Letters | Covid vaccines: Hongkongers clearly go flat out for carrots, so spare them the stick

Hongkongers are said to be always eyeing benefits, and this time it is with regard to Covid vaccinations. This stereotype was only reinforced when it turned out that the possibility of winning a flat by getting vaccinated was working. Promoting public health through material benefits sounds like a great idea, because appointments for vaccine shots increased notably after the promotional strategy was announced.

Other commercial organisations are following suit and giving away shopping vouchers, hotel discounts, train passes and more, so we can expect an even more drastic boost in the vaccination rate. It’s clear the principle of carrots still works well in our society.

Regarding the poor vaccine take-up until recently, some people cannot rid themselves of the worries that have been fuelled by incorrect information. The government should step up its campaign to counter the wrong information circulating in society and better educate Hongkongers about the positives of inoculation to address their concerns.

On the other hand, barring people from some venues if they cannot show vaccination proof is not a wise approach at all. It would further increase the impression of the government being dictatorial and lacking empathy towards the people, especially those who might have various reasons for not taking the vaccine.