Lo Chung-mau

Lo said, in February 2022, that living with COVID would be "going to hell together".{{Cite web |date=2022-07-13 |title=Exclusive: Hong Kong could see quarantine-free travel by November with conditions: minister |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3185067/one-country-two-systems-principle-lets-hong-kong |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=HK can't scrap all travel restrictions right now: Lo - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1668342-20220925.htm? |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} In May 2022, he said that living with COVID would result in "we will all die together."{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Almond |date=2022-09-26 |title=Covid-19: Relaxing quarantine policy not the same as 'lying flat,' Hong Kong officials say |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/26/covid-19-relaxing-quarantine-policy-not-the-same-as-laying-flat-hong-kong-officials-say/ |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

In July 2022, Lo confirmed that Hong Kong would continue to adhere to China's zero-Covid policy.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=New health chief dismisses quarantine-free travel for Hong Kong |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/192046/New-health-chief-dismisses-quarantine-free-travel-for-Hong-Kong |access-date=8 July 2022 |website=The Standard |language=en}} He also rejected calls for quarantine-free travel and rejected living with COVID-19. Lo also said it would be unreasonable to have a fully-open border with mainland China or the rest of the world. Lo also said that other countries' COVID-19 policies could not be used for Hong Kong, stating "Many government policies cannot solely rely on foreign theories and practices. We also have to consider Hong Kong's situation including age, population, vaccination rates, and the capacity of the healthcare system."{{Cite web |date=2022-07-21 |title=Hong Kong's daily cases surpass 4,000, health chief to meet Covid advisers |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3186039/coronavirus-hong-kong-health-minister-meet |access-date=25 July 2022 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

On 10 July 2022, Lo announced on a television show that government authorities hoped to implement real-name registration to the LeaveHomeSafe app as soon as possible; 4 days later, Sun Dong said there were no plans for his department to implement the changes.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2022 |title=Hong Kong health chief dismisses need for real-name registration on Covid app |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3185249/coronavirus-hong-kong-u-turns-plan-require-real |access-date=14 July 2022 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

On 3 August 2022, Lo said that despite quarantine, the border was "open" with mainland China, stating "Many people say we have half-given up, or given up, opening up the border with the mainland. I have to emphasise that we would not give up. The border is always open, and the question is how we can improve the quota and quarantine measures."{{Cite web |title='Govt hasn't given up on quarantine-free travel idea' - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1660658-20220803.htm? |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} In contrast, John Lee said that the administration has been trying to "open the border normally" with mainland China.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title="3+4" quarantine model will not affect reopening borders negotiation: John Lee |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/193480/%223+4%E2%80%9D-quarantine-model-will-not-affect-reopening-borders-negotiation:-John-Lee |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

On 13 August 2022, Lo admitted that the previously-mandated seven days of hotel quarantine had failed to meet the government's expectations and came at a high cost.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Removing hotel quarantine requires more supporting data: Lo Chung-mau |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/193428/Removing-hotel-quarantine-requires-more-supporting-data:-Lo-Chung-mau |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

On 26 August 2022, Lo suggested that the government may introduce further restrictions in response to COVID-19, stating "I hope the public will stay cautious ... and minimise large-scale gatherings ... otherwise, the government may have no choice but to tighten other social-distancing measures."{{Cite web |date=2022-08-26 |title=Hong Kong gears up for Covid fight as health chief warns tighter curbs possible |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3190258/coronavirus-hong-kongs-daily-tally-could-cross |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} Lo also said that further opening up of the city currently was "not a realistic option at this point". Lo also rejected Western-style COVID-19 policies, and also rejected "lying flat" as a response to COVID-19.

