Most of us have been trapped in Hong Kong for the past two years because of the pandemic. However, far from dampening Hongkongers’ enthusiasm for travelling overseas, our isolation has increased it. Hong Kong has only so many sources of entertainment, and even places such as Disneyland and Ocean Park lose their allure after enough visits.

We want to see more than is available in Hong Kong. For instance, we want to see the vast ocean in Malaysia, the Clock Tower in London and the many K-pop stars in South Korea. Fortunately, the implementation of the new rules for arrivals will help make that happen sooner rather than later.

People are now able to travel more freely and efficiently. Previously, families who were planning to travel overseas had to take into account Hong Kong’s stringent rules and the potential conflict of office and school schedules with the time spent in quarantine. These new rules give people more freedom when planning their trips.

Under the new rules, these students only need to monitor their health at home instead of isolating in a hotel for a week or more, saving them both time and money.

I do not believe Covid-19 will go away within a short time. What we need to do is slowly ease restrictions while being cautious and tightening them again if necessary. Rather than imposing strict controls, the public being self-disciplined is the key.

Zoey So Tsz-ying, Tai Po

In these hard times, let’s all try to lend a helping hand

In the Chinese language media recently, it was reported that a man working for a courier company was awarded HK$10,000 (US$1,300) for helping an old man who was hurt but refused to be taken to hospital. The courier company employee pushed the elderly man in a cart and took him where he wanted to go. This can be seen as another example of the old idea of good begetting good.

Times are hard these days, though, and many people only look out for themselves. They think protecting their own interests – and, at most, those of their families – is the best way to counter a world that is cold and unjust.

As a responsible citizen, I try to do my part to make the world a better place. Helping others in our everyday lives can actually be easy. Everyone can do it if they try.

If you take the bus or minibus, squeeze into the inner seats on the two-seaters. Give up your seat when you see elderly people or pregnant women. Hold the door for people when entering or leaving buildings, and hold the lift when you see people trying to rush in.

People can easily come up with many more ways to help others. Make it a habit. Once you start, blessings will follow. Times are hard, but we can all make a difference.

Jacqueline Kwan, Sai Ying Pun