Speaking on a radio program on Saturday morning, Lo said it is a shame that vaccination rates of children and elderly remain at low levels as he noted the “terrifying number” of 11 children dying of Covid. 

He also blasted anti-vaxxers who question the effectiveness of the vaccines, only recently registered in Hong Kong, and exaggerate their side effects, saying they endanger the health of children and elderly. 

Lo continued that now is not the time to cancel the vaccine pass mandate and the society should concentrate fire on boosting the vaccination rate of these two groups. 

He also wanted citizens to keep their face masks on amid lingering Covid development and peak flu season, adding masks can help citizens overcome the winter respiratory diseases. 

On the other hand, the health minister admitted the daily infection figure has been rising as the city welcomes winter and economic activities resume gradually. He said that the Health Bureau still manages to handle the increasing number of Covid patients with telemedicine services, medicine delivery and support by other organizations. 

Yet, Lo also pointed to the mounting pressure faced by public hospitals with more flu patients and citizens with urgents medical needs being admitted. 

He reminded Hongkongers to follow the anti-pandemic rules while celebrating the holidays and not to easily go to the hospital, so that those in dire need can have access to medical services in time.