaked and estimated the exact infection tally to be around 3.5 million, although the official caseload just went past one million on Friday.

He suggested gradually relaxing the social distancing measures, including increasing the number of guests allowed per table at a restaurant from two to four, resuming the dinner services after 6pm, and reopening sports and entertainment facilities.

He suggested relaxing the quarantine rules for returnees arriving in Hong Kong as well, allowing them to undergo Covid tests only and the fully vaccinated to undergo seven-day home isolation even if they test positive.

He pointed out that those who test positive and have yet to complete the vaccination course can receive a jab three months after recovery. He added that those infected with the coronavirus in the fifth wave can be counted as having received a “natural dose” of the vaccine.

Hung urged those who caught Covid in the previous waves of the outbreak to receive vaccination for they do not have sufficient levels of antibodies.

He continued that the expert panels would convene meetings on instructions for using oral Covid drugs and may later prescribe the medications to elderly people above 65 regardless of their vaccination status.

Authorities earlier said the drugs should be prescribed to high-risk patients, including elderly aged above 70, chronic disease patients, and elderly who have yet to complete vaccination courses.