Nearly three-quarters of Hongkongers show depressive symptoms, a significant rise over last year. In addition to introducing mental health metrics into policymaking, each one of us must boost our mental health literacy and stop stigmatising mental illness.

For an election to be fair, candidates must have the opportunity to engage with voters, and this can’t happen in a city fighting a new wave of coronavirus infections. Instead, this might be the time for Hong Kong to cool off.

Global evidence reveals women have shown political leadership by working across party lines even in the most combative environments. Every political actor contributes to the chronic underrepresentation of women in the halls of power in this city.

This year’s school leavers started the academic year during the height of the protests and ended it amid the Covid-19 outbreak. The times have bequeathed them the ingredients to foster fortitude and compassion and to see the world with clarity.

The aim is to win a simple majority in Legco, but the threat to weaponise this advantage is overstated. Playing a game of chicken with Beijing has never worked.

The opposition bloc hoped to secure 35 seats in the legislature, giving it the power to block government bills, but the national security law might force the pan-democrats to go back to reasonable debate and striving to achieve a consensus.

Toxic politics has crippled Hong Kong. While Beijing officials act quickly on important legislative work in the shape of a new national security law, we cannot even enact a waste disposal charge, vacancy tax on property or an extension to maternity leave

Hongkongers’ issue with the national security law has always been the lack of public consultation. Carrie Lam’s framing of the current discussion as either supporting or ‘demonising’ the law simply sets up Hong Kong for an explosive summer.

Urgent matters such as the Cathay bailout and national security legislation being deemed too important for deliberation by the legislature raise questions over the use of having lawmakers at all. Why were they silent after making Ocean Park and its employees sweat for months over a much smaller bailout?

Legislators who pull stunts during debates are part of the political problem. The ineffective and hypocritical opposition must share the blame for the city’s dysfunctional politics.

The protest movement and divisive politics have become Beijing’s justifications for the security law. The opposition and pro-Beijing camp helped put Hong Kong in this predicament, yet few are protecting Hongkongers’ interests now.

In the post-truth era, public broadcasters must hold themselves up to high standards of neutrality and reporting the facts. Instead, RTHK has found itself embroiled in one controversy after another.

At this point, a HK$5.4 billion lifeline would only keep the park afloat for another 12 months. Letting it live on borrowed time won’t do it or us any good. Ocean Park, like the MTR, is a Hong Kong brand that has forgotten Hongkongers.

Covid-19 has upended school, work, travel and social life, opening up new possibilities and exposing structural vulnerabilities. We should build on these experiences to improve our way of life.

Hong Kong’s legislative gridlock has drawn statements from Beijing’s representatives. But democrats’ filibusters are old news. Beijing is likely more disappointed that the pro-establishment camp hasn’t broken the gridlock after months of delay.

The reassignment of the constitutional affairs secretary and the appointment of a DAB member have prompted talk that Beijing is involved. But the fact that Patrick Nip has been reassigned, not pushed out, should put to rest such rumours.

Pathogens have a long history of transforming human life. Covid-19 presents opportunities to change our high-consumption lifestyle, and tackle Hong Kong’s economic and political problems.

The chief executive deserves credit for saying reassuring things we desperately needed to hear. Now, she just needs to stay ahead of the curve and be alert to public sentiment, no small feat in this time of crisis.

The Malaysian women’s affairs ministry putting the onus on wives to maintain harmony in the family during the coronavirus lockdown is particularly insidious given the rise in cases of violence against women worldwide.

Hong Kong’s leader has chosen to let public health experts take centre stage instead of speaking directly to the people. This leaves restless and frustrated Hongkongers feeling like they have no choice but to fend for themselves.

From free online lessons to giveaways to needy families, acts of kindness are gaining traction, but more is needed. Hong Kong can get through this crisis, if those who have the financial means step up and help the less fortunate.

Hongkongers who indulge violent protesters have unleashed hatred and hypocrisy. Pro-democracy district councillors who discriminate against blue ribbons are doing a disservice to their cause and debasing public service.

Proposals to name parks after two late young Hongkongers reeked of political exploitation. When the Sai Kung District Council finally suspended discussions on the park-naming motions, it was a small victory for a better kind of politics.

Paul Chan did a masterful job managing expectations before announcing a budget featuring a crowd-pleasing HK$10,000 handout. Hong Kong needs more such measures, which address the needs of ordinary people, not massive funding for improving the rule of law.

Hongkongers in a panic about the coronavirus epidemic are upset at being called ‘idiots’ by Singaporean minister Chan Chun Sing. He should understand Hong Kong is experiencing a complete breakdown in trust, which could happen to any city.

Hong Kong’s resilience has been weakened by months of social unrest and government ineptitude but we must resist the urge to succumb to our worst instincts.

Hongkongers are scrambling to buy supplies while the Hong Kong government scrambles to respond to the public health crisis. A crisis is a real test of leadership – and the Carrie Lam administration seems to be failing.

The panicked buying of protective masks and hoarding of food in Hong Kong is a reminder that we should protect ourselves against a contagion of fear, and the rumour-mongering and xenophobic behaviour it triggers.

Yellow or blue businesses have been all the rage in Hong Kong, as if drawing a circle around ourselves will keep us safe from those we disagree with. But here’s a newsflash: the Wuhan coronavirus doesn’t care which side of the political divide you’re on.

While both Tsai and Lam faced a challenging year, the Taiwanese leader shrewdly capitalised on the crisis in Hong Kong to claim herself a massive election win.