The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted much longer than most people expected when it first broke out in early 2020. The World Health Organization chief recently said that “We are not there yet, but the end is in sight.” (14 September 2022). While scepticism and uncertainty remain as to how soon that end will come, most countries are making their way back to normal; borders are reopened, and social restrictions lifted for the sake of economic revival. Hong Kong is caught in a conundrum where its Covid regime seems neither here nor there—not stringent enough for reopening to the mainland and too stringent for reconnecting to the world. A policy breakthrough is needed otherwise the city risks losing its vibrancy and international competitiveness. Hence the newly relaxed “0+3” requirement for inbound visitors is a much-welcomed step forward. But is it enough? Is an endgame in sight?