On 27 August 2022, Lo suggested that private hospitals were slacking and could be punished for not taking in non-COVID patients from public hospitals due to potential overcrowding at public hospitals,{{Cite web |date=2022-08-27 |title=Hong Kong private hospitals "could be punished" over low non-Covid patient intake |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3190406/hong-kong-private-hospitals-could-be-punished |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} though Dr. Siddharth Sridhar of HKU said that the overcrowding was because elderly patients with COVID-19 were often sent to public hospitals even if the severity of their symptoms was low.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-29 |title='Hong Kong's daily tally could peak at 20,000 but let's not go backwards in policy' |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3190516/coronavirus-hong-kongs-daily-tally-could-peak |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} Months later in November 2022, Lau Ka-hin of the Hospital Authority said that public hospitals would be allowed to have COVID-19 positive patients with low symptoms to isolate at home instead of being treated at the hospital.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Covid patients with no obvious symptoms sent to hospital can opt for home quarantine |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/197013/Covid-patients-with-no-obvious-symptoms-sent-to-hospital-can-opt-for-home-quarantine |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=The Standard |language=en}} Lau said that 60% of accident and emergency patients were taken in solely because of their COVID-19 positive result.

On 4 September 2022, days after Bloomberg published an article claiming that John Lee preferred to cancel hotel quarantine before November 2022 while others such as Lo disagreed, Lo criticized media as misleading and compared it to "Chinese palace dramas".{{Cite web |date=2022-09-04 |title=Health chief slams report on quarantine row; Hong Kong logs 10,683 Covid cases |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3191284/coronavirus-hong-kong-health-minister-slams |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} On the same day, the city reported 10,683 positive cases, with 193 of them, or less than 2%, coming from imported cases.

On 9 September 2022, Lo stressed that reducing quarantine and reopening to the world must be "based on data," with the government reporting that 154 of 10,076 new infections that day were imported, representing about 1.5% of all reported cases.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-09 |title=Hong Kong scraps temperature checks after US consulate's warning to citizens |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3191944/us-consulate-urges-citizens-reconsider-transiting |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} According to Centre for Health Protection, inbound travelers accounted for only 1.2% of confirmed cases in the previous month.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Manufacturers leader claim to suffer loss but experts hesitate about '0+7' scheme |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/194597/Manufacturers-leader-claim-to-suffer-loss-but-experts-hesitate-about-%270+7%27-scheme |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

On 12 September 2022, SCMP reported that the government's Covid-19 Expert Advisory Panel, composed of six medical specialists, had several members who suggested gradually lifting COVID-19 restrictions (including removing hotel quarantine by November 2022), with Lo and Ko Wing-man expressing their doubts about their suggestions and preferring a cautious approach.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title='One-tone approach': why Hong Kong's health experts have been told to keep mum |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3192104/ordered-keep-mum-hong-kongs-outspoken-covid-19 |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

