Economist Podcasts Out on a LegCo: Hong Kong under pressure
Nov 17, 2020
Su Lin Wong, a China correspondent for The Economist, shares insights into the political upheaval in Hong Kong, where pro-Beijing lawmakers dominate following a restrictive security law. She highlights the erosion of democratic processes and citizen rights. Meanwhile, Natasha Loader, the health policy editor, discusses the emerging role of T-cells in COVID-19 immunity, emphasizing their importance alongside new vaccine developments. The conversation also touches on the rise of psychometric testing in hiring, showcasing its impact on modern recruitment.
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Hong Kong's Legislative Council Without Opposition
- Hong Kong's Legislative Council is now devoid of opposition voices after pro-democracy members resigned.
- This allows the pro-Beijing government to pass laws unchecked.
Hong Kong Elections Cancelled
- The Hong Kong government barred 12 politicians from elections, then canceled the elections altogether.
- Critics suspect this was due to fears of pro-democracy gains, not COVID-19 as claimed.
T-Cells and Long-Term Immunity
- While antibodies indicate recent immune response, T-cells offer longer-term memory against COVID-19.
- Public Health England found T-cells persist six months post-infection, potentially enabling faster antibody production upon re-exposure.