Customers look at new smartphones in a mobile phone store in Hong Kong, with a sign showing discounts when using consumption vouchers, on April 7, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Residents in Hong Kong can finally go shopping with their long-awaited consumption vouchers to boost the local economy, after a long fight with the coronavirus.

On Thursday, the residents received HK$5,000 e-vouchers under the 2022 Consumption Voucher Scheme.  

The government reminded members of the public that the e-vouchers are valid for seven months so there is no urgency to immediately go out and splurge amid the pandemic

ALSO READ: HK residents to get HK$5,000 e-vouchers on Thursday

Consumers using accounts of AlipayHK, Tap & Go or WeChat Pay HK will get the full amount while those who use Octopus cards will get theirs in two instalments.

Various retail stores have also offered shopping discounts to customers who used the e-vouchers.

Noting that the pandemic situation in the city remained severe, the government reminded members of the public that the vouchers are valid for seven months so there is no urgency to immediately go out and splurge. 

It is expected to cost the government about HK$66.4 billion ($8.5 billion) and is projected to boost Hong Kong’s GDP by 1.7 percent. 

READ MORE: Over 6m HK residents to get HK$5,000 e-voucher next month

An elderly couple receive their consumption vouchers via Octopus cards at a Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme collection point inside an MTR station on April 7, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

People line up to get their consumption vouchers via Octopus cards at a Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme collection point inside an MTR station on April 7, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

People line up to get their consumption vouchers via Octopus cards at a Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme collection point inside an MTR station on April 7, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

A salesperson from a telecom service shop (left), whose T-shirt shows the store accepts consumption vouchers, introduces new smartphones to shoppers on April 7, 2022 in Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Customers check out new glasses in a eyewear store in Hong Kong, with a sign showing discounts when using consumption vouchers, on April 7, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Pedestrians pass by posters promoting consumption vouchers on April 7, 2022 in Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)