https://www.scmp.com/rss/508098/feed Latest news and updates on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hong Kong as the city experiences a fourth wave of infections, including social-distancing rules and outbreak clusters. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The Singapore government this month released a white paper on the city state’s response to Covid-19, highlighting the areas the country did well and where it fell short. The city state scored well in vaccinating the vast majority of the population in just over six months. But it fell short, among other things, in managing the outbreak in migrant worker dormitories, its overly definitive stance against mask-wearing early in the pandemic, and how measures were tightened and eased repeatedly during... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3213952/why-hong-kongs-political-taboos-shouldnt-hinder-independent-pandemic-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3213952/why-hong-kongs-political-taboos-shouldnt-hinder-independent-pandemic-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Mar 2023 00:00:27 +0000 A new wave of coronavirus infections is rapidly spreading through Asia, prompting warnings for residents from New Zealand to Japan to take precautions to slow the outbreak and help prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. The renewed surge in cases, mostly of the BA.4/5 Omicron variants, provides a further challenge for authorities grappling with the economic fallout of earlier waves of the pandemic while trying to avoid extending or reintroducing unpopular restrictions. The New... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3185308/coronavirus-fresh-covid-19-wave-sweeps-asia-nz-warns-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3185308/coronavirus-fresh-covid-19-wave-sweeps-asia-nz-warns-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:59:16 +0000 Public transport has been stopped and all but essential travel banned in some of China’s biggest cities, as authorities try to rein in the country’s worst coronavirus outbreak since Wuhan in 2020. Lei Zhenglong, deputy director of the National Health Commission’s disease prevention and control bureau, said on Monday that more than 10,000 people had been infected with Covid-19 since the start of March, with cases spanning 27 of the 31 provincial-level areas on the mainland. In the country’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3170366/covid-19-china-reports-1337-locally-transmitted-cases-895-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3170366/covid-19-china-reports-1337-locally-transmitted-cases-895-new?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:35:03 +0000 Guangdong logged the highest number of imported coronavirus cases in China on Monday, with most originating in its neighbour Hong Kong, a city experiencing an unprecedented outbreak. Mainland Chinese health authorities reported a total of 87 new local cases and 147 imported cases. The southern province of Guangdong reported 53 imported cases, with most of the cases coming from Hong Kong. In the southern city of Shenzhen, all 31 imported cases came from Hong Kong. Hong Kong hospitals to use... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3168647/coronavirus-chinas-guangdong-province-bears-brunt-cases-flowing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3168647/coronavirus-chinas-guangdong-province-bears-brunt-cases-flowing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Feb 2022 07:21:30 +0000 Several of Hong Kong’s biggest brokers and banks have shut their branches, as the financial hub hunkers down for the toughest social-distancing rules yet to combat a fresh wave of Covid-19 outbreaks that sent daily infections into four digits for the first time. Bright Smart Securities, operator of the city’s largest brokerage network, said it stopped letting customers have in-person access to trading rooms in 14 branches starting from February 8. Bank of China (Hong Kong), one of the city’s... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3166432/coronavirus-hong-kongs-brokers-and-banks-shut-branches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3166432/coronavirus-hong-kongs-brokers-and-banks-shut-branches?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:30:09 +0000 Phase Scientific International (PSI), the Hong Kong start-up that edged out established mainland Chinese peers to win US approval for a Covid-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kit, owes its success to its US roots and experience in the field, according to its founder. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-backed biotech company last July became the first in the mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan region to win approval from the US Food and Drugs Administration for emergency use for its... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3166430/coronavirus-how-bill-gates-backed-hong-kong-start-won-us-fda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3166430/coronavirus-how-bill-gates-backed-hong-kong-start-won-us-fda?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:00:29 +0000 The Covid-19 vaccine by Sinovac Biotech is not able to produce adequate antibodies to neutralise the highly mutated coronavirus strain Omicron, according to new research from the University of Hong Kong. Both the Sinovac vaccine and another by Pfizer-BioNTech produced “inadequate” antibody responses to the variant, HKU scientists said in a statement on Tuesday night, calling for the use of boosters to potentially enhance protection. Beijing-based Sinovac on Wednesday responded with a statement... