Tech Firms Describe Sackings as "Graduation"

JD.com and Bilibili have turned sackings into "graduations"

Chinese tech stocks have taken a beating recently, which has led to numerous layoffs in companies like JD.com, Bilibili, and ByteDance. However, these firms are using euphemisms to describe employees being given the pink slip.

"Sorry, you are terminated" is now replaced with "congratulations, you graduated" in dismissal notices issued by some Chinese technology companies, sparking controversy.

The translation of one dismissal letter

Large firms usually describe massive layoffs as business "optimisation", JD.com and Bilibili are using the term "graduation" which led to many fired employees to angrily post their dismissal notices on social media.

The employers don't describe the large-scale job cuts as layoffs because that often invites the intervention of labour authorities, and is seen as a sign of market weakness.

The JD.com termination letter offered "congratulations on your successful graduation" from the company, and gave details on how to handle social security issues, employment records and other administrative matters, while Bilibili's dismissal letter has the title "graduation day" and provided instructions on human resources issues.

The authenticity of the letters was confirmed by the companies' current and former employees, and it was also pointed out that they would also get this letter if they resigned voluntarily.

Referring to work colleagues "schoolmates" is part of the culture at many Chinese tech firms, including TikTok owner ByteDance.

Tech firms like TikTok call staff "schoolmates"

The layoffs at JD.com were mainly at its group-buying business Jingxi, which is expected to sack 10 to 15 percent of its staff, or about 400 to 600 people.

Another JD.com business unit that handles books, pet products and cross-border e-commerce also plans to cut 15 to 20 percent of its staff.

Bilibili started laying off staff last year, mostly in its gaming department, where nearly 20 percent of its staff were sacked.

Some social media users were angry at the use of the term "graduation". One Weibo user said sarcastically that JD.com was "too merciful" because it paid employees but "did not ask them for tuition fees".

Another asked why an employee who got sacked should be congratulated.

A third Weibo user said everyone who left JD.com was called a "graduate" whether they were fired or resigned. 

Staff "graduate" if they resign voluntarily too

"Doesn't the work experience one received before the layoff count as personal growth?" she asked.

Meanwhile Hong Kong's Covid-19 count continues to drop, though incrementally.

Today 6,639 cases were reported, 119 deaths, of which 102 were in the past 24 hours, and 17 backlogged.

Street Sleepers Get Justice

Nine street sleepers finally got justice today, three years later

About three years ago, 22 police officers cleared Tung Chau Street Park in Sham Shui Po where some 80 to 100 street sleepers lived.

These homeless people were given three minutes to pack up their items and move on, the rest of their personal belongings were collected as garbage, which filled 12 rubbish containers, each with a volume of 600 litres.

I remember this story and the public outrage at how these homeless people were treated without any dignity.

The homeless lived in this park in Sham Shui Po

Yesterday nine of those street sleepers won a token HK$100 each in Small Claims Tribunal when it ruled in favour of them, as their personal items were disposed of without their consent.

Arthur Lam Hei-wei, the presiding adjudicator, awarded nominal damages of HK$100 to each of the nine claimants, as none of them could provide sufficient evidence of the value of their possessions.

Not all nine can claim this payment, as one died this month after becoming infected with Covid-19. 

Initially there were 14 claimants, seeking compensation ranging from HK$2,000 to HK$13,290 over the loss of their items, such as garments, mattresses, cash and travel documents.

However, two of the claimants have since died, and four others lost contact with the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO), a concern group supporting the street sleepers in the proceedings.

Lam found the department had failed to discharge its duty of care, as janitors made no independent identifications for the seized items items and left them in the depot, forcing the claimants, some of whom were physically disabled, to rummage through the rubbish containers. 

They only had minutes to pack their belongings

The Justice Department, representing the police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, had asked the claimants to pay HK$26,000 as court expenses incurred by the authorities in the proceedings, but Lam refused and instead ordered both sides to shoulder their own costs.

One of the claimants, Chan Chi-wing, said the ruling had served justice to two of his fellow street sleepers who died earlier. Chan, who uses a wheelchair said: "It's not a matter of how much I can claim, I'm fine as long as justice is served."

SoCO community organiser Ng Wai-tung called the ruling "belated justice", adding it was "ridiculous" that authorities failed to keep visual records of the confiscated items.

"The homeless should not be subject to humiliation," he said. "Their belongings are also private property. The right to private property is a basic human right, of which nobody should be deprived."

This is the third time homeless people have taken the authorities to court over confiscating their personal items without prior notice. The previous lawsuits in 2012 and 2016 were settled out of court.

