‘Power to the people’: Hong Kong can cope with any Covid surge, says health chief after most pandemic curbs are lifted

Residents were out in force enjoying their new-found freedom a day after substantial easing of curbs was announced

Arrivals at the airport pleasantly surprised to discover that the city had dropped vaccine-pass arrangements and PCR test requirements

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The first batch of arrivals after the city axed mandatory post-arrival tests expressed surprise and joy over the new measures. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Published: 3:33pm, 29 Dec 2022Updated: 11:08pm, 29 Dec 2022

Hong Kong’s health minister on Thursday said it was time to “hand over responsibility and power” to the public in the fight against Covid-19, expressing confidence in the city’s ability to cope with any infection surge after lifting most of its pandemic restrictions.

A day after the substantial easing of curbs was announced, residents were out in force enjoying their new-found freedom by flocking to restaurants and entertainment venues no longer bound by strict social-distancing rules.

Arrivals at the airport still unaware of the latest development were pleasantly surprised to discover that the city had dropped vaccine-pass arrangements and a requirement for PCR tests upon landing.

Restaurant operators reported a jump in business of at least 10 per cent as unvaccinated patrons could again dine in, while more tourists visited popular attractions.

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau. Photo: Jelly Tse

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said residents had become more familiar with the coronavirus and could decide for themselves how to deal with Covid-19.