Letters | Hong Kong must drop Byzantine Covid-19 rules-based approach

Readers urge the Hong Kong government to adopt a principles-based Covid-19 policy, argue that mask-wearing can impede communication, question the rules covering live bands, and draw attention to the need to resume full-day classes in primary schools

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu meets the media before an Executive Council meeting at the government’s headquarters in Admiralty on September 6. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:30am, 11 Oct 2022

The Hong Kong government has done an admirable job of steering us through the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. But our approach in 2022 is exposing us to the risk of “death by a thousand cuts”, which may have consequences long after the pandemic. Our administrators appear like ducks, calm on the surface but madly paddling under the water, when we need vision, agility, forward thinking, coordination and empathy.

I humbly request that we have a strategy and road map premised on the following principles. First, protecting the most vulnerable while allowing personal responsibility for the rest. Second, simple policies that are adaptable and fit for purpose for the times. Third, a rebalancing of economic conditions with health protections, including for mental health, as we move forward.

Almost daily, we hear of sporting events appearing to be arbitrarily rejected; children subjected to restrictions that unnecessarily infringe on their development; economic damage disproportionate to the intended health benefits; and rules which may once have been apt remaining in place for no apparent reason. This will only continue whatever the rules we adopt if we stick to playing catch-up.

“Together, we fight the virus” requires us to get it together in our approach, especially as we enter this new phase. We must now be more principles-based instead of staying with the current Byzantine rules-based approach. Hongkongers are renowned for their ingenuity, resourcefulness, responsibility for one another and resilience. Let’s create the right principles-based policy settings that enable these characteristics to come to the fore.

Lachlan Wolfers, Happy Valley

Masked officials cannot tell the Hong Kong story well

I was watching an interview of Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau on Bloomberg; both the interviewer and Dr Lo had masks on. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu wears a mask during all press conferences.

While it’s understandable that our officials want to set a good example by wearing a mask, this is preventing them from telling the Hong Kong story well. Words are only one part of communication; non-verbal gestures and expressions have a significant role to play.