The claimants were awarded HK$100 each

It is terrible seeing people sleeping on the street, but where else can they go? The government is not providing them the assistance they need, and instead trying to sweep them under the carpet...

Other good news?

Today's case count for Covid-19 was below 7,000 at 6,976, 135 deaths of which 117 were in the last 24 hours, and 18 backlogged.

Covid-19 Cause Spike in Elderly Suicides

Increased number of seniors contemplating suicide in fifth wave

Now into its third year, coronavirus pandemic has claimed more victims than just those who are infected with the virus -- elderly people who are have committed suicide or are contemplating it.

On Tuesday researchers at the University of Hong Kong said their suicide warning index recently surged to an unprecedented "crisis level", with elderly people more at risk of taking their own lives during this fifth wave of the pandemic.

The Suicide Early Warning System had a daily estimate of suicides at 1.69 on February 23, and as the number of Covid-19 infections rose to the tens of thousands, the estimate hit 4.05 on March 21. The average figure over the past year was 1.8.

Yip says elderly suicides is at "crisis level"

The March 21 figure is the highest since the warning system was created in 2020, though the daily estimate has since dropped.

Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai from HKU's Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention said social distancing measures have affected people's mental health and elderly people are particularly vulnerable.

He said eight people aged 65 and older committed suicide in the past seven days and it's estimated that 400 seniors will take their lives this year -- double the number last year.

"Social distancing [measures] have introduced not only physical distancing but also emotional disconnectedness. I think it's this emotional disconnectedness that leads to the sense of isolation, a sense of being abandoned by family members or by community. It has an adverse impact on our mental health," he told an online press conference.

"For the elderly people, if they live by themselves, I think the community can proactively engage with them," Yip added.

The group Suicide Prevention Services reported handling 220,000 calls in January and February, an average of nine a day from seniors.

Suicide Prevention Services worries about elderly

It said elderly people are worried about getting infected with Covid-19 and so they are scared of meeting relatives during the pandemic. Their sense of crisis also becomes even more heightened if they or a family member contracted the virus, which could then trigger suicide, the group warned.

There were news reports over a week ago about an elderly couple who killed themselves after finding out they tested positive for Covid-19 and didn't want to be a burden on their family.

Justin Leung, a program manager with the service, added most elderly people are not tech savvy either, making it difficult for them to find out the latest information about the pandemic.

"It's very complicated for the elderly. It's difficult for them to learn in a short period of time," he said. 

Yip called on the government to relax social-distancing measures and reopen leisure facilities as soon as possible to help people improve their mental well-being.

He also said the media should do its part by reporting on more positive stories to help reduce people's anxiety.

Many elderly are terrified to meet relatives

Everyone's anxiety levels have spiked during the pandemic, and even more so during this current fifth wave when the number of cases was over the 50,000 mark.

Thankfully they have dropped in the past week and hopefully in the next few weeks will be below 1,000.

It doesn't help when the government is more focused on fighting the virus than being concerned about its residents' well-being.

Hopefully the authorities will heed this study's warnings. While the 2003 SARS epidemic was relatively short lasting only a few months, it was a terrifying time for Hongkongers. Now 19 years later, people need to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel to hang on and survive, mentally and physically.

Stocked Public Fridges for the Poor

A public fridge where people can freely take what they need 

More and more people are starving in Hong Kong thanks to the coronavirus pandemic that has forced them to lose their jobs and businesses and scrounge for food.

Wong Wai-kit tried to help some by giving them his takeaway meal.

"I tried not to make them feel they were a bunch of poor and miserable people waiting for my almsgiving. They had their dignity," said Wong, 40, who has founded several social enterprises that help the underprivileged and unemployed.

He came up with the idea in August of setting up stocked-up fridges in various public locations for anyone in need, for free.

The growing number of poor rises each year

The "Gift n Take" fridge project began in places like Dragon Centre shopping centre in Sham Shui Po and Eaton HK hotel in Jordan. A group of 20 volunteers fill the fridges every two to three days with dry food and provisions donated by NGOs, individuals and retail outlets.

As soon as the project started the fridges were cleaned out as fast as the volunteers could fill them, and now there are fridges in 40 locations across Hong Kong, including restaurants, schools, shopping centres and retail stores.

"I noticed a rising number of people who suddenly lost their livelihoods because of the tough social-distancing curbs. They feel helpless without anyone to turn to," Wong said.

"I hope to let them know people do care and are willing to help."

He has also helped some people find part-time work.

