This is not the time to let our guard down as number of cases rises in Hong Kong
- Restricting entry into Hong Kong and prohibiting bars from selling alcohol may seen draconian but these measures are needed if we are to defeat Covid-19
When it comes to fighting a raging global pandemic, no authority can say for sure what measures should be adopted.
The Hong Kong government’s latest move to widen the entry ban to all non-residents is a timely response, as are the restrictions on the sale of alcohol in bars and other possible measures to reduce the risks of Covid-19 infection in the community.
With another 39 new cases reported Monday, bringing the total number to 356, nothing can be taken for granted. The city must be prepared to go further if we do not want to lose ground in our relatively robust battle against the disease.
Belated and piecemeal as it might seem, the new package of measures announced by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the second such move in less than 48 hours, shows just how fast changing and vulnerable the situation is.
The alcohol ban at some 8,600 licensed premises followed more infections linked to drinking at Lan Kwai Fong, the city’s premier nightlife district. While the restriction is likely to deal another blow to the ailing industry, it still falls short of calls for a complete showdown of bars and restaurants to curb infections.
The mixed reactions are to be expected. While the economy must be taken care of, it has to be weighed against the wider interest of public health. The pledge to better support affected businesses is a positive step. It is also reasonable for restaurants and food outlets to come up with increased anti-infection measures before the authorities impose more sweeping controls.