Opinion | We must continue to keep our distance

A recent drop in daily infections has raised hopes of a positive turnaround in Hong Kong’s Covid-19 outbreak. But it has also strengthened calls for the government to lift social-distancing restrictions. Admittedly, the measures have dealt another blow to many businesses that have been struggling for months, but they are also the reason why the coronavirus has not taken a heavier toll. Until there are further signs of a declining trend in infections, this is not the time for the city to lower its guard.

The situation remains unsettling to say the least. Even though figures have fallen for the past few days, there are still cases of imported and local infections. Of the 1,000-plus cases recorded since January, some remain untraceable. Meanwhile, global infections have hit 2 million, with outbreaks still raging in the United States, Japan and across Europe. Extended health surveillance rules for visitors from overseas underline the need for vigilance. Locally, tens of thousands of students are set to take Diploma of Secondary Education examinations starting a week tomorrow, further raising the risk of community infections.

Compared to the sweeping lockdown in several cities elsewhere, the restrictions on restaurants and public gatherings in Hong Kong are relatively moderate. Businesses and individuals have nonetheless become increasingly impatient, even though measures have been barely in place for a few weeks. With at least 10,000 verbal warnings and dozens of fixed penalties issued, compliance remains an issue. The Easter break saw more people, many of whom were not wearing masks, seeking refuge at country parks and outlying islands.