Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam said she had no plans to use sweeping emergency powers to introduce new laws.
Her comments come as the city struggled to return to normalcy after three days of violent protests over the recently introduced face mask ban.
During the press conference, Lam emphasised that Hong Kong was equipped to handle the situation on its own, as it braced for more demonstrations through the week.
"That is also the position of the central government - that Hong Kong should tackle the problem on her own. But if the situation becomes so bad then no options can be ruled out, if we want Hong Kong to have another chance," she said.
Offices have reopened and the city's metro rail system partially functional on Tuesday.
Lam also hinted that the ongoing protests had negatively impacted tourism revenue.

Russian drone strike kills 12 miners in Ukraine
Five-year-old boy returns to Minnesota after ICE release
Reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing expected Monday
Winter storm death toll in United States reaches 90
Pakistan says 145 militants killed after attacks in Balochistan
Israeli strikes kill 26 in Gaza, health officials say
US government starts likely brief shutdown as House fails to approve deal
Thousands demonstrate in Minnesota and across US to protest ICE
