Letters | Coronavirus in Hong Kong: let the vaccinated walk mask-free
- Mask-wearing in non-crowded outdoor areas should not be required for the vaccinated
- If our leaders and health advisers can show us a mask-free normalcy, then more people will see the benefits of getting the jab
At a time when so many seem to be waiting for incentives to get the vaccine, the Hong Kong government needs to show there are more benefits to enjoy from taking the jab. Sure, having more restaurants open is nice but much more needs to be done.
The government needs to understand that the constant wearing of masks, especially when summer is almost upon us, is draining. It is frustrating for everyone to see a room full of maskless people eating together or a basketball court filling up with maskless players, yet, if we so much as walk to a store we have to wear a mask.
So, first off, outdoor mask-wearing in non-crowded areas should not be required for those who are vaccinated. If you can reach out your arms and not touch somebody, no mask needed. Let the police approach anybody without a mask and ask to see proof of vaccination. No proof, big fine.
Next, Carrie Lam and government officials need to show what normalcy looks like post-vaccination. For example, any press conference should require all attendees to be vaccinated. By doing this, all the people in the room, including the speakers, can be seen without masks. Good enough for restaurants but not press conferences?
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‘Vaccine bubble’ allowing Hong Kong bars and party rooms to reopen leaves many confused
If our leaders and health advisers can show us a mask-free normalcy, then more people will see the benefits of getting the jab. But when we see those who have been vaccinated still wearing their masks, what benefit is there to be derived?
We all need to be shown the power of the vaccine, and being able to see maskless people is a powerful tool.
David Ring, Tuen Mun
Put a price on medicines for greater clarity
The Hong Kong government should urgently pass a resolution that all the medicines sold in the city must have the retail price marked on it. Many times, when we purchase medicines from different stores, the price varies quite a lot. I am sure that this suggestion would be appreciated by the general public in Hong Kong.