Hong Kong’s omicron spike tests its zero-Covid approach

Lam has insisted, however, that there are no plans for a “widespread city lockdown.“

“As far as Hong Kong is concerned, we need to find our own way out of this epidemic, and so far, our measures to contain the spread of a disease remain a legitimate and valid one,” she said.

This month, Lam said the city would stick with what it calls a “dynamic zero” strategy, at least until the vaccination rate hits 90%. The Hong Kong government describes its “dynamic zero” strategy as having a target of having “zero infections” — a strategy it has repeatedly said is the most effective way of fighting the pandemic. It entails measures such as mass community testing, sewage surveillance, contact tracing, and border controls to keep out imported cases.

But that 90% goal remains elusive as Hong Kong confronts relatively low vaccination rates, especially among the elderly.

As of Feb. 22, 59.84% of Hong Kong residents aged 60 and older had two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to government data. That figure drops to 45.46% for those aged 70 and older.

Lam has said the city needs to “do better” in inoculating the elderly in order to hit the overall 90% vaccination rate target.

“Until all those things happen, we will continue to adhere to the current strategy of trying to contain the spread of the virus, or what we call maintaining this ‘dynamic zero’ regime,” she said.

Hong Kong recently introduced vaccine passes which could encourage more people to get vaccinated. The passes will be required for entry to most public spaces beginning Feb. 24.

Hong Kong, alongside mainland China, is one of the last places still taking a zero-Covid approach. The city has maintained tight restrictions as it works toward establishing quarantine-free travel with China.

But the measures have hindered operations and snarled travel plans, according to a recent business sentiment survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

In its annual report, HSBC said on Tuesday that “The evolving Covid-19 restrictions in Hong Kong, including travel, public gathering and social distancing restrictions, are impacting the Hong Kong economy, and may affect the ability to attract and retain staff.”

Data from the city’s immigration department shows the number of work visas issued has dropped over the last two years. Just 13,800 foreign professionals were issued work visas under the General Employment Policy scheme last year — a decline of about 66% from more than 41,000 in 2019, before the pandemic.

That decline, however, is likely only partly due to Covid restrictions, said Lloyd Chan, senior economist at research firm Oxford Economics.

“In addition to the travel curbs and US-China tensions, we think that concerns over the national…