February 10 (BNA) HONG KONG,: Hong Kong residents expressed growing frustration Thursday after new coronavirus restrictions, a tightening in effect, imposed by city leaders in line with Beijing’s no-COVID policy, reported the Associated Press (AP).
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam ordered strict new measures taking effect Thursday with the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus causing record daily cases.
It includes limiting public gatherings to two people and private gatherings to only two family members. Places of worship, barbershops and other businesses have been ordered to close.
These measures are part of an effort in Hong Kong to align itself with mainland China’s “zero COVID” policy, which aims to completely eradicate outbreaks, even as infection numbers continue to rise and other countries shift their stance on those infected with the virus.
Outside the vaccination center in Sai Wan Ho on Thursday, retiree Ken Wong waited in a long line to get his first shot so that he qualified for a “vaccine pass” when it was available.
“This is crazy,” said the 70-year-old. “There is no way to reach zero cases. If we achieve zero cases it means that everyone’s wallet becomes empty because many people will be unemployed and have no income.”
The last measures will remain at least until February 24, when the vaccine will be rolled out, allowing only vaccinated people to visit places such as malls and supermarkets.
The newly confirmed cases fell slightly on Thursday to less than 1,000 after setting a daily record of 1,161 on Wednesday, Hong Kong health authorities said. Overall, Hong Kong has seen only about 18,500 cases of COVID-19 and 215 deaths among its population of about 7.5 million.
Opponents of the zero COVID approach contend that with nearly 65% of the population fully vaccinated and signs of the Omicron variant virus less severe for those with some immunity, it is time to change course.
“The government is facing difficulties in adopting a new strategy which will both align with China but also serve the interests of and adapt to the situation in Hong Kong,” said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, professor of political science at Hong Kong Baptist University.
‘Nothing can be decided without Beijing’s green light, and local authorities do not want to take any chance of it.’
Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed over to the rule of communist China in 1997. According to the “one country, two systems” principle, the territories were to retain their own political, social and financial institutions for 50 years after being transferred from a British base.
But China has tightened its control, eliminating political opposition and limiting freedom of expression. The National Security Act imposed gripping anti-government protests in 2019, resulting in imprisonment, intimidation, and exile from most dissenting voices.
There is a practical reason to comply with the no-COVID policies – to facilitate travel between Hong Kong and the mainland under less stringent quarantine rules than the three weeks or more required of all foreigners arriving on the Chinese mainland.
Beijing will not let Hong Kong’s border reopen to the mainland unless the city reaches and maintains zero COVID-19.
This week, Beijing officials and Chinese state media warned Hong Kong against any changes, saying that adopting a “living with virus” policy would overwhelm its medical systems, the South China Morning Post reported.
In the upscale neighborhood of Discovery Bay on the mountainous island of Lantau, home to many foreigners, all residents were ordered to be tested this week after authorities found traces of the virus in sewage.
Wastewater testing is a common practice in Hong Kong, but the government’s demands for entire communities to be tested if the virus is detected stretches the patience of residents standing in long queues at testing centers.
“The obvious approach does not work,” said Ivan Serrano, a 42-year-old from Spain who had been tested with his son.
“We can see that other countries are with different approaches – it seems the situation is better now and here, it just got worse.”
AOQ