Q Is it time for Hong Kong people to take off their masks? Surgical masks - the three-layered protective masks most commonly seen on the streets of Hong Kong - were never designed to prevent the contraction of airborne diseases. They were designed to filter out exhaled bacteria and other pathogens from nurses and doctors in the surgical theatre to prevent spreading diseases to a patient. But such a revelation does not dismiss its current use. Many experts believe that wearing a surgical mask may not necessarily protect you from Sars, but may prevent the spread of the disease. Instead of suggesting that people should stop wearing masks because it is ineffective in protecting the wearer, perhaps we should focus on realising that wearing a surgical mask helps the user become a responsible citizen. The user wears the mask not to protect themselves, but rather to protect others. This is important as it is not clear if Sars patients are infectious before serious signs appear. Perhaps if the world sees that Hong Kong citizens wear surgical masks not to protect themselves, but rather to protect others, they will acknowledge our commitment not only to ourselves, but our entire community. Wouldn't that be a great image to show to the world? Mark Liao, Jardine's Lookout I don't think it is time to take off our masks. We can take off our masks when a cure is found for Sars. Different diseases have different properties. Medical results show that Sars is not as prevalent in summer. However, Sars still exists. We need to be on guard. I believe the number of new cases will drop to zero but only if we all wear masks and we clean up our homes and workplaces. Even then, we cannot throw away our masks. If I throw my mask away, someday a new case will occur and it might be me. Masks can prevent the transfer of saliva. Wearing masks in summer is hard work because when we sweat and wet our masks, a bad smell can occur. However, I think I can put up with that because I don't want to die. Tai Wan Yan, Junk Bay What sort of society are we living in when masked people are openly welcomed to join the queue in a bank and even more welcome to enter the most secure of jewellery stores, without unmasking for the security cameras? It's a good job that the majority of Hong Kong's population is honest. Other societies may have taken more advantage of the continuing officially approved 'cover up'. Paul Claughan , Stanley Q Should taxi fares be cut? I think more people would use taxis if fares were reduced by 30 per cent. Many businesses have responded to the poor economic conditions with sales, promotions and price reductions. Cabbies need to do the same. The sums are simple - think of where a cab fare would get you. Compare that sum with what you can get now using the same amount for dim sum, teahouse (char chan teng) set meals, or clothing. I cannot understand the stubbornness of some sections of the taxi industry - illegal discounting and negotiated fares are already quite common. By making reduced fares official, there would be no need to negotiate in secret. Kien Ng, Causeway Bay I have just read your article titled 'Why a cabbie's lot is not a happy one' (Yesterday, Page C3) and was amazed at the distance and time consumed in the quest to earn a living. The article challenges the cost of fares as a possible way to encourage increased usage of taxis in Hong Kong. This may well be an effective way of achieving this. It struck me, as I read the article, to think of my own taxi experiences in Hong Kong and why, despite being a vehicle owner, I do not use cabs more frequently. The unfortunate thing about taxis here is the quality of the ride. By that I mean the vehicles tend to make you feel ill. This is exacerbated by two factors. One is the nature of Hong Kong's roads but there is little we can do to straighten them out. Second, the type of cars the taxi owners prefer to use. I am curious to see whether other people share this view, as a ride in the back of a Hong Kong taxi is something that leaves me often quite ill. Occasionally, this is influenced by the quality of the driver. However, I feel that Hong Kong taxi drivers are relatively polite and safe by international standards. So could they consider some quality research as part of their programme to improve their 'lot'. Name and address supplied Taxi drivers have been going through difficult time. In the past, they mostly relied on tourists but, unfortunately, the Sars outbreak has cut business. It has forced taxi drivers to cut fares illegally in order to attract more local customers. It sounds like it would be better to cut fares immediately. No doubt, taxi drivers would get more business, but in fact there would be no great change in their overall income. Even if they earn more than before, they would still be spending the majority of earnings on paying the vehicle rent. You may argue that if we keep the current fares, the whole industry will grind to a halt. But be warned that once the fares have been cut, not only the licence value but also the taxi mortgage may slump. In the long run, this measure may not work. It is the reduction in vehicle rent that is vital to taxi drivers. In the economic recession, all of us must bear some burden. We cannot directly shift the burden to the taxi drivers. It would be legitimate for taxi companies to adjust the rent so as to protect their industry in such severe circumstances. Only if we join hands, can we tackle the problem. Every decision should be beneficial to all parties. It is unwise to cut fares alone without other effective acts. Emily Lam, Tsing Yi Q Were the employers of Indonesian maid Sara justified in sacking her because she had the Sars virus? I read your article about a maid being sacked by her employer because of fears she may transmit Sars. This is absurd and unjustified. I know that this employer is protecting her family but did she protect the person who used to work for her and help her? The answer is no, because as soon as she knew her maid had Sars she sent the poor maid back to her country. No one wishes to have this virus for health and employment reasons. Who's to blame? Is it the person who passes the virus to someone else or is it the person who catches it? The answer again is no. We should blame the mainland because if authorities there had moved earlier to contain the outbreak, there would not be so much suffering. Being discriminated against because of Sars is unacceptable. We all know that none of us want to contract the virus or transmit it, and that is why we are all making an effort to protect ourselves, such as wearing masks and adopting good hygiene standards. I have heard about employers terminating the contracts of helpers who have fallen ill, because of fears that they may have Sars. I would like to make it clear that as far as my fellow domestic helpers are concerned, we, like every one else in Hong Kong, are worried and frightened about contracting Sars or infecting others. None of us want to become a victim, but in many cases that cannot be avoided. These things happen and being sacked and discriminated against is foolish. Instead, support and encouragement should be given to every victim. We have to have high hopes that a victim will recover and walk out of hospital to lead a normal life without worrying about anything else. Jingle Abogado Orcales, Yuen Long
