Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau has called on the public to keep LeaveHomeSafe on their phones, saying there is more to the app than just scanning QR codes. 

From Wednesday, people no longer have to scan LeaveHomeSafe QR codes to check in at venues.

But speaking on an RTHK programme, the health minister stressed that the authorities are not scrapping the app altogether.

Lo said since the app’s launch in November 2020, it has undergone more than 40 adjustments and includes many elements. 

“Please do not remove the app from your mobile phones. We definitely did not take it off the app store. We only made changes to its scanning function, which we no longer use,” he said.

“But within the app, there is still a QR code [function] to make the registration for PCR testing more convenient, and it’s free. You can also show your vaccine pass with it.” 

People entering some places, such as restaurants, must still present their vaccination record.

The health chief said the vaccine pass requirement has served its function in boosting inoculation “without a doubt”. 

Responding to comments on dropping the policy, Lo said: “If anyone has any suggestions that are more effective than the vaccine pass scheme, and can help boost [the vaccination rate], we absolutely welcome them.”