Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. It seems Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has indeed been telling the good stories of Hong Kong, stories that sound almost too good to be true. It is not only irresponsible for Lee to say on his trip to the United Arab Emirates that Hong Kong has “no restriction whatsoever”, it is also just not true. Many Hong Kong residents are dreaming of a maskless society, but with no end to the mask mandate in sight, can we really say that we have no restrictions? The mask mandate should be removed immediately before his comments have a dampening effect on public opinion, both in and outside Hong Kong. Or can I actually go out maskless and not be fined HK$5,000 (US$637) for doing so? I think not, and I am not willing to put this to the test for the sake of my wallet. Lee Ross, Kowloon City City reopening off to running start with marathon I was among the 30,000-plus runners who were thrilled to take part in the 25th Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Sunday following the government’s relaxation of Covid-19 rules. Having run the Hong Kong marathon for the 20th time and about 120 marathons on six continents, I have witnessed continued improvement in the Hong Kong race over the years despite various types of challenges and constraints. The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates and the many volunteers must be commended for their contribution and dedication. The marathon will form an integral part of the “ Hello Hong Kong ” campaign as the city is trying to return to normality. I hope the number of runners in the next edition of our flagship marathon, scheduled for November , will be back to 74,000 and that the usual 10,000 overseas runners will return. Walter Cheung, Mid-Levels