Charities and NGOs are seeing a spike in people looking for free meals, including young people.

In 2020, 19,438 people sought help getting food, a 48 percent increase from 13,142 in 2019. The number rose to 21,987 last year.

One of Wong's partners is Martin China Ka-shun, founder of social enterprise Amity, which distributes provisions to the poor in Sheung Shui, including those staying in sub-divided flats and elderly people living alone.

A public fridge can be found at Eaton HK hotel

"Most don't want to apply for social welfare or support from food banks as the application takes at least eight weeks," he said. 

"They don't have the money to pay for food, so we hope to help them survive this difficult period."

Fifty-eight-year-old Tong Shing-choi lost his job as a casual cleaner and delivery worker in late January when the companies he worked for temporarily closed.

Divorced and living alone in Mongkok in a sub-divided room that costs HK$2,700 (US$344.83) a month in rent, Tong said he had to borrow money from friends to get by. For him the fridge project, along with meal coupons he received from NGOs have made him less miserable about his situation.

"I rely on free meals from a charity group for survival. I got to the fridge from time to time for some canned food, cakes and instant noodles to fill my stomach, but I don't want to ask for more as I feel ashamed," he said.

Tong said he didn't want to apply for welfare help, as he hoped he could get another job again.

"I really feel gloomy and depressed, but help from Brother Kit [Wong] and other NGOs let me know that at least I don't need to worry about my daily meals."

Where is Lam's compassion for those in need?

Thank goodness for these NGOs and social enterprises for stepping up and helping those who were living pay cheque to pay cheque and now the pandemic has made their lives a daily struggle for survival.

Meanwhile what is the government doing to help these people? They did not become poor out of choice - it's up to the authorities to give them the help they need. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has a background in social work and yet has no compassion for these people, whose population is growing by the day.

If Hong Kong is going to pull out of this pandemic -- and Lam will drag the city out if she has to -- she needs to also make sure people are not starving to death before then.

Have we really reverted to the real meaning of 吃饭了没有？

By the way the number of cases has gone down to below 8,000 at 7,860 today and 168 deaths, of which 143 are new, 25 backlogged.

Carrie Lam on the Defensive

Lam speaking at her daily press briefing today

While the tide is turning for the better day by day in the pandemic, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is getting a political raking over the coals, particularly from the pro-establishment who have been backing her all along, but now are questioning how she intends to wrestle the fifth wave of the pandemic down for good.

The numbers are looking better today -- 8,035 cases, and 151 deaths (of which 130 are from the past 24 hours, 21 backlogged) -- but Lam has backtracked or flip-flopped, or U-turned on many decisions that has made the pro-Beijing camp frustrated that she doesn't seem to have people or the economy's interests at heart.

Businesses have had a difficult time with Covid-19

It has been reported Lam will face a grilling tomorrow by lawmakers on her pandemic policies. 

Everyone get out the popcorn...

But one can expect Lam to be on the defensive and strongly so, swatting away any annoying accusations with pithy statements that raise eyebrows.

One example is in recent days, Bernard Chan, convenor of the Executive Council, Lam's de facto cabinet, conceded many multinational companies that had used Hong Kong as their Asian base have already moved to rival cities like Singapore and Dubai, and the chances of them returning were slim, unless the Greater China market was their focus.

"If they had moved to other places such as Dubai and Singapore for a while, their chances of moving back are significantly lower because moving back will be quite a complicated process," he said. "I think we cannot stick to the [current] quarantine arrangement for a long time."

When a reporter asked Lam about Chan's comments, she said:

Chan says multinationals have left Hong Kong

"I can tell you that although he is ExCo Convenor, he is expressing his personal views. Because there are so many people with so many views on this anti-epidemic issue, especially about Hong Kong being an international city, whether we should open up more, whether we should be worried about people leaving Hong Kong. The more authoritative stance could come only from me and the Hong Kong SAR government," she replied.

Ouch. 

"I would advise that you only treat Mr Chan's views as his personal views, especially as he comes from the financial sector, certainly his view will be influenced by his colleagues and peers in the financial sector," Lam continued. 

"But at the end of the day, as I said, our ultimate objective for Hong Kong is to suppress the fifth wave as soon as possible and then we would aim to resume some travel into the mainland and preferably also with overseas so that business could resume and the economy could bounce back."

Many firms have moved to Singapore and Dubai

Chan is pointing out the fact that many multinational companies have moved out of Hong Kong and may never come back. How is that a personal view? There have already been many articles written about this, how 50 per cent of European companies are planning to leave the city or only have a smaller presence.

