Prevent a Repeat of the SARS Tragedy — Wuhan Pneumonia Cannot Be Ignored
- Date
- 24 January 2020
The Wuhan pneumonia outbreak has drawn widespread attention. Hong Kong has temporarily recorded seven suspected cases. Lady Liberty Hong Kong urges Hongkongers to wear appropriate surgical masks when going out in order to protect themselves and others. The public should also maintain indoor ventilation; those showing cold symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and follow doctors' instructions on medication or quarantine.
Over the past week, local and overseas experts and medical professionals (five healthcare organisations and 18 trade unions) have issued crisis warnings to the public and government, urging the government to take decisive action to prevent the spread of disease. Infectious disease experts have noted that the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak is worse than the 2003 SARS epidemic. Recent media reports indicate that the virus has begun showing signs of large-scale spread. The painful lessons of SARS in 2003 are still fresh in our memory. At the time, faced with an unprecedented epidemic and an indecisive government, the tragedy that followed claimed nearly 800 lives in Hong Kong, including eight dedicated and selfless healthcare workers.
Yet the Hong Kong SAR government and its ministers have consistently adopted an avoidant and passive attitude toward the urgent concerns of the public. While neighbouring countries have closed their borders, restricted the entry of Chinese nationals, and strictly enforced health declarations at immigration points, the SAR government announced that health declarations would be waived — citing congestion at border crossings — and even introduced a free small vehicle crossing policy during the Lunar New Year holiday. Furthermore, while mainland China has legislated that citizens must wear masks, Hong Kong barely mentioned the importance of masks in preventing disease transmission, as though they were to be avoided at all costs. It is little wonder that some experts have said the Carrie Lam government's response to the epidemic is even worse than that of the Tung Chee-hwa government.
The Lady Liberty Hong Kong team deeply regrets the government's attitude regarding this matter, along with that of its principal officials and ministers. The team believes these measures not only fail to address the public's concerns, but also create additional risk factors for the transmission of pneumonia among Hong Kong citizens. The government's response in recent days and its epidemic prevention measures both reveal a severe disconnect between the government and public sentiment, and underscore the government's utter lack of preparation and foresight.
The Lady Liberty Hong Kong team urges the government to immediately, and with the health of Hong Kong citizens as its priority, issue orders and take necessary measures to address public concerns about the epidemic. The team also urges all parties to set aside the "yellow versus blue" divide, to temporarily put political disputes on hold with the wellbeing of citizens as their priority, and to unite as one to protect the health and lives of Hongkongers.
Finally, the team wishes everyone a Happy New Year, good health, and peace of mind.
Five demands, not one less. Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times.