During a press conference on 13 September 2022, Chief Executive John Lee warned against comparing the flu against COVID-19, claiming that COVID-19 was 6 times more deadly than the flu, and stating that the situation was still "critical."{{Cite web |date=2022-09-15 |title=Covid the same as flu? Hong Kong health chief accuses experts of 'misleading' public |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3192524/hong-kongs-leader-says-covid-19-six-times-more |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} A day later, medical experts disagreed with Lee's data and estimated COVID-19's fatality rate at 0.098%, lower than the 0.1% recorded for the flu. Dr. Joseph Tsang Kay-yan also mentioned that the death rate of 0.098% could be even lower in reality, due to citizens not reporting their infections, plus an accounting difference, where people who die with COVID-19 are counted as a COVID-19 death, even if the underlying cause of death was not due to COVID-19. On 15 September 2022, Lo supported Lee's assertion that COVID-19 was 6 times more deadly than the flu, and accused the experts of misleading the public and using faulty reasoning. A day later on 16 September 2022, former chief executive of the Hospital Authority, Leung Pak-yin, hinted that "someone" was preventing Hong Kong from returning to normalcy and preventing international travel to Hong Kong.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title='Someone' dragging HK behind on road to normalcy, former Hospital Authority chief says |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/194784/%E2%80%98Someone%E2%80%99-dragging-HK-behind-on-road-to-normalcy,-former-Hospital-Authority-chief-says |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=The Standard |language=en}} On 19 September 2022, the medical experts published their research, showing that the fatality rate was indeed 0.097% when using data from June 2022 onwards.{{Cite web |title=Scrap quarantine as Covid is endemic: Yuen Kwok-yung - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1667517-20220919.htm? |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 25 September 2022, Lo said that the "0+0" policy of no quarantine and no self monitoring was not appropriate for the city, and said the reason was that people flying in were 3x more likely to be infected than local residents.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Not time for '0+0': Lo Chung-mau |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/195092/Not-time-for-%270+0%27:-Lo-Chung-mau |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=The Standard |language=en}} On the same day, imported cases represented 117 of 3,897 confirmed cases, or about 3% of confirmed cases.{{Cite web |title=HK's daily Covid caseload drops below 4,000 - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1668366-20220925.htm? |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} Lo warned that moving to "0+0" could result in 10x more imported cases and would burden the healthcare system.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-25 |title=Hong Kong not ready to remove all Covid travel curbs, health minister says |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3193741/coronavirus-health-minister-warns-hong-kong |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} Asked about his previous comment which criticized "living with Covid," Lo said that his intent was to have the public keep fighting the virus. Lo also said that Hong Kong was not "lying flat" when fighting Covid, and that Hong Kong had not strayed away from the "dynamic-zero" Covid strategy. Lo said that the Hong Kong government was the "chief engineer" in the fight against the pandemic, but said the government could not provide "a road map to resume normality" and that creating a timeline would be "not easy" due to the possibility of new variants. Lo said "There are also a number of new virus variants overseas" and cited the BA.2.75 variant.

On 29 September 2022, Lo emphasized that Hong Kong's anti-epidemic policy was based on the dominant need to protect mainland China, stating "This is our obligation: to make sure that we won't cause a major outbreak in the rest of China," and that the city could not follow other countries in anti-epidemic measures, saying "I don't think Hong Kong can just look at the international thing and follow the rest of the world. I have to consider the other thing. Our motherland is like our family."{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=City to keep opening up unless new variant arises: Lo Chung-mau |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/195264/City-to-keep-opening-up-unless-new-variant-arises:-Lo-Chung-mau |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

On 5 October 2022, legislative council member Doreen Kong criticized the government and Lo for invalidating 20,000 COVID-19 vaccine exemption passes, stating that he had no legal authority to do so, with Koon asking "Who is destroying the rule of law now?"{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Lawmaker questions govt's legal basis to invalidate suspected fraudulent jab exemptions |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/195471/Lawmaker-questions-govt%E2%80%99s-legal-basis-to-invalidate-suspected-fraudulent-jab-exemptions |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=The Standard |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ho |first=Kelly |date=2022-10-05 |title=Hong Kong lawmaker questions legal basis of invalidating Covid-19 jab exemptions from arrested doctors |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/10/05/hong-kong-lawmaker-questions-legal-basis-of-invalidating-covid-19-jab-exemptions-from-arrested-doctors/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}} On 7 October 2022, Kwok Cheuk-kin filed a judicial review to the High Court, challenging Lo's decision to invalidate the vaccine exemption passes.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Cheung Chau resident files judicial review against decision to invalidate 20,000 vax exemptions |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/195591/Cheung-Chau-resident-files-judicial-review-against-decision-to-invalidate-20,000-vax-exemptions |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=The Standard |language=en}} On 11 October 2022, the High Court temporary stopped Lo's invalidation of the vaccine exemption passes.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Almond |date=2022-10-11 |title=Hong Kong court blocks gov't from invalidating Covid-19 jab exemptions issued by arrested doctors |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/10/11/hong-kong-court-blocks-govt-from-invalidating-covid-19-jab-exemptions-issued-by-arrested-doctors/ |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}} On 21 October 2022, the High Court ruled in Kwok's favor against Lo, ruling that Lo and the government has no power to invalidate vaccine exemption passes.{{Cite web |last=Ho |first=Kelly |date=2022-10-21 |title=Hong Kong gov't has no power to invalidate Covid-19 jab exemptions issued by arrested doctors, court rules |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/10/21/hong-kong-govt-has-no-power-to-invalidate-covid-19-jab-exemptions-issued-by-arrested-doctors-court-rules/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}} After losing the case, the government set to change the law to give them the legal authority to invalidate the vaccine exemption passes.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-25 |title=Hong Kong government set to amend law to cancel suspicious Covid jab exemptions |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3197155/coronavirus-officials-decide-soon-response-hong-kong-court-ruling-banning-move-nullify-20000-covid |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} After the law was changed to give Lo the power to invalidate passes, Lo dismissed accusations that the government wanted to override the judiciary process, saying "It's not whether the government wins or someone else wins. We have to make sure all citizens win in this battle against Covid."{{Cite web |date=2022-10-26 |title=Hong Kong moves to nullify 20,000 Covid jab exemptions after law changed |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3197286/coronavirus-hong-kong-health-chief-defends-bid-nullify-20000-jab-exemptions-amending-law-insists |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} On 27 October 2022, Kwok filed another judicial review, stating that the new law violated the Basic Law since there was no appeal mechanism for people who have their vaccine passes invalidated.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title='Judicial review king' strikes again over vax waivers invalidation |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/196391/%27Judicial-review-king%27-strikes-again-over-vax-waivers-invalidation |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

