No rebound + big events = zero curbs

All restrictions on overseas arrivals should be lifted next week if there is no rebound of infections, says government adviser David Hui Shu-cheong.

The respiratory expert from Chinese University said authorities can put a "0+0" arrangement in place two weeks after the "0+3" policy on September 26 that scrapped hotel quarantine but included three days of medical surveillance.

Hui is the latest expert to call for 0+0, saying it should be launched within this month before major financial summits and events like the Hong Kong Sevens next month.

He said Hong Kong has "no time to lose" and that the city already has herd immunity, with high vaccination and infection rates.

With the falling numbers of new infections, deaths and intensive care cases, coupled with high vaccination rates, Hong Kong should further relax social distancing measures if there is no rebound.

Some of the measures are easing today, including increasing the maximum number of people per table in restaurants to 12 and the maximum number of people in banquets to 240.

Meanwhile, pro-Beijing politician Lo Man-tuen said that hopes for a quarantine-free border reopening with the mainland after the 20th National Congress from October 16 are "not groundless."

Writing in a local Chinese newspaper column, Lo, vice chairperson of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said the central government will ensure Hong Kong plays a significant role in contributing to the open policy of the country, adding that China will support Hong Kong in reconnecting to the world.

His column came after similar comments from another pro-Beijing heavyweight, Tam Yiu-chung. Tam, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said last week that a "mainland friend" had told him about the relaxation of border curbs.

Lo refuted claims saying the Hong Kong government has not received support from Beijing on relaxing arrival restrictions.

He wrote that the government has a "direct, unobstructed and good" communication with Beijing and has received strong support on relaxing arrival restrictions.

This, Lo added, "not only shows Beijing's respect for the two systems, but also reflects its interest in Hong Kong reviving its international status."

He said Xi Jinping's visit to Hong Kong in July, his first out-of-town visit since the pandemic started in 2019, "fully reflects the president's deep feelings for Hong Kong and also Beijing's high value for the status and role of Hong Kong in the overall situation of the country."

Meanwhile, pro-Beijing politicians pointed out that Hong Kong cannot meet the proposed reverse quarantine requirements because it is difficult to find enough workers willing to work for a seven-day period in a fully closed loop.

The pro-Beijing camp hopes that after the congress, the mainland will relax its entry quarantine measures, such as easing the current 7+3 policy to 3+4.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com