The “normal” life Hong Kong authorities have promised as the number of Covid-19 cases eases is happening as promised. Swimming pools and beaches have reopened and, on Thursday, restaurant hours are due to be extended to midnight while bars, nightclubs and karaoke venues can resume operations with a 2am closing time.

I’ve missed swimming and being able to listen to live music. But these are just incremental steps; scrapping face masks in public and ending quarantine for overseas travellers are the real indicators of being back in business and ready to face the world.