Studies show that infection transmission can vary widely depending on the primary setting. An understanding of the different risks involved would help policymakers maintain control even as containment measures are relaxed.
Hong Kong remains at risk with the global pandemic raging, so any relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions must be gradual and careful, with ongoing surveillance and all sectors engaged, including businesses and civil society.
To be prepared for an outbreak is important but that provides only a framework. Any plan needs to be constantly informed by the emerging science in an epidemic, and complemented by real-time surveillance to gather effective intelligence in a fast-changing situation.