June 4 Candlelight Vigil in Doubt

Last year over 180,000 people marked the 30th anniversary of June 4

Today the Hong Kong government announced more relaxing of social-distancing measures with the coronavirus pretty much under control, but these will be in place up until June 4, which puts the commemoration of the upcoming 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre in Victoria Park in doubt.

Public swimming pools will reopen on Thursday

Meanwhile the authorities are allowing people to take part in religious gatherings of up to 50 percent capacity, which is good news for Christians, Buddhists, and in particular Muslims who are looking forward to Eid al-Fitr festival in a few days to mark the end of Ramadan.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will reopen 33 public swimming pools and 15 beaches. For the former opening on Thursday, there will be a limit on the number of people in the pool at any given time, as well as blocked off showers stalls and no more than eight people congregating.

This will be good news for seniors who have desperately missed their early morning swims. I may brave it and try it out in the evening.

But it is infuriating to hear that while these social-distancing measures are being relaxed for social and health activities, it isn't for such an important gathering on June 4.

Secretary for Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee in a press conference today explained large gatherings were "inappropriate and risky".

Note Sophia Chan not wearing government-made mask

"We have to look at what are the risks, including the risks from the activities inside the premises that we are closing and on public gatherings," she said. "All of our considerations are risk-based, and this is the main consideration. there are no other considerations, apart from public health considerations, in terms of the social-distancing measures."

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China that organizes the annual June 4 candlelight vigil was not impressed by Chan's announcement.

"If the candlelight vigil is banned, it's going to be a symbolic moment, as we have been doing it for three decades. Our intention is to continue the tradition and we don't doubt the extension is a political decision," said alliance chairman Lee Cheuk-yan.

"Public exams have been going on fine and schools are allowed to reopen next week. Why are these restrictions being relaxed but political gatherings are banned?"

There has to be another way to mark the June 4 anniversary

The alliance said it had yet to receive approval from the police and the LCSD to gather at the basketball courts in Victoria Park.

Why can't a candlelight vigil happen? First of all the gathering is outdoors, second most people are spaced out and they can all wear masks and have their temperatures taken upon entry, just like at any other venue. For many people it is quite obvious Beijing does not want this vigil to happen and is using the guise of social-distancing measures to prevent this large gatherings.

But knowing Hongkongers, they will find an innovative way to commemorate the day.

Stay tuned.