On 6 October 2022, the Trail Runners Association of Hong Kong requested an urgent meeting with Lo, asking why trail running was subject to stricter restrictions than other activities, saying current policies had "inconsistent, illogical, unfair restrictions" and "This undermines the credibility of Hong Kong's decision-making process on these issues, not only locally, but also globally."{{Cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=Trail runners claim Covid restrictions 'inconsistent, unfair, illogical' |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3195075/hong-kong-trail-runners-attack-inconsistent-illogical |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

On 21 October 2022, Lo said that it was not the right time to remove the mask mandate, saying that the vaccination rates of elderly and children were not satisfactory, but did not provide clear answers on what vaccination rates would warrant the removal of the mask mandate.{{Cite web |title=Mask order still necessary, says Hong Kong's health chief |url=https://s.chinadailyhk.com/ziymMn |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=chinadailyhk |language=en}}

On 29 October 2022, when asked about why Hong Kong could has not moved from the "0+3" policy to "0+0," Lo said that there was still a need to monitor sub-variants.{{Cite web |title=Doctors "humiliated" medical sector: Lo Chung-mau - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1673223-20221029.htm? |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 10 November 2022, Lo said COVID is still a "public health emergency" in Hong Kong, and criticized political groups and health experts that asked for further relaxations of pandemic restrictions.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-10 |title=Covid-19 in Hong Kong still a 'public health emergency', minister warns |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3199172/coronavirus-hong-kong-still-faces-public-health-emergency-minister-warns-saying-changes-pandemic |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

On 11 November 2022, Regina Ip said of the government's changing of restrictions "I think they're very complicated, it took me a long time to read your press release, really, regular residents also find they're very complicated."{{Cite web |title=Public sector mandate to cover dentists, nurses: Lo - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1675183-20221111.htm? |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 13 November 2022, Lo said it is still "not the time" to eliminate inbound travel restrictions.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Health chief expected more travellers with mainland, denying '0+0' in short term |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/197081/Health-chief-expected-more-travellers-with-mainland,-denying-%270+0%27-in-short-term |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

