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

Coronavirus Hong Kong

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 11 Oct 2022

Why you can trust SCMP

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.

Hong Kong Covid-19 restrictions that no longer add up should go

“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.

Mr Lee and Dr Lo should seriously consider removing their masks when communicating with the public. We see President Xi Jinping maskless when speaking in public, whether in mainland China, Hong Kong or elsewhere.

If our officials follow suit, it won’t have a major effect on Hongkongers wearing masks in indoor public spaces, like the MTR or on buses, as that is already an ingrained habit for most people.

John Li Gar Chiu, Mid-Levels

As music returns, time to let bands back in bars

It has been great in the past month to see social distancing measures being slowly relaxed in Hong Kong. The return to normalcy is heading in the right direction.

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing in concerts, several open-air music events have been promoted at the West Kowloon Cultural District, live bands continue to perform in hotels, and karaoke clubs are open for business as usual. Most recently, the Vienna Philharmonic has a performance confirmed for the end of the month.

Yet, sadly, for some reason, live music in bars, restaurants and clubs are still prohibited. Music lovers are baffled by this ridiculous ban. Can Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau please offer a reasonable explanation for this discrimination against full-time professional musicians that has lasted nearly two years?

C. Aitchison, Pok Fu Lam

Progress needed on full-day classes for primary schools

I am writing in response to the report, “Still no full-day primary classes in Hong Kong because of low Covid-19 vaccine rate” (October 7). It is sad that primary schools have not yet been able to go back to full-day classes. I can only imagine the struggle of parents.

It is true that primary schoolchildren have less self-care ability. Children might take off their face mask while playing with friends, so it is crucial that parents understand the importance of vaccinating their children.

Meanwhile, the government could consider the gradual resumption of full-day classes by lowering the vaccination rate required from 90 per cent to 70 per cent. Given that many other rules related to Covid-19 have been relaxed around the city, the government must draw up a timetable for schools to get back to full-day, in-class teaching soon.

Viann Tong, Kwai Chung