Rumours in the political circle | The government is considering to relax the epidemic prevention restrictions in the early stage of the 4.20 dead line or gradually relax the dine-in

The fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong has hit all walks of life hard. Today (21st) Chief Executive Carrie Lam will announce the roadmap for the mid-term review of epidemic prevention, explaining the situation after April 20th, and how to prevent the epidemic from rebounding and at the same time achieve "phased relaxation" "Anti-epidemic measures.

According to a comprehensive political assessment, April 20 is not an "absolute dead line". The government will continue to review the development of the epidemic. If the epidemic improves significantly before that, it will not rule out relaxing social distancing measures earlier.

At present, the specific direction is still in the conception stage, but it is expected that the pace of relaxation will be relatively slow, such as gradually relaxing the dine-in hours of restaurants and outdoor activities.

▼The daily life of citizens under the fifth wave of the epidemic on March 15▼

+8

Carrie Lam to announce 'how to relax in stages'

Lin Zhengyue recently pointed out that there is a strong feeling that the public's tolerance for epidemic prevention policies has decreased, and that financial institutions have become impatient with the quarantine situation in Hong Kong. Therefore, a mid-term evaluation of a series of measures is being conducted, including the consideration of reducing the 14-day quarantine period for arrivals to Hong Kong. On the 7th, it will also explain whether to conduct compulsory testing for the whole people.

Lin Zheng mentioned that although the announcement of the epidemic prevention measures on February 22 pointed out that all measures should be extended to April 20, the government will also conduct a mid-term review, and under what circumstances can it decide to relax social distancing measures, it must be determined according to the circumstances. Despite the epidemic, we should explain to the community or business premises as soon as possible what will happen after April 20, what methods will be used, and how to relax in stages.

Carrie Lam said at the press conference that she will strive to announce the contents of the mid-term review today (March 21).

The government understands that citizens are "irritable", and the key is to look at expert opinions

A source pointed out that there is little chance of relaxing social distancing measures in the short term, as the number of new daily cases is still five figures.

However, the government is fully aware of the irritability of the citizens about the long-term difficulty in activities. "We all know that the more and more noises are heard." Therefore, as long as the epidemic situation has significantly decreased and improved, it is not ruled out that the government will relax individual social distancing measures earlier. April 20 Not a hard and fast rule.

The person continued to point out that Lam Cheng said at a press conference yesterday that he was "trying for" to announce new information today, referring to the opinions of the government's expert advisers.

He pointed out that he noticed that experts have made some comments in the media recently, but these comments have not been integrated. Therefore, the government is waiting to gather all expert consultants to discuss countermeasures together, and then announce it after a consensus is reached.

As for the specific measures, another source pointed out that neither the government nor the Executive Council has discussed carefully, and it is still in the conception stage, but the general principle is to gradually relax individual measures in an orderly manner according to the development of the epidemic, and the pace will be relatively slow, "For example, Would it be an extra hour or two for dine-in meals and a relaxation of the regulations for outdoor activities? These are all considerations, in short, it is impossible to reach the sky in one step.”

Lin Jianfeng: Talents who have closed customs for a long time will never return

Lin Jianfeng, a member of the Legislative Council of the Pakatan Harapan, who is also a member of the guild, pointed out that he is not sure what the government's current plans are, and he cannot disclose the content of the discussions in the guild. We must always let everyone see the "exit of the tunnel", otherwise the citizens will feel confused about the epidemic prevention measures, and it will be difficult to persuade them to continue to cooperate with the government.

He also pointed out that, as an international financial center, Hong Kong needs to keep in touch with the world's business and financial professionals under the premise of stabilizing the epidemic, so that the economy can gradually get back on track. Mechanisms such as circuit breakers, quarantine and isolation have transferred senior management to Singapore and other places: "𠵱Home is temporary, if it takes too long to go away at any time, it will greatly hurt Hong Kong's competitiveness, and some adjustments must be made. "

Guan Haoming urges reopening of religious places

On the other hand, the government's long-term closure of cinemas, art performance venues, gymnasiums and other premises has also caused a large number of related wage earners to lose their jobs. The long-term precarious life has also caused some practitioners to simply change careers, resulting in a long-term brain drain.

Fok Kaigang, a member of the Legislative Council, wrote to Carrie Lam again a few days ago, asking the government to explain the clear reopening guidelines, questioning "why hair salons can open, restaurants can dine in at noon, but culture and sports without physical contact are necessary. Banned, but audiences can’t watch shows and movies with masks and social distancing?”

The government announced on February 8 to tighten social distancing measures. For the first time, the scope of listed premises has been expanded to cover religious places and must be closed until April 20.

Guan Haoming, a member of the Legislative Council who is also the secretary-general of the Anglican Church, also wrote to Carrie Lam, pointing out that the fight against the epidemic is a long and long way, and the public's spiritual and spiritual needs must not be forgotten. He strongly recommends that the government allow religious places to open moderately as soon as possible. Subject to "vaccine pass" and limited number of people entering the venue.

Clear coexistence︱Carrie Lam: The direction of the fight against the epidemic "has not been completely decided", so as to avoid speculation and interpretation of all matters in the political arena. Carrie Lam questioned that the reporter asked the information to be wrong, but the truth is... Civil servants complained about the closure of the district?

Carrie Lam: It is a non-universal phenomenon. Many people want to leave the field to contain the epidemic.