Miles apart in virus response

Polar opposite: People relaxing along the waterfront next to the Merlion statue in Singapore. Both Singapore and Hong Kong initially adopted strict measures when the pandemic began, now they present competing visions. — AFP

Rivals Singapore and Hong Kong have become pandemic polar opposites, the former opting to live with the coronavirus and reopen to the world while the latter doubles down on zero-Covid and its international isolation.

For decades the two cities have jostled to be Asia’s premier international business hub, offering low taxes, dependable legal systems and seamless global connections.