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3159784/omicron-chinas-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-fails-antibodies-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3159784/omicron-chinas-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-fails-antibodies-test?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:28:15 +0000 International financial firms have urged Hong Kong to ease its zero-Covid approach, as the government’s data showed that only one in five applicants were exempted from a tough quarantine rule since a waiver programme kicked off five months ago. The exemption scheme had not operated as expected, with only 86 approvals granted as of October 22, out of 385 applications received, according to data provided by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) in response to a query by South... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3153605/global-banks-pressure-hong-kong-abandon-zero-covid-policy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3153605/global-banks-pressure-hong-kong-abandon-zero-covid-policy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:46:59 +0000 Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) has not resulted in Japanese companies reducing their presence in the Asian financial hub, even though restrictions on information, rule of law and judicial independence remain concerns for these businesses, according to Japan’s outgoing consul general to Hong Kong. However, Mitsuhiro Wada noted that Covid-19 border restrictions with mainland China and other countries had forced some Japanese firms based in Hong Kong to downsize. Others had moved their... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3145042/outgoing-japan-envoy-hong-kong-calls-easing-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3145042/outgoing-japan-envoy-hong-kong-calls-easing-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Aug 2021 04:00:19 +0000 With the impacts of Covid-19 stretching beyond public health, governments should consult experts other than those in hygienics, epidemiology and microbiology when determining and evaluating their policy responses to the pandemic. Professionals, especially social scientists, would be able to contribute to evidence-based discussions on how combine measures to limit the spread of the virus with efforts to provide economic relief, maintain a semblance of normality for society, and encourage people... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3143228/coronavirus-wont-just-go-away-heres-how-hong-kong-can-learn-live?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3143228/coronavirus-wont-just-go-away-heres-how-hong-kong-can-learn-live?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Aug 2021 03:00:23 +0000 I am proud of the performance of the Hong Kong government in battling the Covid-19 pandemic and its decision to adopt and enforce stricter measures, including banning travellers from high-risk countries and locking down residential buildings for compulsory testing where confirmed cases of infections live or have visited. We have had no local case for at least 44 consecutive days. However, we still have several loopholes, with aircrew detected as carrying mutant strains of the coronavirus and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3142076/hong-kong-coronavirus-whats-point-covid-19-rules-when-so-many-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3142076/hong-kong-coronavirus-whats-point-covid-19-rules-when-so-many-are?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jul 2021 23:00:16 +0000 Hong Kong has been aggressively pursuing the goal of zero Covid-19 infections as it seeks to ease travel restrictions with mainland China. The city closed all but three border checkpoints in February last year as part of pandemic measures. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Monday that she had submitted a report to Beijing on the city’s Covid-19 situation in the hope of reopening the border. Carrie Lam wants quarantine-free business travel, but ‘final decision with Beijing’ The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3141552/zero-infections-hong-kong-tough-covid-19-goal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3141552/zero-infections-hong-kong-tough-covid-19-goal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jul 2021 06:37:12 +0000 Fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents and those with work visas arriving from all countries subject to Covid-19 flight bans will be allowed into the city under the initial stage of an official plan to ease travel restrictions, according to the Philippines’ top diplomat locally. Consul general Raly Tejada revealed on Monday that discussions were held last week between the Philippine consulate and city authorities on lifting the direct flight bans in place to guard against the coronavirus threat... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3140822/coronavirus-hong-kong-wants-ease-covid-19-flight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3140822/coronavirus-hong-kong-wants-ease-covid-19-flight?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:00:02 +0000 Why would anyone say no to life? Yet, in Hong Kong, a bustling financial city with several universities ranked among the world’s best and no dearth of bright minds, there is a puzzling reluctance for people to roll up their sleeves and get a Covid-19 vaccine.  