In December 2022, after mainland China reduced some pandemic restrictions, Lo was repeatedly asked when Hong Kong would reduce restrictions; Lo said that the city would not "hastily" follow China, and that the elderly vaccination rate was "still not ideal."{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Hillary |date=2022-12-09 |title=Covid-19: Hong Kong will not 'hastily' follow China's relaxations, health chief says |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/12/09/covid-19-hong-kong-will-not-hastily-follow-chinas-relaxations-health-chief-says/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}} On quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and mainland China, Lo said it was "not a topic of discussion right now."{{Cite web |title=HK can't just follow Beijing on Covid, says govt - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1679122-20221209.htm? |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 9 December 2022, Lo said that the mandatory use of the LeaveHomeSafe app to enter some businesses would remain, along with mandatory vaccination.{{Cite web |last=Chau |first=Candice |date=2022-12-12 |title=Hong Kong Health Bureau to conduct 'full review' of Covid-19 rules inc. tracing app, says Chief Exec. John Lee |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/12/12/hong-kong-health-bureau-to-conduct-full-review-of-covid-19-rules-inc-tracing-app-says-chief-exec-john-lee/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}} On 11 December 2022, Lo said that there was no plan to stop using the LeaveHomeSafe app, saying "LeaveHomeSafe used to play an essential role in fighting the epidemic to record the confirmed cases and prevent infection."{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Health chief denies LeaveHomeSafe app mandate to be cancelled |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/198105/Health-chief-denies-LeaveHomeSafe-app-mandate-to-be-cancelled |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=The Standard |language=en}} Two days later on 13 December 2022, it was announced that LeaveHomeSafe QR codes could be removed from venues and people will no longer have to check in with the app.{{Cite web |title=All venues can take down their QR codes: govt - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1679613-20221213.htm? |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} On 28 December 2022, the government announced that the vaccine pass would no longer be required, making the LeaveHomeSafe app no longer mandatory.{{Cite web |title=Vaccine pass abandoned as HK drops many Covid curbs - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1681620-20221228.htm? |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} On 8 January 2023, the LeaveHomeSafe system was officially shut down by the government.{{Cite web |title=Patient visit records deleted as LeaveHomeSafe ends - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1683019-20230108.htm? |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 24 December 2022, Lo blamed media and misinformation on low vaccine uptake in children and seniors, saying "Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation in the media and in the community about the adverse effects of vaccines, a lot of anti-science."{{Cite web |title='Covid misinformation leads to low vaccine uptake' - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1681203-20221224.htm? |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} On 28 December 2022, John Lee said that the vaccination rate was relatively high.

On 29 December 2022, Lo said that the government's move to drop the vaccine pass and other restrictions were not sudden, but planned, and that the healthcare system was now capable of handling outbreaks of Covid.{{Cite web |title=HK could cope with increase in Covid infections: govt - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1681737-20221229.htm? |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 31 December 2022, Lo said that the government hopes to have inbound arrivals from mainland China have mandatory vaccination like other overseas arrivals, but did not give details on plans, and said "We will be monitoring the situation and consider how we would adjust the vaccination requirement for these inbound passengers."{{Cite web |title=Govt seeks to align jab requirements for all arrivals - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1682039-20221231.htm? |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}} Lo said that Hong Kong's healthcare facilities would not be burdened with the border reopening, despite the mainland going through a wave of infections.{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Hillary |date=2023-01-05 |title=Hong Kong to reopen 4 border checkpoints on Sunday, as mainland China scraps most Covid travel rules |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/01/05/breaking-hong-kong-to-reopen-4-border-checkpoints-on-sunday-as-mainland-china-scraps-covid-travel-rules/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

On 20 January 2023, after the government announced that those positive with Covid-19 would not have to isolate or report their infections to the government, Lo denied that the government was giving up its fight against the virus.{{Cite web |title='Govt isn't giving up on fight against Covid' - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1684701-20230120.htm? |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

On 23 January 2023, Lo said that he hoped more restrictions would be lifted, and said "But I must emphasise... we are not giving up on fighting the pandemic."{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Health minister hopeful Hong Kong will axe more Covid curbs after Lunar New Year |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3207768/health-minister-hopeful-hong-kong-will-lift-more-covid-curbs-after-lunar-new-year-says-city-soon |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} A news report said that in January 2023, Hong Kong had the highest death rate per capita in the world.{{Cite web |last=Grundy |first=Tom |date=2023-01-30 |title=Heads of int'l banks, business elites and SCMP chief join gov't task force to promote Hong Kong reopening |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/01/30/heads-of-intl-banks-business-elites-and-scmp-chief-join-govt-task-force-to-promote-hong-kong-reopening/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

