Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that the government will do its utmost to ensure Hong Kong is ready for any visit by a state leader for the 25th anniversary of the handover, and this is partly why anti-epidemic measures won't be relaxed for now.

At a media session before attending an Exco meeting, Lam said the administration also hopes Hong Kong will be relaxed and happy when July 1 comes around.

Lam added that it will also be less confusing for the public if the status quo regarding pandemic rules is maintained until John Lee takes over from her as CE on July 1.

“Naturally, as we are approaching the end of our term – there’s only two more weeks to go – if we were to relax the quarantine rules tomorrow, but then in two weeks’ time, the new government decides that perhaps this needs to be reverted to a more tightened approach, that would create a lot of confusion and uncertainty for a lot of people,” she said.

“So, having considered the situation and of course the need to maintain a more stable infection situation in Hong Kong, we have decided that we will maintain the status quo up to the 30th of June, 2022, but at the same time, we will provide all the information and the advice of the experts that we have received to the CE-elect office for the CE-elect to assess and provide a timely response when he assumes office,” she added.

Lam said the government also has to take into account Hong Kong’s social atmosphere.

“To create the conditions for state leaders to visit, it also has to do with the social atmosphere. We hope Hong Kong will be rather relaxed and happy for the celebration of the handover on July 1. This is also one of our considerations,” said Lam.

But she said she’s not in a position to say whether or not any state leaders are coming to the SAR.

This was the last regular Exco meeting before the next administration takes office.