This stubborn refusal to help the world inch closer to herd immunity prompted Professor Lam Tai-hing, from the University of Hong Kong, to lament on RTHK that people “should be ashamed of themselves”. He is right. Singapore and Hong Kong,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3136891/hong-kong-must-step-out-darkness-and-embrace-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3136891/hong-kong-must-step-out-darkness-and-embrace-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Jun 2021 22:45:00 +0000 What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “me time”? A nice day at the spa being pampered? Taking a day off work to do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it, without having to think about anyone but yourself? How about spending two or three weeks stuck in a serviced flat with a kitchen, but no ingredients to cook with, because no outside food deliveries are allowed? “Me time” is the euphemism used at a certain establishment on the Hong Kong government’s list of approved quarantine... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3135718/quarantine-meals-hong-kong-hotels-why-im-worried-what-ill-eat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3135718/quarantine-meals-hong-kong-hotels-why-im-worried-what-ill-eat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jun 2021 00:15:18 +0000 Hong Kong’s government is expanding the scope of its quarantine exemptions, potentially enabling thousands of senior executives to resume travelling, as the absence of new local Covid-19 cases bolstered confidence to sustain deal making, relationships and businesses in Asia’s financial hub. Each of the four regulatory bodies responsible for the city’s financial services will be able to exempt four vaccinated, senior executives of each company from three weeks of quarantine when they visit the... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3135507/hong-kong-expands-quarantine-waivers-executives-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3135507/hong-kong-expands-quarantine-waivers-executives-more?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 May 2021 10:06:38 +0000 Vaccination and tourism go hand in hand; the continuing threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic mean that there should not be one without the other. Using travel as an incentive to get immunised against the coronavirus therefore makes sense. For those hankering for a change of scene after being confined to Hong Kong by restrictions for almost a year-and-a-half, the resumption of cruises and a lucky draw offering free air tickets are enticing inducements. But the schemes will be of limited worth... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3135349/mini-travel-bubble-still-best-option?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3135349/mini-travel-bubble-still-best-option?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 May 2021 16:52:20 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday insisted her abrupt reversal of Covid-19 rules suspending quarantine-free travel for large numbers of city residents returning from mainland China was not driven by outside pressure, describing it as merely a policy tweak. The government only concluded that designating all of neighbouring Guangdong province as higher risk for the coronavirus under the “Return2HK” scheme was disproportionate when the scale of the policy’s impact on Hongkongers came to light last... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3134727/coronavirus-hong-kong-leader-says-sudden-reversal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3134727/coronavirus-hong-kong-leader-says-sudden-reversal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 May 2021 05:08:25 +0000 There is much talk about the low participation in Hong Kong’s vaccination programme, and ways to encourage more people to get inoculated, with ideas such as lucky draws and celebrity endorsements. Instead of these gimmicks, why not focus on truly attractive everyday benefits? So, here is an idea – give out concert-style bracelets to all those vaccinated and allow anyone wearing the bracelet the following benefits: First, no need to wear masks. The United States has announced that fully... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3134059/overcome-vaccine-hesitancy-hong-kong-consider-reward-bracelets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3134059/overcome-vaccine-hesitancy-hong-kong-consider-reward-bracelets?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 May 2021 22:35:17 +0000 I cannot help but feel disgusted by the government’s proposal to use local celebrities like Keung To to boost the vaccination drive. The authorities should face up squarely to what has gone wrong in the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, instead of beating around the bush. At the root of people’s indifference is distrust of the government, and not just during this health crisis. This distrust can be attributed to the authorities’ lack of transparency and their failure to fully inform the public of... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3133482/hong-kongs-coronavirus-vaccine-sceptics-need-better-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3133482/hong-kongs-coronavirus-vaccine-sceptics-need-better-official?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 May 2021 06:30:11 +0000 The Hong Kong government’s evacuation of around 2,000 residents from four buildings to a quarantine camp to stave off the spread of mutated Covid-19 strains seemed appropriate and necessary in the battle against the pandemic. However, it was criticised by many as a badly coordinated effort, executed on the spur of the moment by the government departments concerned. In the past, the government has been called out for delays in sending Covid-19 patients to hospital, but did not admit that there... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3133403/coronavirus-hong-kong-carrie-lams-apology-good-start-effective?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3133403/coronavirus-hong-kong-carrie-lams-apology-good-start-effective?