In February 2023, Lo agreed that there should be no independent investigation into the government's handling of the pandemic, and said "We have constantly reviewed, improved and adjusted our policies, just like what other countries have done."{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title='Lessons learned': John Lee on Hong Kong Covid policy ahead of full border reopening |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3208936/coronavirus-mainland-china-hong-kong-fully-reopen-no-covid-restrictions-including-no-quota-arrivals |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

In February 2023, Lo said that once the mask mandate is dropped in Hong Kong, masks will still be mandatory in hospitals and nursing homes, and claimed "We should not forget that the masks have helped us a lot during the pandemic."{{Cite web |date=2023-02-25 |title='Hongkongers still need to wear masks at hospitals even after mandate is axed' |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3211520/coronavirus-masks-will-still-be-required-hospitals-nursing-homes-even-after-mandate-dropped-hong |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

In May 2023, Lo said that the government had spent HK$1.67 billion on quarantine facilities.{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Hillary |date=2023-05-05 |title=Covid-19: HK$1.67 billion spent on Hong Kong's isolation facilities |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/05/05/covid-19-hk1-67-billion-spent-on-hong-kongs-isolation-facilities/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

In August 2022, Lo held a meeting to discuss Chinese leader and CCP general secretary Xi Jinping's "important speech" given on 1 July 2022, stating "Xi Jinping's important speech reflects in full his care, attention and support for the Hong Kong SAR as well as the country's staunch and firm commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems". It is of great significance and meaning."{{Cite web |title=Talk delivered on President's speech |url=http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2022/08/20220812/20220812_152807_259.html |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Hong Kong's Information Services Department |language=zh-hk}} Lo also asked coworkers in the Department of Health to "grasp the core essence of Xi's speech and build it into their own work".

In August 2022, Lo said that the government would put more resources into developing Chinese medicine, and claimed Chinese medicine is an integral part of the health care system in Hong Kong.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Health Secretary offers resources for development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/193894/Health-Secretary-offers-resources-for-development-of-Chinese-medicine-in-Hong-Kong |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=The Standard |language=en}} Lo said that "Chinese medicine has been involved in the whole process of pandemic prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation."{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=More resources vow in TCM push |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/245004/More-resources-vow-in-TCM-push |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

On 29 October 2022, Lo said that the government may implement a minimum period of time in which healthcare professionals must work at a public hospital before they can leave.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Push to lock docs down to hospitals amid shortage |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/246901/Push-to-lock-docs-down-to-hospitals-amid-shortage |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=The Standard |language=en}} This caused an uproar among healthcare professionals, according to the president of the Hong Kong Public Doctors' Association.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Uproar among medics as govt mulls mandatory public sector work |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/196591/Uproar-among-medics-as-govt-mulls-mandatory-public-sector-work |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

In November 2022, it was reported that Lo was considering a lifetime ban of tobacco products to anyone born after 2009.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Hong Kong could ban cigarettes for future generations |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/196693/Hong-Kong-could-ban-cigarettes-for-future-generations |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=The Standard |language=en}} On 8 November 2022, Lo confirmed the discussions, and also said the authorities may raise the tobacco tax.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Health chief confirms Hong Kong tobacco ban for younger generation to lower smoking rate |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/196860/Health-chief-confirms-Hong-Kong-tobacco-ban-for-younger-generation-to-lower-smoking-rate- |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

Lawmaker Shiu Ka-fai criticized the decision, saying that government was already planning minors' lives, that it would reduce freedom of choice, and potentially stop talent from coming to Hong Kong.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Ciggie ban looms for those born in 2009 and after |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/247147/Ciggie-ban-looms-for-those-born-in-2009-and-after |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

