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Letters

I should like to congratulate Mrs Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee for taking the initiative to explore using the courts against those who senselessly disrupt the social order in Hong Kong, especially during the present health crisis.
It is well past the time for showing that the rule of law, however slow moving against violence and illegality, stands for something in Hong Kong.
David T.K. Wong, Kuala Lumpur
Carrie Lam must put Hong Kong first 
I am writing in respond to the article titled “Coronavirus: Circle K stores draw massive crowds as chain gives away 100,000 free masks to Hong Kong’s elderly” (February 7).
Hongkongers are currently all rushing to try and buy masks to help protect from the coronavirus, and some of these have become very expensive. Many elderly people have no masks and have been queuing for hours to get their hands on some. Under such circumstances, Circle K giving away a massive number of free masks was a welcome move to help the elderly.


But, on the other hand, our government has not helped them. This shows that the Hong Kong government can do nothing to help citizens when the city is in trouble. I hope our government will learn from Taiwan or Macau, where the governments protect their citizens first when they are in trouble, instead of taking meaningless action.
I saw a photo of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam wearing a mask produced by Correctional Services. While she has enough masks, many Hongkongers have only a few or none at all. If our government has enough masks, they should give them to Hongkongers first.
Don’t blame Taiwan for banning face mask exports
When Macau’s first coronavirus case was confirmed, the government quickly secured 20 million masks for the city. Macau’s chief executive has showed he will try his best to first protect Macau citizens. Carrie Lam has consistently failed to do this.
Karen Lai, Sau Mau Ping 
Taiwan has much to teach on facing crisis
I am writing to respond to “Hong Kong Science Park to get mask-making facility with goal of producing 100,000 a day amid shortage” (February 9).
I am saddened by the outbreak of the new coronavirus. There is a shortage of masks in Hong Kong. People are panicking and rushing out to buy masks and all kinds of essentials that they fear city will run out of.
However, the key problem is not the insufficient supply of masks, but that shops have raised prices at this critical time, some by 10 times or more, which is making them unaffordable for many people. In fact, Hong Kong should learn from Taiwan and regulate the pricing of masks so everyone can afford them. Those who flout this rule should be punished. 


Even if the local production of masks is stepped up, this will not solve the problem of people’s inability to afford them. We must first look into the source of the problem. The government should implement measures to force businesses to adjust pricing to a fair and reasonable range.
Finally, I hope this tragedy will end soon and everyone can feel safe again.
Vanessa Ho, Tseung Kwan O


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Coronavirus pandemic: All stories

As Hong Kong battles coronavirus,  social disruption must not be tolerated

Striking medical workers hold up posters at the Hospital Authority building in Kowloon City on February 7, demanding better protection from the potentially deadly coronavirus and full closure of the border with mainland China. Executive Councillor Regina Ip has pledged to help if hospital patients who felt their health suffered as a result should wish to sue. Photo: Felix Wong

Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong mask shortage reveals failings of a free market

People queue overnight to buy masks in Kowloon Bay on February 5. Photo: May Tse

Why will Hong Kong coronavirus outbreak teach Carrie Lam to listen when months of turmoil did not?

Passengers wearing protective masks on an MTR train on February 3. Photo: Bloomberg

Coronavirus fear and panic in Hong Kong: can the government show it is able to protect city it serves?

People queue to buy face masks in Hong Kong on January 30, amid uncertainty about both supplies and the government’s ability to protect the city against the coronavirus epidemic. Photo: AP

Letters | As Hong Kong battles coronavirus, social disruption must not be tolerated