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Letters

Now that the citywide Covid-19 testing scheme has resulted in fewer hits than would be expected from false positives in such an investigation, it must be clear that there is no hidden reservoir of asymptomatic carriers in Hong Kong.
Surely then we can take away the barriers from our beaches, and allow us to enjoy what remains of the summer and autumn.
The rationale for closing the beaches was fairly dubious in the first place. Not a single cluster was associated with attending a beach. In most cases, beachgoers were conscientious in maintaining social distancing.
The only ones that found this difficult were parents with children. Families that live together should have been treated as a single individual anyway, if one has it they all will.
I am a senior citizen, and swimming is an important way of maintaining my muscle mass. Over the months, while the beaches have been closed, I have been getting decidedly weaker. Of course, this may be government policy – dispose of the elders, so there will be more money available to build white elephants.
David Jones, Shouson Hill


Don’t neglect the most vulnerable in society
I refer to the letter yesterday from I. Grenville Cross SC, patron of Against Child Abuse (“Protect Hong Kong children: make abuse reports mandatory”, September 7). Sadly, we all too often hear of these horrific abuses when the child has died or been harmed beyond rehabilitation. We must all take responsibility and urge our government to enact a law which makes it mandatory to report suspected child abuse in all its ugly forms.
As Mr Cross points out, the law would need to ensure protection for those making the accusations. With the many pressing issues Hong Kong is facing, we must not neglect the most vulnerable and innocent in our society who do not have a voice. I hope someone in our legislature is listening.
Marguerite Lee, Mid-Levels
Kudos to polite, efficient community testing staff
I am writing to thank the Hong Kong government for the Covid-19 community testing scheme. My husband and I went for our appointment on Saturday morning at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai. The staff at the entrance were very polite and efficient, and this work ethic was carried right through to the seating in the waiting area and on to the testing stations.
I was served by two delightful women, one who did the testing and the other who was the support person. The time we spent at the testing centre from arrival to exiting took 10 effortless minutes. Kudos to all the staff involved and thank you.
Vivienne Lee, Cyberport ﻿﻿
Why are air mail services to Britain still suspended?
I agree with Patrick B. Paul’s comments about the Hongkong Post airmail service (“Don’t let Covid-19 kill Hong Kong airmail services”, September 2).
Many people have a need to communicate on paper between Hong Kong and Britain. Sometimes email is not acceptable. I inquired at both the British and Hong Kong post offices about the suspension and resumption of the service: the British service assured me that the problem was one of distribution in Hong Kong and, here, the local authorities averred that the problem was in Britain. Perfect bureaucrats all!
Is there anything to be understood from the fact that all airmail services to France are in operation but “normal” airmail services to Britain are suspended?
Would Hongkong Post care to comment through this column?
Ian Howard, Wan Chai


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Coronavirus pandemic

Hong Kong third wave is receding: open up the beaches

An elderly swimmer adjusts his goggles at the Hung Hom waterfront last December. Swimming is an important way of maintaining muscle mass for many senior citizens. Photo: Winson Wong

Getting tested for Covid-19 in Hong Kong? Here’s what you need to know

Domestic helpers wait to be tested at the Harbour Road Sports Centre in Wan Chai. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong education minister urges pupils, parents, staff to get tested for Covid-19 amid contagion fears for the return to school

Hong Kong students will return to physical classes this month and the government wants staff, children and parents to undergo Covid-19 testing. Photo: Dickson Lee

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung (center) leaves CRHK building after attends a radio programme on resumption of classes. 05SEP20 Photo: SCMP/Felix Wong

Letters | Hong Kong third wave is receding: open up the beaches