Businesses cannot wait for Hong Kong to open up anymore. Lam is dreaming if she thinks the city's economy will just bounce back to what it was before.

Lam seems to have no idea what is really going on, as she is so focused on fulfilling Beijing's expectations, or tired of hearing other people's opinions of how things could be done better.

They are only trying to help...

Covid-19 Numbers Drop to below 10K

Albert Au of CHP (left) reports under 9,000 cases today

This afternoon was a sign of good news -- in the first time since February 24, the number of coronavirus infections in Hong Kong dropped to below 10,000 to 8,841, of which 3,978 were from PCR tests, 4,957 from RATs. Six cases were imported. 

The Centre of Health Protection's Albert Au Ka-wing said that while the number of infections has definitely peaked, he urged people not to let their guard down. Also the number of deaths is still relatively high at 139, of which 114 are from the past 24 hours, 25 backlogged.

One of the deaths was a three-year-old girl, but she had pre-existing long-term health issues including severe brain lesions and was diagnosed with pneumonia. The Department of Health will investigate her death. The oldest person who died was 106 years old.

A quarantine room at the LMO from HK$10K

Meanwhile the lifting of the flight ban on nine countries from April 1 has led to non-stop inquiries from people overseas needing rooms in quarantine hotels for a week. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental has had a flood of people trying to book rooms, and with room rates from HK$10,010 (US$1,278) for a 83 sq metre room per night, it's yet another bumper year for the hotel in Central.

Then there are other hotels in the city that have converted into community isolation facilities to prepare for the possibility of universal testing. While this is good money -- HK$1,600 per room per night paid for by the government, some hotels are loathe to kick out long-staying guests.

One hotel in Sheung Wan has had people staying there for over three years. That's because they are elderly and have no family in Hong Kong to look after them and rely on the hotel's staff to check up on them.

It's quite sad to hear that they are living in these small hotel rooms, but this is the best way they can ensure there is someone looking out for them -- to help them get to the hospital for regular health check-ups, and for disabled guests who need physical assistance on a daily basis.

Rooms at Novotel Century are now for isolation

Luckily some hotels are taking pity on these people, while others have evicted some long-staying guests, leaving them with little choice but to find alternative housing. The Novotel Century Hong Kong in Wan Chai has turned into a community isolation facility, and one of its long-staying guests luckily managed to find accommodation at a serviced apartment nearby at very short notice. 

While this pandemic has turned people's lives upside down, we've all had to deal with the challenges the best we can. And finding compassion can be a godsend for many who need it.

Cases Coming Down, Anti-Epidemic Kits Arriving

Lam presenting the anti-epidemic kits at the press conference

I'm hearing from many friends and colleagues about their experiences of contracting Covid-19 and many have no idea where they got it from.

Some said they had stayed home most of the time, only going out for groceries and other supplies. As all of them are vaccinated (Sinovac or BioNTech), many reported the sore throat was the worst part of having Covid, as some didn't even have a fever, but flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains. 

It took on average about eight days or so before they became negative, but the whole experience especially in the beginning left them exhausted and they had to rest a lot. 

People putting together anti-epidemic kits

One says since her recovery about three weeks ago, she feels like her lung capacity is not like before, while another reported losing his sense of smell and taste and it has taken a few weeks for it to return; that really worried him as he enjoys not only his food but wine too.

All these people have experienced Covid in the last few weeks and it is only now that the Hong Kong government has announced that it will distribute anti-epidemic packs to every household starting from next month and hopes to complete the deliveries within a week.

Each pack contains 20 rapid antigen tests, 20 KN95 masks, and Chinese medicine from across the border.

"Things inside are mainly resources the central government gave Hong Kong in support, to show their motherland's care and support for Hong Kong compatriots," acting home affairs minister Jack Chan Jick-chi told a press conference.

He said the packs will be handed out through the Housing Authority, building management firms, the Heung Yee Kuk and volunteer groups.

And if anyone doesn't get a pack, they can get one from collection points that will be set up later, Chan added.

Where is Hong Kong's Lion Rock spirit? 

While it's nice to know the central government cares for Hong Kong residents, how come we are only getting these supplies now when at least half the population has already been infected with Covid-19?

This would have been helpful at least three weeks ago when the number of cases were rising exponentially and items like rapid antigen kits were hard to find or very expensive. Now they can be bought at around HK$30 (US$3.83) for one test. 

But yes, we should be grateful, like Hong Kong government and health officials who reiterate their thanks over and over again to Beijing for all the assistance.