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 May 2021 22:35:10 +0000 It is past time that Hong Kong rethought its approach to the quarantining of close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 patients. We are now more than a year into this, and the suffering and impact of compulsory quarantine orders is becoming excessive. Particularly so as we have now moved to 21 -day quarantine for variants of concern. The medical evidence shows that vaccination confers some level of protection from infection, and a reduction in infectiousness at an individual level. Obviously this is... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3132216/hong-kong-coronavirus-quarantine-rethink-strategy-boost-vaccination?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3132216/hong-kong-coronavirus-quarantine-rethink-strategy-boost-vaccination?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 May 2021 22:35:05 +0000 Hong Kong celebrities and influencers are being sought by officials to boost the city’s sluggish Covid-19 vaccination drive, with communication veterans underscoring the importance of leveraging on “credible” figures amid distrust in the government. Executive councillor Dr Lam Ching-choi, a member of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s de facto cabinet, revealed the plan to the Post on Tuesday after a health expert called on authorities to consider asking rising local pop star Keung To... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3132262/coronavirus-are-celebrities-such-local-pop-star?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3132262/coronavirus-are-celebrities-such-local-pop-star?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 May 2021 00:00:22 +0000 Sunday’s “My Take” made an important point (“Vulnerable yet valuable sector becomes an easy target”). Our domestic helpers should not be collectively held responsible just because one of them tested positive for a mutated strain of the Covid-19 virus. The announcement that they must all get tested by May 9 has caused much anxiety and, as far as I am concerned, not properly thought out in terms of logistics. There are about 370,000 of them here, working many hours in the day while having to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3132084/hong-kong-covid-19-mutant-strains-singling-out-domestic-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3132084/hong-kong-covid-19-mutant-strains-singling-out-domestic-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 May 2021 23:00:24 +0000 I shall be visiting the UK to attend my son’s graduation ceremony in late June, and do not plan to return until the government lifts the requirement for Hongkongers to quarantine for 21 days in a hotel, and allows us to quarantine at home instead. My son, who was looking forward to coming back to Hong Kong for the summer, has abandoned his plan and is looking for a summer job in the UK instead. My wife, who cannot afford so much time away from work, will remain in Hong Kong and miss our son’s... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3132073/hong-kong-hotel-quarantine-may-pose-bigger-covid-19-risk-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3132073/hong-kong-hotel-quarantine-may-pose-bigger-covid-19-risk-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 May 2021 22:35:11 +0000 The first untraceable Covid-19 variant case in the community has sounded alarm bells. It appears to have confirmed growing fears that more infectious strains are spreading through undetected transmission chains in a city that is easing curbs on social-distancing restrictions. The community must be put on full alert and work with the authorities in thwarting another potentially devastating wave of the disease. The severity of the matter is reflected in the immediate quarantine of all those living... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3131850/virus-measures-have-be-reviewed-wake-variant-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3131850/virus-measures-have-be-reviewed-wake-variant-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:49:45 +0000 Hong Kong’s bars crawled to life on Thursday night in a muted comeback after a five-month closure, with many operators struggling to cope with what they said was hastily distributed information from the authorities and a rushed Covid-19 vaccination app. As a so-called vaccine bubble kicked in, with conditions for businesses tied to inoculation statuses of patrons and staff, bars without restaurant licences were finally allowed to welcome guests again. The terms included requirements for staff... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3131668/coronavirus-silent-comeback-hong-kong-bars-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3131668/coronavirus-silent-comeback-hong-kong-bars-after?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:12:24 +0000 The government’s plan to make vaccinations a condition of easing curbs on dining and entertainment venues was greeted with criticism and scepticism two weeks ago. The so-called vaccine bubble looks even more bewildering after details allowing restricted premises to reopen or expand operations were announced on Tuesday. Publicity and enforcement aside, there needs to be a greater effort to make people aware of the importance of inoculations, without which the epidemic will persist and businesses... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3131499/jabs-only-clear-answer-confusion-over-hong-kong-vaccine-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3131499/jabs-only-clear-answer-confusion-over-hong-kong-vaccine-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:58:45 +0000 Last month, the government said it planned to offer tourism industry staff short-term jobs in its vaccination centres. It set academic and experience requirements for the different positions. Given that the registration procedure and clerical support required are supposed to be routine and uncomplicated, I believe qualified participants should be capable of performing the duties effectively. I appreciate the government’s intention to help tour guides whose livelihoods have been affected by the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3131123/hong-kong-opens-vaccination-centre-jobs-data-privacy-concern?