Fair balance must be struck on who gets new Hong Kong health code first
- The needs of city business groups, workers and those wanting to see relatives have to be carefully assessed to ensure fairness in quarantine-free cross-border travel
Until the global Covid-19 pandemic subsides, Hongkongers may only count on a new health code system to visit the mainland without going through lengthy quarantine procedures. But the much-touted initiative has proved to be a challenge even before it is implemented, with various sectors vying for a limited daily quota.
Evidently, all needs cannot be satisfied at the initial stage, and authorities will have to carefully assess and justify priorities.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has urged people not to rush to apply for the code, as it can only be used once a quota is obtained. But that did not stop some 395,000 from signing up over the past few days, with about one-third having already activated their accounts pending an announcement on the launch.
The strong demand is not surprising. Among those who have signed up are probably businesspeople, cross-border families and many more who need the code for work.
There are also those who have to visit or take care of sick or terminally ill family members on the mainland. Others may just badly need a quarantine-free holiday after nearly two years of lockdown.