The Hong Kong government has now two years its entire economic, security, social and health policy on that of Beijing. With all that this entails in terms of the image of this city, which for a long time was considered a model of excellence. liberalism economic and social.
Not only have individual freedoms been eroded by the new security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. But they have also been eroded by the "Covid Zero Case" policy. A policy that totally isolates Hong Kong from the rest of the planet in confining for 14 days any foreigner arriving in the area. This is also reflected in the suspension of most international airlines.
Finally it's the failure of the Covid zero-case approach which is forcing the local government to show a little more flexibility. There were 1.06 million positive cases in Covid from 19 to 21 March and 6,119 deaths. In mid-February, the former British colony recorded just 52,500 positive cases and 221 deaths...
Hong Kong's uncharismatic Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has finally acknowledged that the restrictive measures that have been affecting the daily lives of Hong Kongers for several months had eroded their patience. And that it was necessary to provide a way out of the crisis. It also seems to be taking into account theexodus of expatriates and wealthy Hong Kongers. More than 140,000 have left the city since the end of 2021, a record in this city of 7 million inhabitants.
Flights to France resume
Announcements of relocations of head offices based in the city have probably moved its councillors.. Pernod Ricard, Bank of America and even Mandarin Oriental have announced that they are relocating their management. " I have a very strong feeling that some of our financial institutions are losing patience with this sort of isolated status for Hong Kong, even though Hong Kong is a world leader in its field. international financial centre" conceded the Chief Executive...
The first measures have been announced: from On 1 April, flights to 9 countries will be able to resume - including France, the UK and the USA..
Mandatory quarantine in a hotel on arrival in Hong Kong will also be reduced from 14 to 7 days. Offering the prospect of "happier days", the government has also announced that social distances will be eased from 21 April over a period of three months and in stages. Provided that the covid virus is truly brought under control.
