Letters | As Hong Kong coronavirus cases drop, why not reopen libraries and cinemas?

The government should promptly reopen recreational spaces where people can easily practise social distancing and wear masks

Reading Time:2 minutes

A young reader at the City Hall Public Library in Central on March 11, when library services resumed temporarily. Photo: May Tse

Published: 7:00am, 28 Apr 2020Updated: 2:55pm, 28 Apr 2020

The government has been swift to close public venues in a bid to reduce people congregating excessively amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, the scale of closures has been excessive and does not effectively prevent the spread of the virus.

Recreational venues, including libraries and cinemas, have mostly been closed since January and March, respectively. While these spaces are enclosed, they are arguably safe, as people can wear masks and avoid physical contact. Further, there had been no confirmed cases in such venues before their closure, suggesting that these are unlikely to be hotspots.

In stark contrast with the rest of the city, hiking trails and beaches have been unusually crowded, as Hongkongers see few other options to spend their downtime. Moreover, many do not wear masks while hiking or sunbathing, to which the government has turned a blind eye.

Does the Centre for Health Protection believe that pathogens are only contagious in enclosed spaces and not outdoors? Certainly not, as playgrounds and sporting grounds are still closed while the Diploma of Secondary Education exams have commenced.

Containing the virus is important, but closing most of our leisure spaces could be more detrimental socially and economically.

The government should promptly reopen venues with a low risk of virus transmission, in a bid to improve our standard of living and reduce the effects of economic loss and unemployment.

Given the sharp decline in new cases recently, reopening selected recreational venues would hopefully also serve as a signal of recovery from the pandemic plaguing our city.