To be honest, re-opening of bases is the only way forward for Cathay to operate the airline efficiency for the foreseeable future.
It is a 180 from the policy to close them only a few months ago, but they have to be flexible and act as the battlefield changes.
It solves the problem of pilots bringing COVID in as you can isolate them on their layover, solves the mental health issue for pilots and avoids the unpredictable nature of the rules.
They need to operate the airline outside - in rather than the reverse.
I know they are working on it, but it is very slow, a day late and a dollar short.