John Lee, Hong Kong’s new leader was at his first news conference since taking office. On Tuesday, he will work to ease travel restrictions while balancing the risks of a coronavirus outbreak overwhelming the health-care system. Hong Kong and mainland China are among the few places in the world where arrivals are still quarantined. In order to slow down the spread of the virus after two and a half years of the pandemic. Most visitors to Hong Kong are required to serve a seven-day quarantine at designated hotels.
Lee, a former security official ran as the sole candidate for Hong Kong’s chief executive position. He took office on Friday, succeeding Carrie Lam. Lee stated at his first press conference ahead of an Executive Council meeting on Tuesday that Hong Kong is a “international city.” He is concerned about the need for Hong Kong to remain open and convenient to travelers.
“However, it is also critical that we address the risks concurrently in order to maintain good balance,” he said. Lee stated that the city’s health minister was analyzing data. As to determine how the quarantine duration could be adjusted and would present options to Lee.
Rise in COVID cases in Hong Kong
Since mid-June, there have been more than 1,000 COVID cases per day in Hong Kong. On Monday, the city reported 1,841 new infections. Lee also stated that Hong Kong has a “constitutional duty.” In order to enact a new security law in addition to the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. This has effectively eliminated most political dissent and placed many democracy supporters behind bars. They are in hiding, or in exile.
Lee also promised to work on housing issues in Hong Kong. The world’s most expensive property market, stating that he will try to “fix short-term issues as quickly as possible.” Also, he will investigate how to convert available land into “spade-ready sites.” In order to increase the speed and efficiency of housing production.
