Letters | Hong Kong’s live music performers are desperate to return to work
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Music industry workers contribute hugely to Hong Kong’s status as a world-class centre of arts and culture. If Hong Kong is to truly become a “hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world”, as envisioned in the 14th five-year plan, we need to foster a new sense of belonging and culture as part of Hong Kong’s long-term recovery.
People need a chance to wind down from their stressful working lives. Live music and art performances, especially in the company of others, have long been known to help relieve stress.
Safeguards are already in place to provide sufficient protection and reassurance for both performers and the audience: relevant venues are subject to capacity limitations and are using the Leave Home Safe app to confirm everyone is fully vaccinated. The requirement that performers must either wear masks or take daily rapid antigen tests could be implemented in the same way as at government venues such as theatres.
Almost everyone in the music industry is triple-vaccinated and they have been for a long time. They are ready to get back to work.