Long-awaited move signals lifting of one of the world’s toughest anti-pandemic regimes, in force for more than two years.
- John Lee said recently that he wanted to keep the city connected with the rest of the world and allow an “orderly opening-up”
- Authorities had in August eased the week-long hotel quarantine requirement to a ‘3+4’ arrangement.
Mounting pressure leads to policy change
Health experts had earlier suggested the policy change if the city’s daily caseloads – which have dropped from a high of more than 10,000 earlier this month to over 5,000 this week – stabilised, urging authorities to open up before a possible winter surge.
Officials have also faced mounting pressure from the business sector, which has joined the chorus of calls for the city to open up, citing rival hubs such as Singapore and other countries worldwide that have resumed quarantine-free travel.
In recent weeks, some major sports events have been cancelled or moved elsewhere in light of the strict pandemic measures, with organisers accusing the government of failing to make timely decisions to allow for proper preparations.
(source)
