Hong Kong fourth wave: government defends flip-flop over online Covid-19 press briefings, says on-site sessions to continue out of public concern
- Media groups argued the initial move to go digital, announced on Sunday night, would have allowed officials to duck tough lines of inquiry
- Director of Health Constance Chan notes backlash for decision, saying conferences in physical setting will continue at bigger venue
Health officials in Hong Kong on Monday defended their flip-flop over a plan to move the daily Covid-19 press briefing online, saying the latest decision to continue the conference in a physical setting was in response to deep concern from the public.
The original change, announced on Sunday evening, was aimed at implementing social distancing at Department of Health facilities to minimise the risk of infection at media conferences jointly held by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Hospital Authority.
The move drew sharp condemnation from journalist groups and local media outlets, who alleged it was intended to help officials evade tough lines of inquiry and undermined the public’s right to know.
Authorities then made a U-turn on Monday afternoon, announcing that physical pressers would resume, but be held at the government’s headquarters in Admiralty, a more spacious venue for effective social distancing.
During the briefing at the new site on Monday, Director of Health Constance Chan Hon-yee was grilled by the media over the flip-flop.