In 2023, the Health Bureau released the "Primary Healthcare Blueprint," with Lo commenting in the preface.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-17 |title=Decades in the waiting, can we finally get our primary healthcare right? |url=https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3210463/decades-waiting-can-hong-kong-finally-get-its-primary-healthcare-right |access-date=2023-02-20 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} An opinion article published in SCMP said that the blueprint was flawed, and that "Perhaps the most deep-seated concern is that, despite the lip service given to serving community needs, the blueprint seems to have all over it the fingerprints of the tiny elite group of 'family physicians' who have for decades insisted they should provide the foundations for Hong Kong’s primary care sector."

In March 2023, Lo said that a government plan to attract 100 doctors trained abroad to move to Hong Kong had only resulted in 10 doctors willing to come, and said "That is, to some extent, due to emigration, as well as many reasons such as the social and political environment."{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Peter |date=2023-03-03 |title=Hong Kong only attracted around 10 non-locally trained doctors after admission rules relaxed - health chief |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/03/04/hong-kong-only-attracted-around-10-non-locally-trained-doctors-after-admission-rules-relaxed-health-chief/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}} In September 2023, Henry Fan said of the plan "Regrettably, we have not been able to hire people with high professional achievements, as they have already established their careers overseas."{{Cite web |date=2023-09-22 |title=Doctors recruited abroad for Hong Kong's hospitals mostly junior level |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3235387/doctors-recently-recruited-overseas-hong-kongs-stretched-public-hospitals-mostly-junior-level |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

Lo also mentioned that in the past 3 years, 1,247 full-time doctors had left their jobs, with only 191 of them retiring, and the remainder due to other reasons.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Hong Kong expands talent list, with quick visas for medics, I.T. experts, amid brain drain |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/05/17/hong-kong-expands-talent-list-with-quick-visas-for-medics-i-t-experts-amid-brain-drain/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Hong Kong Free Press |language=en-GB}}

In May 2023, when asked whether Hong Kong organ donors could specify that their organs only be used in Hong Kong and not in mainland China, Lo declined and said that donations should carry no conflict or prejudice.{{Cite web |title=Hongkongers can now check organ donor status in app, as withdrawal rules tightened amid cross-border transplant controversy - Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/05/29/hong-kong-launches-online-organ-donor-system-amid-cross-border-transplant-controversy/ |access-date=2023-05-29 |work=Hong Kong Free Press |language=en-GB}}

Lo owns a residential property in the United Kingdom with his wife,{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Financial Services Secretary tops the interests declaration with seven properties |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/193376/Financial-Services-Secretary-tops-the-interests-declaration-with-seven-properties |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=The Standard |language=en}} along with 3 properties in Hong Kong.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Almond |date=2022-08-12 |title=Treasury chief biggest property owner among Hong Kong top officials, gov't information reveals |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/08/12/treasury-chief-biggest-property-owner-among-hong-kong-top-officials-govt-information-reveals/ |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

Lo is a voting member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Crunch looms in rare race to join the club |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/244870/Crunch-looms-in-rare-race-to-join-the-club |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=The Standard |language=en}}

In September 2022, he got his fourth shot of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Almond |date=2022-09-22 |title=Hong Kong health chief gets Covid-19 and winter flu jabs in one sitting, urges public to follow suit |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/22/hong-kong-health-chief-gets-covid-19-and-winter-flu-jabs-in-one-sitting-urges-public-to-follow-suit/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}

In December 2022, Lo underwent home quarantine, after a member of his family tested COVID-19 positive.{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong adds 17,080 Covid cases - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1679989-20221215.htm? |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}

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Category:1961 births

Category:Living people

Category:Hong Kong justices of the peace

Category:Alumni of the University of Hong Kong

Category:Alumni of Queen's College, Hong Kong

Category:Hong Kong pro-Beijing politicians