ExplainerSouth China Morning Post’s top 5 Hong Kong explainers of 2021
- Covid-19 topics were of main concern, with most pieces centred on answering pressing questions on vaccines, measures and new variants
- Readers also lapped up details on eligibility for the government’s e-voucher scheme, as well as controversy over a Hollywood actress’ quarantine exemption
Much like the year before, the coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines for most of 2021. Our explainers captured the hot topics of the moment, answering the most pressing questions on readers’ minds. Here are our top five:
One bright spot amid the pandemic gloom was the government’s e-voucher scheme, which saw scores of shoppers throng malls and restaurants. The handouts, released in tranches to eligible users, were aimed at boosting the lagging economy.
Hollywood star Nicole Kidman caused a stir after it emerged that she had been allowed to enter Hong Kong to film a project, sans quarantine. That got the internet talking about the privileged few excused from the city’s tough Covid-19 rules.
As a war of words between the Hong Kong and British governments raged, the Post explored the new visa scheme welcoming city residents to the country, and who could benefit from this pathway.
The psychotropic substance remained under the radar locally until it was banned, with customs seizing 2.5 tonnes of the drug, totalling HK$6.67 million. With all eyes on the drug, we attempted to answer common questions.
At the start of 2021, this explainer was leading the pack as the vaccine buzz gripped the city. Hong Kong at the time had agreed to buy 22.5 million doses, with three companies supplying 7.5 million shots each.
