Good morning,

Seriously, it’s been a while. In case you don’t remember me, dear reader: Hi, I’m Charlotte. Student, HT intern, and MasterChef enthusiast. And would you look at that, first day back and I’m off to start with an absolute banger of a pun for this Tide’s title (please don’t tell me otherwise so as to not bruise my fragile teenage ego. Merci.)

Well, I’m almost done with exams and am counting down the slow but steady trickle of school days until summer. What better way to do that than with this stupidly decadent homemade chocolate ice cream? Like most recipe times, you’ll spend the majority of it just waiting. It’ll be worth it though, promise.

Daily homemade dose of serotonin above. Happy Monday to you too :)

-Charlotte

On Today’s Tide

1. COVID |

   • New Kwun Tong cluster

   • 6th wave predictions

   • ‘Increased Omicron health awareness’ boosts insurance sales

2. John |

   • How to Make a Cabinet

   • Response to 90-year-old cardinal’s arrest

3. Events

Behind the paywall

1. “Post-DSE gift”: MTR Madness

2. Sevens: Cup finals for both HK men’s and women’s teams

3. Call to help HK residents visit family in mainland China

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COVID in Hong Kong

+1 new cluster: Kwun Tong

With 259 new cases reported on Sunday, a new cluster has also officially emerged. A private kitchen in Shing Yip Industrial Building in Kwun Tong appears to have been where 9 people have contracted COVID.

Meanwhile, the Sheung Wan cluster has grown to 52 cases, with officials saying the virus had likely spread across the eatery.

Rumors & predictions of upcoming 6th wave

With that, HK has received numerous portents of a potential outbreak right on the tail of this one. Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at HKU, Gabriel Leung, warned of a 6th wave of infections on Saturday. He also stated that while effective against severe illness, vaccinations don’t contribute much to halting spread of the virus.

Leung hints that this wave could strike as early as the next two weeks, which I know might strike fear in the hearts of many of you. His advice, according to an insider: “…get to [your] important engagements in those two weeks before things could get worse”.

In case you were wondering about John Lee’s opinion (I know, can’t get enough of him before I transition to the next segment, right?), the CE-to-be said he “[believes] the current administration will handle this well.”

Aaron Busch @tripperhead

COVID-19 cases 🇭🇰 May 15th • New reported local PCR+ cases: 87 📉 (-5) • New reported local RAT+ cases: 139 📉 (-20) • New local cases May 15th: 226 📉 (-25) • Imported: 33 • Total cases: 1,208,506 • Local cases 5th wave: 1,194,115

8:41 AM ∙ May 15, 2022

---

16Likes4Retweets

• New cases: 259 (33 imported)

• Total cases: 1,208,506

• New deaths: 1

• Total deaths: 9,148

Insurance sellers profit off of Omicron

Given the indubitable fact that Omicron is literally everywhere, several major HK insurers have experienced strong sales growth with people being more aware of their health. AIA, HSBC Life and Manulife are among these corporations who have seen higher demand for health protection products.

While the 5th wave forced widespread closure of physical branches for many insurers, COVID has also prompted “[usage of] technology to bridge the gap.” Video meetings and digital software have greatly helped them boost sales to a relatively pre-pandemic level.

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The saga of John Lee

The Chief Executive-elect’s New Cabinet

Efforts on constructing HK’s new cabinet (pun intended) have been somewhat voiced by Lee, while he remains oh-so-mysterious about the issue in general. On Sunday, he confirmed he had someone in mind for the No. 2 Chief Secretary position, but did not reveal their identity to not put pressure on them.

Lee also mentioned that some potential candidates didn’t appreciate the possible foreign sanctions, while he turned down other names. Final decisions are yet to be made.

Lee’s response to criticism for 90-year-old cardinal’s arrest

John Lee stated that criminals, rather than dissenters, are targeted in response to criticism from the West for the National Security Police arresting Cardinal Joseph Zen last week. In his public response to the action on Wednesday, he said those who breached the law needed to be held accountable regardless of their background or beliefs.

Zen was arrested along with other trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was formed to aid those involved in the 2019 protests. It has since ceased operation. Zen is suspected of colluding with foreign forces.

Remember, Lee will be formally sworn in as Chief Executive on July 1. Here’s the completely non-official countdown I just made because I’m sure everyone is watching every second tick by with bated breath.

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Events and deals

Support Harbour Times, our friends, and partners by attending these events! Let everyone know who sent you by tagging @harbourtimes.

• ReThink HK returns 5-6 Oct

HT is proud to be once again a media partner for ReThink - HK’s biggest and most exciting sustainability conference. This year’s conference invites more than 300 expert speakers to share their visions and insights, covering important topics like economic progression while coexisting with nature harmoniously, efficient use of resources, transformation to a low-carbon society, and circular economy for future generations.

Read our full press release on the event here.

As a High Tide subscriber, you get to enjoy super-early-bird prices until 4 Sep (already expired for everyone else in early May).

Sign up here using the code HTP22 for 40% off a standard ticket!

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• Shows, hangouts, and exhibitions coming this week

This week’s events roundup focuses mainly on theatre and art, including the Open Couple, directed by long-term High Tide fan Ryan King. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking day (or night) out, check these out:

harbourtimes

A post shared by Harbour Times | Hong Kong News (@harbourtimes)

• The Open Couple: https://bit.ly/399ljfP
• The Decalogue: https://bit.ly/3Md4vTO
• Hai la un Spritz: https://bit.ly/39bvTmy
• Adrift in Time exhibition: https://bit.ly/3L7imtw
• NFT Art Experience: https://bit.ly/3FI3Veu

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