Resuming travel to the mainland has proven a dangerous distraction from important priorities such as getting the elderly vaccinated. Moreover, Hong Kong’s value to the country rests on its international gateway role for capital, goods and people, which also requires open borders with the wider world.

‘Zero-Covid’ has always been more of a short-term objective than a long-term plan. As Omicron pokes holes in Hong Kong’s defences, the government must adapt to the reality of a Covid-19 world.

Sealing off the city helped save lives early on and bought people time to get vaccinated, but it also made us complacent. Now, the arrival of the Omicron variant means compulsory testing and quarantines are no longer practical, and it may be time to rejoin the world.

It is understandable that people are sceptical and worried about how they will be governed. While the election was flawed, the promise of better political discourse and a sense of normalcy at least provide a silver lining.

The fundamental dynamic that made it successful is still operating: its free economy and minimal state intervention continues to attract a spirited group of ambitious, risk-taking talent – including, as shown in recent years, those from the mainland.

Many people understand the rage of the protesters, even if they don’t support the violence. Such empathy is further coloured by mistrust of the Carrie Lam administration. The government must take positive action to realign public opinion.

Housing, education, medical care and social welfare: the issues addressed by the British governor in the wake of the 1967 unrest are again front and centre in Hong Kong’s latest summer of discontent. Will the government take a leaf out of MacLehose’s book?