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3131123/hong-kong-opens-vaccination-centre-jobs-data-privacy-concern?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Apr 2021 22:55:06 +0000 A domestic worker who recently arrived in Hong Kong from the Philippines has been confirmed as carrying a mutation of the coronavirus, making her the third local case involving the more infectious strain. The woman had completed quarantine at a hotel in Sai Ying Pun where two people staying in an adjacent room were confirmed as carrying the N501Y mutation, raising fears the virus had spread on the floor, health authorities said on Friday. Official announced late at night that all people in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130782/hong-kong-expecting-10-new-coronavirus-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130782/hong-kong-expecting-10-new-coronavirus-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Apr 2021 06:32:17 +0000 Hong Kong’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 per cent in the first quarter of this year but continued to hover around a 17-year high, with the city’s labour chief warning the job market may still face challenges in the near term.  The rolling figure for the three months ending in March edged down 0.4 percentage points compared with the previous period ending in February, the Census and Statistics Department revealed on Thursday. About 259,800 people were out of a job, roughly 1,800 fewer... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3130645/coronavirus-hong-kong-jobless-rate-drops-68-cent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3130645/coronavirus-hong-kong-jobless-rate-drops-68-cent?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:43:14 +0000 Sample contamination at a Covid-19 testing lab could explain an unusually high number of preliminary-positive cases detected in one day, an expert investigation has found, presenting another challenge on Hong Kong’s path to containing a resurgence of infections.  University of Hong Kong microbiologist Professor Yuen Kwok-yung revealed his findings after an inspection of testing firm BGI’s facility on Thursday evening, after the company earlier reported 30 preliminary-positive cases in a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130596/coronavirus-hong-kong-local-tours-resume-without?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130596/coronavirus-hong-kong-local-tours-resume-without?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Apr 2021 05:59:55 +0000 I could not agree more with the column “Vaccination is the means, don’t forget the end goal of making Hong Kong Covid-safe for the economy to take off” (April 18). Here is my prediction. It is mission impossible within the next year for Hong Kong to reduce new Covid-19 infections to a perpetual zero and to open our borders to the world. Hong Kong’s Covid-19 tracking and tracing, while exemplary, is at best a stopgap measure. It leaves the population unprotected and highly vulnerable because no... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3130353/coronavirus-hong-kong-sick-lockdowns-then-get-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3130353/coronavirus-hong-kong-sick-lockdowns-then-get-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Apr 2021 22:55:09 +0000 A genetic study of viral samples from infected passengers on a flight into Hong Kong later found to have a record number of Covid-19 cases will be undertaken to determine whether in-flight transmission or quarantine facilities were to blame, with implications on tighter protocols required to contain such spikes. The Post learned the University of Hong Kong (HKU) would be conducting genome sequencing on the 51 passengers of Vistara flight UK6395 from New Delhi on April 4, while a review of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130422/coronavirus-hong-kong-health-experts-warn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130422/coronavirus-hong-kong-health-experts-warn?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:48:12 +0000 When karate exponent Jimmy Lee Ka-wai returns to Paris in June, he will have only one target and that is to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games. It was 15 months ago when the 32-year-old veteran last competed in the French capital in a Premier League karate tournament, which also happened to be the Hong Kong star’s last event since all major international events came to a grinding halt because of the pandemic soon after that. “I don’t know if it was lucky or unlucky in my last campaign in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3130317/tokyo-games-karate-exponent-lee-ka-wai-take-part-paris-qualifiers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3130317/tokyo-games-karate-exponent-lee-ka-wai-take-part-paris-qualifiers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:00:11 +0000 The Hong Kong government, in the face of what it referred to as “unsatisfactory” inoculation rates, is coercing businesses, especially those in the catering sector, to get their employees vaccinated to take advantage of the relaxing of social distancing measures. A well-known catering chain has issued an internal memo, explicitly warning its employees of the possible implications of refusing to get vaccinated by the end of the month, including but not limited to unpaid leave. Businesses who do... