The soaring number of local Covid-19 infections is putting the Hong Kong government to the test again. Whether a third wave of the outbreak can be weathered as those previously remains to be seen. Belatedly, but rightly, more measures are being taken to contain the spread, although some fall short of advice given by medical experts. An earlier sense of complacency and lowered vigilance by the public and government make the battle more challenging. Unless we stay determined and united as we did in the first two rounds to again win the battle, consequences could be devastating. With dozens of new cases in a few days, the latest cluster in a public housing block in Sha Tin , the case to tighten up some measures is a strong one. The question is how far should we go. Following the announcement of stricter social-distancing measures in restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues on Thursday, the Education Bureau yesterday told schools to start their summer holidays from Monday amid mounting criticism over unclear guidelines on class suspensions. The change of heart, officials said, came in light of the “exponential growth” in local infections, but it can only add to claims of government indecision. The measures may look half-hearted compared to those imposed during the height of previous outbreaks. Officials have repeatedly defended the so-called suppress and lift strategy, saying steps taken are based on prevailing circumstances. However, they also risk becoming arbitrary, even inconsistent at times. Admittedly, it is difficult to estimate the impact of restricting restaurant capacity to 60 per cent, and each table to eight people instead of 12. But when the cap on public gatherings continues to be kept at 50 individuals to help reduce infection risks, one has to ask why an indoor book fair that hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend can go ahead even with additional health control measures. Complacency remains the biggest enemy in fighting the deadly virus, as witnessed in the resurgence of infections in some countries. Hong Kong officials had been justly proud of the overall relatively low number of cases and deaths in a city that did not experience a total lockdown. Our schools, hospitals and nursing homes remained safe. But now a home for the elderly in Tsz Wan Shan is suffering a serious outbreak. Medical facilities will be overstretched if the spread goes unchecked. On a global level, the World Health Organisation has criticised the lack of leadership and solidarity at this time. As we try to live with intermittent outbreaks as the new normal, officials need to respond effectively and stand with the public to fight the coronavirus together.