Hong Kong plans To ease some anti-COVID-19 measures next month, lift the ban on Flights from nine countriesQuarantine reduction for Arrivals from abroad and reopening schools.
the moves announced on Monday by leader Carrie Lam, comes after a backlash from businesses and residents who see the rest of The world Switching to ‘living with virus.”
population in The territory controlled by China is becoming increasingly frustrated with Strict measures, many of which was in place for over Two years.
a ban on Flights from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United States will be lifted from April 1.
He said, “The flight ban is no longer appropriate and timely…it will bring great turmoil to Hong Kong people who They are stuck in These nine countries Lam said a news instructions.
Hotel quarantine for Lam said arrivals could be reduced to seven days from 14 if residents test negative. She had said earlier that the procedures would be in place Until April 20.
Schools will resume face-to-face Lessons from April 19, after the Easter holiday while public places including sports utilities will also She said it will reopen from April 21.
The Hong Kong border has been effective shut Since 2020 with Few of the flights are able to land and hardly any passengers are allowed to cross, isolating a city that was built a reputation K global financial center.
companies and city’s economy reeling from widespread closures, while many doctors say of The city’s 7.4 million residents are battling it out with rising Mental health problems, particularly among low-income families.
lam policy The shift comes after its administration was repeatedly reprimanded by pro-Beijing politicians media And the on Chinese social media and just weeks ago city Elections are scheduled on May 8 to choose who will lead Region for The next five years.
she declined to comment on she wants run for a new term.
Director strategy
bear plan out A comprehensive test for the Corona virus will be developed on Hold, Lam said, citing experts who He said it wasn’t the right time. Hong Kong needs to have a file clear Exit strategy Rather than trying to eradicate the virus completely, experts said.
while the former The British colony officially adhered to the ‘dynamic zeroCorona virus policy Like mainland China, which seeks to reduce all outbreaks, it has turned to mitigation strategies as the death toll rises.
Hong Kong records the highest number of deaths per million people worldwide in last weeks – more from 24 times who – which of Singapore competitor – because of a large percentage of Elderly who Not vaccinated because a highly transmissible omicron variant ruptured through care homes Since February.
densely packed city register more More than a million infections since the outbreak of the epidemic and nearly 5,000 deaths – most of them of they in The past Month.
up to 4 million people It may be infected according to estimates by health experts as many residents have contracted the virus and are isolated in home without notifying the authorities.
Lam said social Distancing measures will be relaxed in Beginning on April 21, allow restaurant Eat after 6 pm with tables of four people of two currently.
Nightclubs, bars and beaches will be allowed to open in The second phase While people He will be allowed to exercise outdoors without a mask. the masks currently mandatory everywhere outside The home.
even this yearHong Kong was far away more He succeeded in controlling the coronavirus compared to many other cities of his size, but latest wave of Infections overwhelmed him world medical degree systemthe morgues are overflowing and public trust in The city government It is at an all-time low.