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3130111/coronavirus-hong-kong-forcing-restaurant-employees-get-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3130111/coronavirus-hong-kong-forcing-restaurant-employees-get-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Apr 2021 23:30:06 +0000 A medical expert leading a study on mixing Covid-19 vaccines in Hong Kong will look into a rare case of a 32-year-old man in the city who had received three shots of two different coronavirus drugs. Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai from the University of Hong Kong, who is also co-convenor of the government panel on vaccine effects, said his team would meet the man this week at Queen Mary Hospital to conduct tests. “It is on the request of the Department of Health that we follow up on the case. It... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130188/coronavirus-hong-kong-expert-vaccine-mixing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130188/coronavirus-hong-kong-expert-vaccine-mixing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Apr 2021 14:45:18 +0000 Let me put my cards on the table: I have been vaccinated and you should be too. It’s free, it’s easy, the side effects are minimal, and either of the vaccines available will protect you from the most severe consequences of Covid-19. Yet, the take-up rate has been woeful in Hong Kong, with less than 5 per cent of us fully vaccinated so far. No wonder the government is seeking to encourage more people to do the right thing – our lives will not really return to anything approaching normality until... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3129511/danger-hong-kongs-divisive-vaccination-bubble-more-inequality?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3129511/danger-hong-kongs-divisive-vaccination-bubble-more-inequality?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Apr 2021 01:15:04 +0000 Fighting the epidemic has always been a balancing act. On one hand, the Hong Kong government is under growing pressure from bars, karaoke lounges and mahjong parlours to lift the months-long ban on their operation. On the other hand, experts have warned of a possible resurgence in Covid-19 infections as people enjoyed a hard-earned respite during the Easter holiday. The delicate situation continues to put the government to the test. The hunger strike by individuals from restricted businesses is... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3128527/rush-normality-may-prove-costly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3128527/rush-normality-may-prove-costly?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:59:34 +0000 Hotels, restaurants and theme parks in Hong Kong recorded a sharp rebound in business during the five-day Easter break, while the catering sector sought to improve its fortunes further by motivating staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Hotels offering staycations with swimming pools, restaurants and child facilities, were about 90 per cent full during the long weekend, which ended on Tuesday, compared with about 40 to 50 per cent occupancy on normal days, according to industry... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3128508/hong-kong-businesses-bloom-over-easter-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3128508/hong-kong-businesses-bloom-over-easter-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:00:37 +0000 The recent Covid-19 resurgence in Hong Kong, sparked by infection clusters around first a restaurant and then a gym, renewed concerns about the indoor spread of the coronavirus. Poor ventilation can help the airborne transmission of the virus. Something has to be done to minimise the risk of further outbreaks if such places are to be allowed to stay open.On a recent visit to an upscale shopping centre in Causeway Bay, I was surprised to see identical air purifiers placed in many of the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3126237/hong-kong-coronavirus-mall-air-purifiers-better-sight-decorative?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3126237/hong-kong-coronavirus-mall-air-purifiers-better-sight-decorative?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Apr 2021 23:00:19 +0000 More than a week after the abrupt suspension of BioNTech vaccinations against Covid-19 because of “packaging defects”, the Hong Kong government has finally addressed two very important issues following investigations. First, the vaccine is still safe to use. Second, inoculations will resume on Monday with the arrival on Friday of a new batch of 300,000 doses produced at another factory, and those with affected bookings will be given new time slots. The arrangements look reasonable and help keep... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3128186/long-way-go-restart-biontech-jabs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3128186/long-way-go-restart-biontech-jabs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:03:33 +0000 Hongkongers flocked to beaches and swimming pools as they reopened after four months of social distancing-related closure on Friday, with queues also forming at other leisure venues across the city. At around 10am on Friday, the first day of the long Easter weekend, a queue of 10 people was seen outside the entrance of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool, where a sign read: “Full House. The maximum capacity has been reached.” A total of only 181 people are allowed to enjoy the three pools at Kowloon... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3128127/coronavirus-hongkongers-flock-beaches-swimming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3128127/coronavirus-hongkongers-flock-beaches-swimming?