Ho Pak-leung, the head of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, said the longer it takes for people to get the jab, the less effective the vaccines will be.

Speaking on a radio program today, the microbiologist said it would be a matter of time seeing another Covid outbreak, possible involving the mutant variant, if people in Hong Kong are delaying their jabs.

“The society will pay the price for those who are yet to get vaccinated. Any local infections will reset the ‘zero infection’ count, delaying the reopening of cross-border travels or the easing of social distancing measures,” said Ho.

Meanwhile, mentioning the book fair next month, he said organizers should separate vaxxers and non-vaxxers apart, allocating different time slots for the two groups in order to prevent transmissions.

“Those who were vaccinated should be given priority to enter the book fair. Organizers should also have anti-epidemic measures in place, including the enhancement of air ventilation at the venue,” Ho added.