With the number of daily Covid-19 infections continuing to fall, the government’s plan to relax social-distancing restrictions in three stages may seem woefully slow to many simply tired of the prolonged pandemic. But the truth is that the fifth wave is still lingering in the city and hundreds of new cases are reported each day. There is every reason to remain cautious as we seek to return to our normal lives. In a pleasant surprise, the government yesterday announced that some of the relaxations slated for the second stage would be brought forward. Starting from tomorrow, swimming pools and beaches will reopen. Masks will no longer be required during outdoor exercise and hiking. Restaurants will also be allowed to seat up to eight customers per table to accommodate Mother’s Day celebrations this month. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said she had taken into account the stabilising situation regarding infections and wishes of the public. She agreed people would continue to be frustrated if they were not allowed entry to swimming pools and had to carry on wearing masks while exercising in the heat. The concessions may have been welcomed by those yearning for a return to outdoor and water sports, but they also raise questions whether the original timetable was too conservative. Just a week ago, Lam rejected calls to advance some of the relaxations, and her change of heart shows the three-stage approach is not cast in stone. The original decision stemmed from an assessment based on the circumstances in March. There is no reason why it cannot be reviewed, taking into account the current situation. Hong Kong to ease more Covid social-distancing rules on Thursday; 290 cases logged Starting from May 19, bars may resume business, with four customers per table and operate until 2am. Restaurants can stay open until midnight and host banquets of up to 120 people. The capacity of cinemas will be raised to 85 per cent. Other premises left out of the first stage, such as bathhouses, karaokes and mahjong parlours, may also reopen. It will be not surprising if calls grow louder to extend the relaxations earlier to these businesses. Equally strong is the clamour for the return of cross-border and international travel. So far, neither the outgoing nor the incoming administration has given a concrete timetable on when and how to resume normal travel. As infection figures continue to fall, the pressure for fewer restrictions will only grow. Opening up further will inevitably involve the risk of more infections, especially with the easing of travel bans on non-Hong Kong residents this month. However, as with other relaxations, the government must closely assess the health risks and public needs when seeking to return to pre-Covid life.