Whatever happened to the Lion Rock spirit and Hongkongers self-subsisting?

Probably not part of the "one country, two systems" mandate...

Today there were 10,401 infection cases -- the lowest drop in a month, while the number of deaths recorded in the past 24 hours was 162, and 30 backlogged.

Tale of Two Cities

Singapore will soon scrap the outdoor mask mandate

Hong Kong and Singapore have always been rival cities. When the pandemic hit, the virus looked out of control in the Lion City, while Hong Kong shut down its borders and imposed strict quarantines.

But today over two years later, the two metropolises have gone completely different directions in their response to Covid-19 and the contrast could not be more stark.

Lee made the happy announcement today

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is still imposing strict social-distancing measures on residents, and expecting them to report positive Covid-19 tests that will result in them being sent to jail-like isolation quarters. While the flight ban on nine countries will be lifted on April 1 and travellers will only need to hotel quarantine for seven days, they will still need to self-monitor and have a final test on the 12th day to confirm they are indeed negative.

Across the pond, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong declared that the outdoor mask mandate would be scrapped, fully vaccinated travellers could enter the city state quarantine-free, and his government was working towards a full resumption of air and land travel with its neighbour, Malaysia.

Singapore is obviously moving towards "living with Covid", compared to Hong Kong's "dynamic zero Covid", where we are still not sure what "dynamic" means.

Nevertheless, Lam was on the defensive today when asked if Hong Kong would follow Singapore's lead.

Lam is still pursuing "dynamic zero Covid" policy

"As I've also said on many occasions, the policies and measures to be adopted by each government in combating the Covid-19 epidemic will differ. I don't think that there's one size that fits all. I also don't believe that there are only two pathways," she said.

"That's why I said that perhaps it's not meaningful to ask us to choose whether we're going for route A or route B."

So does she mean there's a third or fourth pathway?

Lam also refused to be drawn into the debate as to whether Singapore had snatched the title of "Asia's global hub" from Hong Kong.

She argued Hong Kong remained an attractive financial centre and aviation base, as well as "a good place to live and work".

Perhaps before the coronavirus pandemic erupted in January 2020?

Children playing outdoors must wear a mask

It's 2022 and Hong Kong is struggling to survive economically. Bloomberg has released a report saying nearly 50 percent of European firms intend to either fully relocate staff out of the city or partially as a direct result of the draconian Covid-19 restrictions.

But Lam seems to think people and companies are still patiently waiting.

"I remain very optimistic that once this wave subsides, we'll pick up on the earlier discussions [on reopening the mainland border], and at the same time we'll be able to open up to the rest of the world," she said.

The rest of the world has moved on, Carrie... Hong Kong has already been long forgotten...

Today the city recorded 13,074 cases, of which 7,342 were from rapid antigen tests. Another 201 deaths were logged, including 42 backlogged. There are now over 1.1 million Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong and 6,770 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Rich Chinese Offloading HK Flats

Some Chinese owners are selling their flats in Mid-Levels

Not only are locals and expats offloading their properties to leave the city, but also mainland Chinese who need to cover their stock market losses.

About 10 to 20 percent of mainland homeowners in Mid-Levels have reduced their prices because they are in urgent need of funds or are shedding their holdings, said Samuel Lai, senior direct sales director at Midland Realty.

"Homeowners in urgent need of money may cash in for having burnt their fingers in the stock market," said Lai, who anticipates another 5 to 8 percent will lower their asking prices until the pandemic and stock market volatility ease.

One buyer is offloading his flat at The Morgan

However, who is willing to buy now? Prices could go down even further in the coming months, and these transactions may take a few months to be completed. Perhaps even worse, the current fifth wave has made potential buyers anxious about even viewing the flats, thus further stalling the property market.

Hong Kong's stock market has been a rollercoaster ride in the past two weeks with mainland Chinese tech stocks taking a serious beating, and on top of it the war in Ukraine and the rise in Covid-19 cases in China causing jitters.

Property owners in Mid-Levels have cut prices by up to 15 percent since Lunar New Year because of the aggravating factors, said Lai, adding that prices may fall further by another 5 percent until midyear.

Sun Hongbing is the younger brother of mainland Chinese developer Sunac China Holdings' chairman, who sold three luxury flats at The Morgan and Arezzo in West Mid-Levels at a loss of a whopping HK$126 million (US$16.10 million) this year.

