Opinion | Complacency risks undoing Hong Kong’s good work in containing coronavirus

This is no time to let our guard down, when there are asymptomatic Covid-19 spreaders, a shortage of protective equipment for medical workers, and the catastrophic possibility of a rise in cases overwhelming stretched hospitals

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As Hongkongers return to offices, schools and pre-coronavirus social activities, it is important to beware of a false sense of security. Photo: AP

Published: 7:00am, 12 Mar 2020Updated: 7:42am, 12 Mar 2020

It is almost seven weeks since Hong Kong suffered its first Covid-19 case and, since then, it has become a global health emergency with more than 120,000 cases worldwide. Many more places are recording far more infections than Hong Kong, which had 120 confirmed cases as of Wednesday.

Hong Kong’s relative success in managing the crisis is a credit to its health care system and the dedication of its frontline staff. Given the city’s proximity to and connections with mainland China, it has had far fewer cases that expected. It appears that Hong Kong has done some things right.

First quarantine measures, although delayed, drastically reduced the number of people entering Hong Kong. Within just a day of exercising these measures, the number of people crossing the border fell by thousands.

Second, social distancing and community-wide containment has helped reduce the chances of cross-infection. Early school and university closures, implementation of work-from-home policies, and the shutting down of public facilities slowed the infection rate.

Third, the community drew upon the lessons learned from its experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome. People were more prepared for isolation and social distancing. The recent Hong Kong protests, which may well have conditioned many of us to stay indoors more often, might also have played a role.

Since early March, there has been a resumption of some public services, plans to open indoor leisure and cultural facilities, more people going back to work and life getting back to “normal”. However, there is also the possibility of complacency setting in, which is worrisome.