Editorial | An end to Hong Kong’s Covid-19 restrictions does not mean end to vigilance

The long-awaited lifting of Covid-19 restrictions has been eagerly embraced in Hong Kong and there is, understandably, a desire to consign the pandemic to the past. The border with mainland China fully opened in February and the mask mandate was lifted in March. Almost a million people left the city for holidays during the Easter break. The dark days of mandatory testing, quarantine, flights bans and restaurant closures seem to belong to a different era.

Hong Kong was one of the last places in the world to return to normal life. World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in March said he was confident it would declare the pandemic over later this year.

These developments are welcome, paving the way for the city’s economic recovery and reconnection with the world. But Covid-19 has not gone away. It continues to pose a threat to the unvaccinated and the vulnerable. There is a need for constant vigilance. Hard lessons have been learned and they must not be forgotten.

A new highly transmissible Omicron subvariant, Arcturus, is being closely monitored by the WHO. It has caused a surge in cases in India and is gaining traction in the US. At least seven cases have been recorded in Hong Kong. There is no need for undue alarm. The evidence overseas suggests it does not cause an increase in severe cases or death. Variants are to be expected as the virus becomes endemic. Hong Kong has a high level of immunity, through vaccination and infection. But the city must stay alert. There has recently been a rise in the number of cases, although at a relatively low level. Vaccines are the best protection, especially for the young, the old and those with chronic illnesses. Free booster jabs are now only available for people in vulnerable groups and new registrations for the outreach vaccination scheme targeting the elderly and disabled ceased last week.

While it is to be expected that the infrastructure developed to combat Covid-19 will be scaled back, there is no room for complacency. It is imperative that those vulnerable to the virus get their jabs. There will also be times when it makes sense to put on a mask, while good hygiene must be maintained. Hong Kong is a crowded city where contagious diseases spread quickly.

Tedros said it was likely Covid-19 would no longer disrupt societies, but it will remain a threat to health and a virus that will kill. WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan warned the virus was still volatile and a bumpy ride lay ahead.

While Hong Kong enjoys yearned-for freedom following the lifting of restrictions, vigilance, care and caution are needed to ensure the community stays safe.