Speaking in a radio program on Saturday, the health chief said the government will relax Covid-19 curbs starting next Thursday (Apr 21) after public health risk assessment. Although there will be risks, it is up to the government to strike a balance between healthcare system, public’s acceptance level and economic development, she said.

She believed that the pandemic development would still be under control with increasing numbers of hospital beds, isolation facilities and available supplies.

Chan noted that there were more people heading out on the streets during the Easter holidays although the Covid curbs have yet to be eased.

She stressed that the flow of people is always the “fatal” element in terms of epidemiology and expressed concerns that there will be a rebound in the infection figures.

Still, she added that authorities have plans and will closely monitor the range of any possible rebound. She also called on citizens to stay away from packed places in order to minimize cross-infection risk.

Meanwhile, the government also reminded citizens to stay home and not participate in cross-family gathering or large-scale religious activities.

For those who must go out, they are advised to observe social distancing and maintain stringent personal hygiene.

When talking about the bar industry not being covered by the first stage of the relaxation of Covid rules, Chan said authorities will consider reopening bars in the second stage of their roadmap to normalcy.

She continued that authorities will closely monitor if the city is hit by any new variant or mutation of Covid-19, and added that the government will soon launch a specified QR code for recovered patients for them to visit certain premises.