Editorial | Latest relaxations no reason to lower guard
- Another easing of social-distancing restrictions does not clear way for Hong Kong to forget rules as Covid-19 cases in most of the world keep rising
A marked decrease in the number of reported Covid-19 infections in Hong Kong has led to another welcome easing of social-distancing restrictions. The measures are in keeping with a yearning among residents for a return to normal life.
As of Friday, the capacity of venues will be raised from 50 to 75 per cent, more people will be able to sit together in restaurants, bars and pubs, hours for the latter two being extended, there will be a return of live music and the reopening of public beaches.
But the pandemic is far from over as fresh spikes in cases in Europe, the United States and elsewhere attest, so such relaxations cannot be an excuse for guards to be let down.
After months of restrictions, the government is under immense pressure to get the economy moving again and residents are eager for more entertainment and recreation. But steps have to be taken gradually; premature relaxation of precautions could too easily trigger another wave of infection, as has happened overseas.
That has led to the government making some controversial decisions, as with the closure of patrolled beaches. There has been frustration for some, especially on balmy days such as last weekend, and people breaking rules and putting themselves in dangerous situations.