As the cruel Omicron-fuelled fifth wave rolls on, social-distancing restrictions have been further tightened, and understandably so. The measures, along with the newly introduced vaccine pass to enter shopping centres, supermarkets and other designated premises, are necessary with Hong Kong logging a record 10,010 confirmed cases yesterday. It is important that measures are followed or more drastic steps may need to be taken. Since Thursday, people who use country parks and those who pursue outdoor physical activities now have to wear masks. Separately, the number of diners per table at all restaurants is capped at two, down from four. Such tightening is not surprising given the worrying rise in infections in recent days. However, the latest details were only announced by the government on Wednesday after 8pm. Some people were seen jogging without masks, apparently unaware of the rules change. The ever-changing isolation and social-distancing rules are no doubt overwhelming, particularly for those not vaccinated against the virus and now banned from so many premises. Some people doubt whether the new measures can effectively curb the spread of Covid-19. Somewhat expectedly, the vaccine pass has fuelled confusion and damaged businesses, but opposition will only dampen efforts to curb transmission and improve contact tracing. Authorities should step up publicity to help ensure compliance. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has already announced plans for citywide compulsory tests next month without there being a full lockdown. This has raised questions as to whether transmission may be effectively suppressed in accordance with the so-called dynamic zero strategy. Authorities had tightened social-distancing measures at the start of the fifth-wave onslaught in January, but the situation quickly deteriorated forcing the government to seek help from Beijing. By scaling down physical contact, maintaining strict hygiene and adhering to government restrictions and advice, the city fought off four previous outbreaks. As long as citizens remain united and fight together, there is no storm that cannot be weathered.