HKU Ben Cowling on COVID-19 Challenge in H.K., China

The transcript discusses the evolving COVID-19 situation in China and Hong Kong, focusing on the challenges of maintaining zero COVID cases due to the virus's increasing transmissibility. It highlights the differences in herd immunity between Hong Kong and Shanghai, with Hong Kong nearing herd immunity while Shanghai remains far from it. The discussion also covers vaccination strategies, emphasizing the importance of increasing vaccine uptake among the elderly in China. The role of mRNA and inactivated vaccines is analyzed, with a focus on their effectiveness. Finally, the transcript explores the policy direction in Hong Kong, debating between maintaining zero COVID or moving towards normalization.

What challenge is China facing with the evolving virus?

• The virus is becoming more transmissible.

• The virus is becoming less transmissible.

• The virus is becoming less severe.

• The virus is becoming more severe.

What is a potential benefit of transitioning away from a zero-COVID strategy in China?

• It could lead to fewer infections.

• It could increase vaccine uptake among the elderly.

• It could reduce the transmissibility of the virus.

• It could eliminate the need for vaccines.

How effective are inactivated vaccines compared to mRNA vaccines according to the discussion?

• Inactivated vaccines are more effective.

• mRNA vaccines are more effective.

• mRNA vaccines are less effective.

• Inactivated vaccines are equally effective.

What is the current state of Hong Kong's COVID-19 strategy?

• Hong Kong has no COVID measures in place.

• Hong Kong has fully relaxed all COVID measures.

• Hong Kong is strictly following a zero-COVID approach.

• Hong Kong is in a limbo between zero-COVID and normalization.

What might influence changes in Hong Kong's COVID-19 strategy?

• An increase in international travel.

• The introduction of a new vaccine.

• A decrease in COVID-19 cases.

• The appointment of a new chief executive.