The comments came as Singapore announced yesterday it will lift some of its Covid restrictions, with people no longer required to wear masks outdoors and the limit on group sizes raised to 10, up from five previously.

The country will also lift restrictions for all vaccinated travelers from next week.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, respiratory disease expert Leung Chi-chiu said the difference in vaccine coverage and the living environment between the two places is the main reason why Hong Kong cannot ease its Covid curbs like Singapore.

Leung said Hong Kong has yet achieved high coverage of most vulnerable groups including the elderly and children, in which their infection will burden the city’s health care system.

The city’s housing problems with people living in run-down buildings, cubicles, and cage homes also give rise to the risks of Covid transmission if the Covid rules were relaxed.

He added that Hong Kong, in the coming months, must stay vigilant against new Covid variants.