【明報專訊】THE mainland epidemic prevention and control expert delegation concluded their 4-day visit in Hong Kong today (23 November) amid hopes among political and business circles that the reopening of the border with the mainland can be achieved without further ado. While Hong Kong's economy has improved in recent months and the unemployment rate has dropped to the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it will be difficult for the unemployment rate to get anywhere near pre-pandemic levels until the border with the mainland is reopened quarantine-free on a larger scale. In terms of public health and economic needs, the reasonable choice is for Hong Kong to reopen its border with mainland China before other regions.