Another flat is at Arezzo on Seymour Road

He sold the 2,343 sq ft flat with a 460 sq ft rooftop at The Morgan for HK$138 million, 27 percent lower than the HK$189 million he bought it for in October 2018. The overall loss totalled HK$109 million, the biggest loss since the coronavirus pandemic erupted two years ago, if the 30 percent stamp duty is taken into account.

The creditors of another Chinese tycoon from Zhejiang province put two foreclosed duplex flats and two parking spaces at Marinella in Wong Chuk Hang for sale at HK$283 million. 

Looks like things are financially tight for everyone...

Suspending Mass Testing Gets Lam Praise and Condemnation

Yesterday Lam announced mass testing to be suspended

After Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced Hong Kong would put mass universal testing on hold indefinitely, mainlanders complained that the former British colony was "lying flat", a slang term meaning doing nothing.

However, Dr Liang Wannian, head of the National Health Commission's Covid Response Expert Team who had visited Hong Kong recently, came to Lam's defence today. He said postponing mass testing was based on a scientifically-based decision.

Liang said Hong Kong was not "lying flat"

He said the strategy of "three reductions" in minimising infections, severe cases and deaths, "three focuses" in identifying key groups, organisations and districts, and "one priority" in treating the elderly had yielded positive results.

"Therefore it cannot be said that epidemic control is relaxed without doing universal testing," Liang said. "Hong Kong is actually expanding its testing capacity... and allowing citizens to use rapid antigen tests at home so infections can be detected earlier and managed. I think the combination of these measures is of great significance to Hong Kong's epidemic prevention and control."

Despite the heavyweight endorsement from medical expert Liang, Hong Kong's leader is getting a salvo across the bow from pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, who is considering putting forward a non-confidence vote against her for flip-flopping on universal testing.

If his motion is tabled, it will be the first one initiated by a pro-Beijing legislator since the handover in 1997, in other words in almost 25 years.

But so far, none of his colleagues are publicly supporting his proposal, with one lawmaker calling it a "political stunt".

Isolation facilities are not 100 percent capacity

Isn't that what Ho is about? 

In any event, he blasted Lam for suspending the universal testing drive, saying preparation, including new quarantine facilities and laboratories supported by mainland Chinese authorities, had gone down the drain.

"We trust the [Hong Kong] government because we wholeheartedly trust the central government. But now you've told us things won't be carried out according to what you said... Tell us then, should we listen to you or not?" Ho said at a press conference today in support of small and medium enterprises struggling with the city's Covid-19 measures.

"There's only a spokesman for the government called the chief executive who seems to have a lot of spare time coming out everyday and talking hogwash as golden scripture... I feel disgusted seeing her face," he said, referring to her daily press briefings now in her second week.

Also he himself has experienced first hand what it's like to be in a quarantine camp in early February, but he is keen on making sure others have to go through what he did...

Ho when he was in his quarantine facilities

Ho accused the chief executive of a lack of overall planning, foresight, resolution and determination in the face of the fifth wave, which has claimed more than 6,000 lives. He urged residents to "hold Lam accountable" and push her to spell out a clear policy direction.

Interesting that he is taking this tack, though he and other pro-establishment lawmakers like Dominic Lee Tsz-king, Chan Hoi-yan and Michael Tian Puk-sun voiced their disappointment at the suspension of universal testing.

With Ho stirring the pot, he is creating yet another headache for Lam, but this is what happens when there is no more loyal opposition in the Legislative Council -- infighting within the pro-Beijing camp was bound to erupt eventually.

This is not the side show Lam needs right now, but for the rest of us desperate for any kind of entertainment since all cinemas, performing arts venues, and concerts are closed, we're socially distanced and watching this political diversion unfold with popcorn in hand.

Finally, Some Loosening of Restrictions

Lam delivered some good news to Hong Kong residents today

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has finally loosened some restrictions, but social-distancing measures are still in place until at least April 21.

Those stuck abroad in the nine countries that were banned for months, including Canada, the United States, Australia, India, Nepal, and Britain, can finally come back direct from April 1. In addition travellers coming to Hong Kong will need to show a PCR test no more than 48 hours before boarding. When they arrive and test negative, they can quarantine in a hotel for one week if their PCR tests are negative on the fifth day, and RAT tests are negative on day six and seven.

HK residents in nine countries can return April 1

Also Lam said universal testing was indefinitely postponed for now until the fifth wave was under control and needed to flush out the rest of the infections. She cited how tens of thousands of staff would be needed to be mobilised for this operation, something that would be difficult to accomplish well in Hong Kong's environment.

If the number of cases go down further this month, then social-distancing measures will be further relaxed in three phases. The first would be having four people to a table in a restaurant and dining until 10pm, while gyms, beauty parlours and religious venues would reopen along with museums and sports venues run by the government.

