We also applauded the Hong Kong people for their discipline in abiding by government regulations during this difficult period.

As an international business chamber with 50 years of history in Hong Kong, we are acutely aware that the administration is faced with a social and economic challenge that is unprecedented. While we understand that vaccinations and medicine to cure Covid-19 are still being developed, the chamber sincerely appreciates the Hong Kong government’s leadership and demonstrated commitment – from top officials’ pay reductions and donations, rescue packages to support the economy, daily press briefings and public communications, to stringent measures to make social distancing as effective as possible.

Although the economy is suffering across the board, certain sectors have been especially hard hit by the situation. We welcome the two rounds of financial assistance packages as they are critical and timely. We hope the government will also strategically review sectoral impacts and roll out tailored measures to ensure business continuity and viability once the situation improves.

We believe a united effort from the Hong Kong community could once again prove this city’s remarkable resilience and prepare us for a rebound in the near future.

Robert T. Grieves, chairman, and Tara Joseph, president, American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

Heroes, seen and unseen, deserve praise for tackling Covid-19

Fashionable as it is to criticise our government, wholehearted applause must be accorded when it comes to managing our coronavirus crisis so effectively. Special praise must go to Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee and Professor Gabriel Leung, dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong.

They, along with our unsung heroes, the many doctors and health workers, are managing this crisis better than anyone else in the world!