【明報專訊】The recent hosting of a succession of grand events by Hong Kong has raised people's anticipation of a faster return to normal life. However, the Chief Executive(CE) has reiterated that the anti-epidemic measures must be relaxed gradually with risks under control and the red and amber code system has to be kept. Since the global pandemic is not yet over and the mainland's anti-epidemic policies have not changed, the SAR government's strategy of inching its way towards loosening the anti-epidemic rules is no doubt a very safe one. But it is also too conservative. The easing of restrictions on tourism like providing "specific arrangements for inbound tour groups" is of limited help to putting the tourism industry back in business. It is certainly fine for the authorities to waive anti-epidemic rules occasionally as a way to facilitate the hosting of major international events in Hong Kong. However, if done frequently, that will inevitably give the public an impression of the government being "lenient to visitors but harsh to its people". The inching pace of restoring to normality cannot satisfy the needs of society. Unless the city sees a major twist again in the pandemic situation, the authorities should take bold steps along the path to normalcy.