Then at a later date, phase two would entail bars, pubs, karaoke lounges, swimming pools and public beaches can reopen, restaurants could have up to eight people per table and open until midnight.

From April 21, people can eat four to a table

In the third phase, all restrictions would be lifted on restaurants and bars, and opening hours extended.

Remember the students currently on their "summer break"? That all ends on April 19 when face-to-face classes resume. Lam also encouraged students to get their jabs.

No sooner had she made the announcement on lifting the ban on the nine countries did Hong Kong residents overseas start trying to book for tickets. Airlines and hotels were hearing the announcement at the same time and were probably scrambling to establish schedules, rooms and prices.

It was also announced yesterday that people need to get their booster by May 31 instead of the end of June in order to be able to enter many public places, such as restaurants, shopping malls, government offices, universities, hospitals and hair salons to get people vaccinated.

Children are encouraged to get vaccinated

Interesting to see what unvaccinated people have to say about pushing up deadlines. They will be further shut out of daily life in Hong Kong while the rest of us are moving on.

Also interesting was that Lam insists the government is not adopting the strategy of "living with the virus", but perhaps she has been given a directive that it's time to loosen up a bit for the sake of the economy...

Get Jabbed or Risk Serious Covid Infection, Says Expert

Yuen warns everyone needs to get vaccinated against Covid-19

Infectious disease expert Dr Yuen Kwok-yung believes some 2.5 million people have been infected with Covid-19 since the fifth wave began in late December and projects the caseload will drop to under 1,000 a day in the coming weeks.

The government advisor on the pandemic warned "eradication of the coronavirus will not happen," and urged those who still hadn't gotten jabbed to do so. 

Yuen even went so far as to suggest elderly people should get the German-made BioNTech vaccine rather than the Chinese-made Sinovac one, as the former is more effective at neutralising the Omicron variant, though he agreed everyone should have the freedom to choose which jab to take.

Most vulnerable are elderly not yet jabbed

Finally a medical expert has come out to recommend one over the other, even though the government says both are effective...

He also said the city needs a 95 percent vaccination rate in order to prepare for the next wave of infections.

"The eradication of the coronavirus will not happen. The virus will be with us, and there may be another mutant in the future," Yuen said, noting the city's so-called vaccine pass should also be expanded to cover public transport.

Now it is used to get into shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and hair salons.

While Yuen even called for the easing of restrictions in restaurants and having places like gyms reopened, and flights to Hong Kong resumed, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor would not entertain these suggestions, hinting the city needs to reach "dynamic zero-Covid"...

Who knows? Maybe she will change her mind tomorrow on Monday when she will release the outcome of the "interim review" of social-distancing measures and border control measures.

Yuen suggests vaccine passport for public transit

Today the number of cases dropped further to 14,145, though the death toll is still high at 205, and another 41 backlogged. Hong Kong now has a total of 5,896 deaths since the start of the pandemic, the vast majority of them in the fifth wave.

The authorities cannot vaccinate the elderly fast enough, and on top of it Lam refuses to mandate all seniors must be jabbed... 

And with that kind of decision, it's going to take a while for the fifth wave to be under control...

Kayaking in a Marine Park in Hong Kong

On the tranquil water in Hoi Ha Wan in Sai Kung

A good friend of mine took me to her happy place the other day and I can see why. 

We met up at Tiu King Leng MTR station and took a taxi to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park (海下) in Sai Kung. It's about a half hour trip past Sai Kung city centre and into a geo-park area. 

My friend had arranged to rent kayaks -- my first time doing it -- and after packing all our items in waterproof bags we went down to the beach with life vest and paddle in hand. There were kayaks there waiting for us and we strapped our bags in, had water bottles on hand and then paddled out into a bay area. 

Fresh green algae that is soft and fuzzy

The water was so still -- and even better there was no one there on a weekday late morning. We were also socially distanced, with each of us in our own kayaks.

After a quick lesson of how to hold the paddle we were off. As an absolute beginner I was surprised how fast my friend was paddling, but she has been doing this for over a year and looked very comfortable being in the water.

While I like swimming, for me it took a bit of time to accept the fact that I was going to be wet all day as I dipped the paddle into the water on one side, then in the other which led to water falling onto my legs and lap.

But it was so nice to be on the water, just hearing the sound of the water as we paddled. 