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:17 +0000 A young and healthy Hong Kong man who suffered paralysis to half of his face after receiving a Covid-19 jab has returned home from a week in hospital, but says he has still not recovered from the ordeal. Wilson Lam, 26, fainted shortly after he was given the Sinovac shot on March 24 and woke up in hospital with Bell’s palsy, a condition causing temporary facial paralysis. Doctors told him the problems he was continuing to experience could last several months. The registered construction worker... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3127876/hongkonger-suffering-facial-paralysis-after-covid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3127876/hongkonger-suffering-facial-paralysis-after-covid?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:46:04 +0000 More than 600 Hong Kong residents stranded in Britain by a December flight ban are hoping to return by the end of April after the government pledged to bring them back, though many say they have already suffered both financially and psychologically as a result of the prolonged delay. The Immigration Department told the Post it had received inquiries and requests for help from about 990 Hongkongers stuck in Britain. Of those, around 370 had managed to return by spending three weeks in a country... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3127663/hongkongers-stuck-britain-are-eager-return-months-being?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3127663/hongkongers-stuck-britain-are-eager-return-months-being?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:10:07 +0000 Hong Kong’s tourism workforce will be thrown a lifeline with officials set to offer its embattled staff members nearly 2,000 temporary jobs with the city’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, the Post has learned. The full-time roles – with monthly pay ranging between HK$10,000 (US$1,287) and HK$40,000 – involve supporting operations at most of the city’s 29 government-run vaccination centres, in areas including crowd management and administration, according to sources. Part-time vacancies are also... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3127459/coronavirus-hong-kong-offer-tourism-staff-about?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3127459/coronavirus-hong-kong-offer-tourism-staff-about?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Mar 2021 07:43:02 +0000 For more than 10 days now, I have made numerous attempts to contact the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, and Food and Health Bureau. These attempts were to urge them to grant a compassionate exemption from the current travel restrictions for a mother who is a Hong Kong permanent identity card holder and currently in Scotland, to come to Hong Kong and care for her son who is battling cancer. I am yet to receive a response from any of these three departments other than a generic... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3127141/let-stranded-mum-return-hong-kong-cancer-stricken-son?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3127141/let-stranded-mum-return-hong-kong-cancer-stricken-son?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Mar 2021 22:45:09 +0000 Cold beers, pizzas, doughnuts and Uber rides – these are some of the incentives being offered overseas to people who have received a Covid-19 vaccination. In Hong Kong, few businesses are offering similar rewards. It is debatable whether vaccine sceptics here would come forward just to claim a free dim sum or local style milk tea. But the experience abroad shows that the private sector can play a role when it comes to encouraging inoculation. Restaurants in Dubai have set a good example by... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3127356/businesses-can-help-drive-vaccine-uptake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3127356/businesses-can-help-drive-vaccine-uptake?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Mar 2021 13:23:59 +0000 Hong Kong has had no local confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report for the first time in more than four months, and the city is likely to resume its BioNTech vaccination programme next week after an investigation into faulty packaging found no systemic errors that would require an extended suspension. The government issued a statement on Saturday announcing the initial investigation results hours after Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip, the top official in charge of the mass vaccination... https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus/health-medicine/article/3127247/hong-kong-facing-zero-local-coronavirus-infections?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus/health-medicine/article/3127247/hong-kong-facing-zero-local-coronavirus-infections?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Mar 2021 04:22:22 +0000 The preliminary findings of an investigation into packaging defects in Hong Kong’s supply of BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines could be ready as soon as next week, with the use of the jabs – currently suspended – set to resume if no widespread problems were found, a top official said on Saturday. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, who is overseeing the city’s Covid-19 inoculation drive, also revealed he had personally called the senior management of the mainland distribution agent,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3127241/coronavirus-findings-inquiry-hong-kongs-biontech?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3127241/coronavirus-findings-inquiry-hong-kongs-biontech?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Mar 2021 03:11:52 +0000