🌊 'Our Policeman': John Lee's growing fanbase
Is- is that a light at the end of the proverbial COVID-19 tunnel?
Good morning,
This article’s title was a reference to Bethan Roberts’ excellent 2012 novel, ‘My Policeman’ [mightily tragic, slightly raunchy, 5 stars].
On another note, let’s raise a glass to the completed 3-day stint of our collective RAT tests. Not encouraging day drinking in any way, but nobody’s judging on this surprisingly fine Monday morning (forecast’s looking nice for the next couple days, FYI.) Hear, hear- here’s a pre-toast as well for the PCR tests that are predicted for the ‘distant’ future. Truly palpable excitement in the uncharacteristically dry air.
For those who want to forego the champagne but wish to toast, here’s a fun sourdough recipe for the budding foodie that involves you creating a little flour-water-yeast pet, which would most definitely outlive you if given the chance. Perfect for forming a long-term companionship that won’t be snatched away at any moment (no shade intended).

-Charlotte
On Today’s Tide:
Politics | Official CE candidate John Lee secures enough votes for nomination
COVID |
Updates to come on social distancing measures
Crime | Customs searching for drug syndicate behind record meth haul in March
Events
China |
Shanghai struggles with rising cases, declining food stocks
US vs. China tussle on COVID-19 measures
Homecoming for Tiangong space shuttle’s astronauts
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God Rest Lee’s Merry Gentlemen
John Lee’s on a hot streak.
Not only does he have Beijing’s blessing bestowed unto him, but just a day after his bid for CE candidature, he has garnered enough nominations to officially run in next month’s leadership race.
These votes have come from all 5 sectors of the Election Committee, with 200+ nominations already received so far as of Sunday afternoon. Among these well-known politicos who came to Lee’s election campaign office in person to send in their nominations is former CE ‘CY’ Leung Chun-Ying himself.
Lee’s campaign team has set the lofty goal of at least 500 nominations before the deadline for the May 8 election. As always, we’ll keep you updated on how that turns out.
Alongside the support from his political peers, Lee’s former classmates and associates have left positive statements for their ‘Chiu gor/超哥’. Many were convinced that his “good analytical and comprehension skills” also made him fit for the role.

Lee’s unfilled post of Chief Secretary has yet to find a successor since April 7, the government’s response to which was, “appropriate arrangements have been put in place”. (Carrie Lam says she’s put forward names for an acting replacement to Beijing but hasn’t heard back. Kinda like being ghosted by your ex).
The vagueness of that statement aside, it’s been confimed that the CE will take over the CS’s power of granting exemptions from compulsory quarantine/restrictions for scheduled premises, etc.
COVID in HK

Coronavirus in Hong Kong
New cases: 1,903
Total cases: 1,190,183
New deaths: 65 (12 backlog)
Total deaths: 8,770
Relaxation of social distancing rules…coming soon? Please?
More details will come this week on what is to become of social distancing, seeing as our recent case numbers have dipped. So far, no substantial changes to the multi-step social distancing exit-plan have been made (see our awesome multi-slide summary of it below).
However, note that fatal infections still occur on a regular basis, with people of all age groups included in the mix. The government maintains that we should be careful when venturing outside in the sunshine.
As for school resumptions, Carrie Lam says it is unlikely that schools will require students to follow the vaccine pass requirements or be fully vaccinated to resume in-person classes.
Breaking Bad…records
Following Customs’ recent streak of overtime drug takedowns, the suspected drug syndicate behind the HK$400 million worth record drug haul on March 18th is being tailed closely.
Two separate loads were recently discovered:
447 litres of liquid methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of 3 electric transformers from Mexico, and
253kg of crystal meth in a Sheung Shui warehouse.
A local logistics company acted as a consignee in handling the narcotics, directed by the syndicate. Whether HK was the final destination or a transit point for these shipments is still under investigation.
Two men, 44 and 43, were arrested in conjunction with these seizes.

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A Woman's World”: Asia's first virtual exhibition highlighting NFTs
In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, be sure to join our previous LoTW Sharmaine Kwan with Bamboo Scenes’ exciting new online NFT exhibition honoring local female artists exploring the endless possibilities of the Metaverse.
When: From 24th March, 2:00 p.m. onwards
Where: Access the virtual exhibition by clicking here
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Use the code HIGHONWINE10 at www.lacabane.hk to stock up your wine cellar today.
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