Letters | After the coronavirus pandemic: a time to unite, a time to inspire, a time to heal

What we need is a solution beyond borders, to stop bickering along political and ideological lines, and inspirational leaders to steer us out of this crisis

Above all, we must not overlook the sacrifices made by the medical staff and other workers toiling selflessly around the world

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A woman wearing mask walks past a mural attributed to English artist Mark Tichner and displayed on billboards, in London on April 9. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:35am, 20 Apr 2020Updated: 7:35am, 20 Apr 2020

Hong Kong has been my home since I was two years old. I have lived through World War II, various financial crises and the Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic, but nothing can compare with what we are currently going through. Partly due to the digital era, fear can spread globally overnight (due to time zones) and in some cases instantaneously.

Covid-19 is a new disease – even the medical and scientific sectors are scrambling to fully understand its composition and behaviour. Unless the scientific community can come together globally and find a solution, we are in this for the long haul, with significant repercussions to mankind – irrespective of the colour of our skin or place of birth.

Our outward appearances may vary, but inside, we are not so different. Hopefully, this pandemic will provide a valuable lesson to those who glance with prejudice towards people who may seem different from themselves. We are all equal, and we can’t deny our origins, like the parents who brought us into this world. Hong Kong, for instance, happens to be located along the Chinese coast. It is a part of China – that is not going to change.

So far, whether from a health care or an economic point of view, it would appear that the Chinese governance model is more effective. It gets things done and, in this digital age, decisions need to be made decisively and quickly – rather than debated across partisan lines.

We now need a global solution which transcends borders. We need to pull together and stop bickering along political and ideological lines. We need inspirational leaders to lead us through this crisis.

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.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | After the coronavirus pandemic: a time to unite, a time to inspire, a time to heal

Letters | After the coronavirus pandemic: a time to unite, a time to inspire, a time to heal