Our first stop was to an area where she saw a beautiful blue and yellow fish about one foot long -- I was too far away to see but saw the pictures later. There also lots of small sea urchins and sea cucumbers! As it is a protected marine park people are not supposed to take these creatures out to consume, nor should they take the coral with them.

Very low tide here with lime green vegetation

We dragged the kayaks onto the mini beach nearby and began exploring the area. I even took a quick dip in the water which was a bit cold but nice to do a bit of breast stroke after not being able to swim in a pool since December. 

My friend got her snorkel kit out and saw lots of sea creatures in the water. I was just happy to be in a place I had never been before and exploring the area around me.

We also paddled out to where the World Wildlife Fund has a marine life centre, but it is currently closed. The centre also has glass bottom boats (currently raised), that are used for visitors to admire the sea life below.

Unfortunately the temperature of the water in that area was much colder so we didn't take a dip and instead headed across the bay to another mini beach.

Sea cucumbers don't mind being touched...

When we arrived there was very low tide -- my friend had never seen it that low before, revealing lots of rocks, coral, tiny fish and speckled shells. Again we wandered around and I ever dared to touch a sea cucumber! I was surprised it just stayed there as I gently touched it -- it wasn't slimy, but soft, much like the texture when eaten! Haha.

By now it was around 3pm and we slowly made our way back to where we started. Not only did I get a chance to learn how to kayak, but also get to discover my friend's favourite place that brings her joy and tranquility to help deal with all the stress in her life.

We had good conversation, and having so much to see around us took our focus away from the pandemic that has weighed all of us down mentally and physically for over two years.

Luckily the weather was overcast so it was a nice 23 degrees or so, but when I returned home I discovered my arms were bright red from the sun! Even my back was also a bit red too despite me putting on my T-shirt and life vest every time we returned to the kayak to paddle. Strangely my right arm is redder than the left! 

A giant piece of coral on land

But also when I came back home, I could still hear the water sounds in my head and it took a while to get acclimatised back to hearing manmade urban life. Amazing.

Questions of Press Freedom during Pandemic

Lam continually thanks the central government for its help

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's daily press briefings have now become a concern for press freedom after a reporter's question led to pro-Beijing figures and media to accuse the journalist of spreading hate speech.

The Now TV reporter asked Lam how Covid-19 patients should lodge complaints over mainland Chinese medical professionals who are working in the city to help battle the fifth wave of the pandemic. The mainland medical staff are in Hong Kong to help alleviate healthcare staff shortages.

This is a legitimate question to ask as these temporary workers are exempted from obtaining local licences under an emergency regulation introduced last month. Typically, patients' complaints are handled through the Medical Council of Hong Kong, the industry's registering body, but it does not have the jurisdiction over these workers. The Hospital Authority said it bore ultimate responsibility for the mainland workers.

Lam greeting hundreds of Chinese healthcare staff

But the reporter's question led to a flurry of criticism from pro-Beijing groups and individuals. One association called Politihk Social Strategic launched an online petition that accused the reporter of spreading hate speech and questioning whether she breached the national security law.

Under Article 29, it is a crime for anyone to provoke hatred among residents "which is likely to cause serious consequences" towards the central or local governments.

The group even called for the reporter to be sacked, which led to fears that press freedom was further being eroded in Hong Kong.

Others who criticised the reporter include former chief executive Leung Chun-ying and pro-Beijing paper Ta Kung Pao.

This led to Now TV issuing an apology on Thursday, saying: "We are deeply sorry for the attention and frustration caused by a question asked by our reporter regarding mainland medical staff."

The company vowed to "humbly listen to" public criticisms and be subject to scrutiny, while continuing to provide updates on the pandemic.

Now TV apologised for the reporter's questions

Now TV even added: "With the fifth wave of the pandemic still raging, we are very grateful for the selfless help from the central government and mainland."

The news outlet is owned by Richard Li Tzar-kai, son of Li Ka-shing, and offered help to combat the pandemic during a meeting chaired by Luo Huining, director of the Beijing liaison office.

However, it should be pointed out the same accountability question of the mainland medical staff was also asked by lawmaker Tang Fei, of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers. 

Media lecturer Grace Leung Lai-kuen said the incident demonstrated the "cultural shock" journalists in Hong Kong were facing as the city became increasingly intertwined with the mainland on many levels.

She said journalists in Hong Kong have always questioned local officials over their responsibilities.

But the mainland side could be struggling to understand why it is still facing scrutiny while having taken the extra step to help the city," she said.

"I would say things are different now if you ask me whether it has undermined press freedom," she said.

Just what we needed -- another level of anxiety to add to our pandemic woes.