By XIN Yuan

More than 253,300 residents of Hong Kong have no job, according to a report released by the SAR government on February 18.

The unemployment rate of Hong Kong rose to over 7 percent in January, the highest since 2004, according to the Department of Census and Statistics.

Law Chi-Kwong, secretary for Labour and Welfare, said the labor market has worsened since November due to the fourth wave of Covid-19.

As the local epidemic eases, the SAR government announced the reopening on Thursday of some recreation venues such as sports stadiums, gyms, beauty salons, and theaters. Restaurants are now allowed to provide dine-in services until 10 pm.

“Although the fourth wave of the local epidemic has shown signs of easing lately, the labor market will remain under pressure in the near term as it will take time for economic activity to return to normal,” Law said in the report.

Hong Kong’s economy continues to decline in 2020, its GDP was down by 6.1 percent compared to a year ago.