The 'New Normal'

Hong Kong has just entered its COVID-19 'fourth wave', resulting in further restrictions to everyday life which give rise to continued uncertainty for businesses including, of course, the construction industry. At the same time, the UK (with its lockdown tier system) is about to implement mass immunisation – which it must be hoped will ultimately trigger the end of the pandemic in the UK and elsewhere.

It has undoubtedly been a difficult year for the Hong Kong construction industry. It is hoped that employers and contractors will take a reasonable and pragmatic approach to their contracts when dealing with the effects of the pandemic. As the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) 'Golden Principles' reminds its users (as provided in its FIDIC Covid-19 Guidance Memorandum) they should keep in mind that FIDIC: