Continued relaxation of epidemic prevention restrictions Carrie Lam: It is not to be taken by experts to measure the economy and public opinion.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor met with reporters before attending the executive meeting this morning (17th), saying that the current daily number of confirmed cases hovers between 200 and 300, and about 30% of the 100 samples tested for sewage are still positive. However, it is believed that the epidemic situation is still stable and the current risks are controllable, so the social distancing restrictions will be relaxed in the second phase from the day after tomorrow (19th) as scheduled, including the extension of dine-in restaurants to 12 midnight, and bars to reopen and operate until 2 am .

Lam pointed out that the fifth wave has passed its peak, but it is currently stuck at a low level, with no significant decline or rise. Although there have been some cluster infections, the epidemic is still under control. He believes that the current situation has met the economic needs and the people's desire to resume normal life. expect.

The virus reproduction rate will wear "1": expected, no need to worry

Carrie Lam pointed out that social distancing measures will be further relaxed on Thursday as scheduled, including extending dine-in dinners to 12 midnight, maintaining a set of 8 people; the maximum number of people for banquets will be increased from 20 to 120 people; bars and pubs can reopen, Open until 2:00 a.m., with 4 people per table, which can accommodate up to 70% of customers; some unopened premises can also be opened, such as sparrow halls, cruise ships, etc.; theaters, performance venues, museums and places of worship can increase admission The number of people; indoor sports premises and some fitness centers are exempt from wearing masks when exercising.

Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor pointed out that the immediate reproduction rate of the virus is increasing, and it is believed that it will rise to more than 1 in a few days. However, she pointed out that the increase in the reproduction rate is expected given the increase in the flow of people in the community, and believes that the public need not worry too much.

She said that the peak of the fifth wave of the epidemic has already passed, and it is currently in a low-level stalemate. In the past 8 to 10 days, there has been no obvious decline or significant increase. At the same time, infection clusters have appeared, so there are still risks.

She said that the infected clusters appeared in crowded places, and the infected people had removed their masks. She called on the public to be more careful and wear masks except for eating and exercising. It is best to wear face masks such as KN95.

Experts disagree on the epidemic situation Carrie Lam: The government has the government's law

Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor continued to point out that at present, 30% of sewage test samples are still positive, and community compulsory testing has been resumed. The new cases are also understandable. We don't need to worry, we think that Hong Kong can enter the second stage of relaxing social distancing measures.

She said that the government's original intention to fight the epidemic is to protect the public medical system. The current hospital situation seems to be reassuring. There are only more than 700 patients in hospital, and only 2 patients are in intensive care. There are also a large number of community isolation facilities. Stable control and return to normal is to meet economic needs and the expectation of citizens to return to normal life.

Lin Zhengyue said that the epidemic is in a stalemate, and noticed that some experts have expressed different opinions recently and put forward two or three kinds of epidemic prevention opinions.

She did not want to comment on the opinions of the experts one by one, and thanked them for their opinions in the work of controlling the epidemic for more than two years. However, she emphasized that the experts did not directly participate in the policy formulation of the SAR government, but only provided a basket of factors to consider. Led by the opinions of experts, it will ultimately balance public health, economic needs and public acceptability to develop the most appropriate course of action.

Carrie Lam pointed out that customs clearance is still the government's primary goal, and if we want to resume customs clearance with the mainland, we must re-discuss and connect.

Based on the plan that was close to reaching customs clearance at the end of last year, she did not respond to whether she would continue to adopt the "dynamic clearing" strategy to fight the epidemic.

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