Editorial | Packed Hong Kong beaches no place for latest wave
- Scenes reflect badly on city’s fight against virus and anger many of those on mainland enduring stringent lockdowns
If there is any evidence of pandemic fatigue in Hong Kong, it would be the sight of beaches swarming with people without masks during a widening fifth wave of Covid-19. While it reflects badly on the city’s efforts in fighting the virus, it has also angered many across the border, where imported Omicron infections have resulted in the most stringent mainland lockdown in two years.
As we struggle between zero infections and living with the virus, let’s remember controlling the outbreak is not just the city’s own business. Failing to do so may undermine cross-border relations and public safety nationwide.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was seemingly also feeling the heat when she urged the public to remain vigilant. She would not be drawn on criticism from those on the mainland, but conceded beaches should be sealed off to avoid gatherings.
This is not the first time the government has been criticised for overlooking beaches when tightening Covid restrictions. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said it had suspended lifeguard services since the onset of the latest wave, but stopped short of cordoning off beaches as it had done in the past.
02:02
Mainland Chinese direct ire at Hong Kong as Covid-19 surge prompts new lockdowns
Officials apparently did not expect March temperatures to tempt people back to the water.