Singapore and Hong Kong virus response a tale of two very different cities

In this photograph taken on February 18, 2022, people relax along the promenade overlooking the Marina Bay Sands hotel and resort in Singapore. 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. - AFP

SINGAPORE/HONG KONG, Feb 25, 2022 (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.