Leader's uplifting message well received in community

President Xi Jinping's latest instructions on Hong Kong's anti-pandemic work in tackling its fifth and worst-ever COVID-19 outbreak raised spirits in the city and boosted confidence that the battle against the virus can be won, residents from all walks of life said on Wednesday.

Taxi driver Tso Tag-ming told China Daily that he felt heartened by Xi's instructions, and by the fact that the central government has pledged its full support of the SAR in its anti-pandemic work.

He said that the Hong Kong government should make full use of the social resources available and deploy all available manpower from different sectors to solve some of the anti-pandemic coordination problems.

Local resident and single mother Xiong Ju said she "sees a glimmer of hope" after hearing about the support of the central government and Guangdong province, including ensuring food supplies to Hong Kong. Such support has boosted her confidence that the city will be able to defeat the pandemic.

Xiong said she hopes Hong Kong can control the outbreak as soon as possible, as the pandemic affects her ability to work and her daily life. She has had to stay at home for several days without pay because some employees at her workplace, a construction site, have been infected.

In addition, the high price of vegetables is placing many grassroots families like Xiong's under financial pressure. "Though the price went down a bit this week, it is still higher than the normal level," Xiong said.

The price of fresh vegetables in Hong Kong last week skyrocketed as some cross-border truck drivers between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland were found to be infected.

Tsang Yuk-on, a retired resident and vice-chairman of Sha Tau Kok District Rural Committee, said that the central government's support and Xi's instructions will have a positive influence on the city's anti-pandemic work and help ensure the city's stability.

Tsang said he hopes to see early and effective control of the current outbreak so that his grandchildren can remain safe and healthy. Hong Kong lowered the age limit for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to 3 on Tuesday.