In relation to the recent Covid-19 clusters involving people of South Asian descent, Raymond Ho Lei-ming, head of health promotion at the Centre for Health Protection, observed that members of the community “have many family gatherings and like to gather with fellow countrymen. They like to share food, smoke, drink alcohol and chat together. If it is without masks, the risk is high.” Comments such these remind us of Hong Kong society’s lack of understanding of its ethnic minority communities. It is even more saddening when someone so educated and in a position of power makes such remarks, knowing how much commotion would be created in the media and public. Following his comments, a local media outlet posted videos on “catching” people from ethnic minority groups without a mask on. Customers even requested no South Asian deliverers on food delivery apps. These actions further alienate an already marginalised community like mine. This virus does not see colour and can affect anyone. It is frustrating that the blame often falls disproportionately on the cultural features of ethnic minority groups and domestic workers whenever members of these groups are infected with the virus. Chinese people also share food, they also love to gather with their families and friends, and they also smoke. How exactly are these actions unique to a certain social and cultural background? There is a clear double standard when groups of different ethnicities engage in the same activities. Implying that we engage in behaviour that puts us at risk creates the narrative that we have been irresponsible and careless. From my personal experience, people in my community are complying with rules and cooperating with government guidelines to get tested. Many have even become volunteers during this time to help out. Also, Mr Ho’s emphasis on the condition of subdivided flats reflects Hong Kong’s housing situation rather than conditions that are exclusive to ethnic minority groups. We cannot fault people for living in subdivided flats under restrictive circumstances. Blaming a community does not solve problems. Many people in power make assumptions without thinking of the repercussions to marginalised communities. Especially at a time of great uncertainty, I hope they will be more accountable for their words and actions. What might be just a few sentences to them can have great consequences for our communities. Suskihanna Gurung, Tai Kok Tsui