Editorial | Hong Kong on the threshold of a new beginning, but challenges remain
- The Lunar New Year is a time for optimism, and this year, more than most, there is a good reason to be positive as we enter a post-pandemic era. But, as usual, that optimism must be tempered with caution
The Lunar New Year is a time for fresh starts, high hopes and good luck wishes. The festival will be celebrated with great enthusiasm in Hong Kong this year, as the city emerges from the dark clouds of the pandemic and looks forward to a brighter future.
Most will be glad to move on from the Year of the Tiger. It is associated with courage and strength.
Those qualities were much needed as Hong Kong endured its biggest Covid-19 outbreak and battled through a crisis. Spring Festival festivities were severely curtailed last year.
The traditional fairs were cut back or cancelled, restaurants closed early and people were told to stay at home.
What a difference a year can make. China’s departure from its “zero-Covid” strategy in December has led to the widespread lifting of restrictions in Hong Kong and the mainland.