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 is the significance of the mRNA vaccine in the context of COVID-19 management in China?

What are the potential future strategies for Hong Kong regarding COVID-19 measures?