Lau, Dean of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, called on the public to rest easy as he noted that the infection number has been declining steadily after the Lunar New Year holidays, with fewer Covid positive sewage samples.

Speaking on radio this morning, Lau suggested authorities easing the curbs gradually as he believed the peak of Covid on the mainland has passed.

The government can consider dropping the PCR test requirement for cross-border travel and the daily rapid antigen test mandate for students and teachers about one or two weeks later, Lau continued.

He also said the SAR can lift the mask mandate as well in March or April as the weather will become warmer by that time.

Still, he told the public to observe personal hygiene and put on a mask indoors to keep other respiratory diseases at bay.

Lau urged elderly, chronic disease patients and citizens with travel plans to receive booster Covid shots, saying the coronavirus will stay.

Lau said although reviewing the city’s anti-Covid work is necessary, he has second thoughts as to introducing an investigation committee to look into the matter. He explained that it remains unclear when the pandemic will end and relevant works are still ongoing.