Letters | Hong Kong’s Covid-19 quarantine strategy could do with a more humane touch

Readers discuss the optics of Hong Kong’s quarantine policy, distrust of government Covid-19 apps, safe post-pandemic cities, and the eHealth record sharing system

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A traveller arriving at Hong Kong airport on November 14 waits in line for transport to a quarantine hotel. Photo: May Tse

Published: 7:05am, 17 Nov 2021

On November 14, a Hong Kong resident from Bangladesh shared a touching personal story (“Hong Kong’s Covid-19 rules make travel a heartbreaking dilemma for residents”). Her experience, which would bring tears to the eyes of many readers, should tell the government it needs to fine-tune its quarantine policy to make it more humane and holistic. This would increase residents’ approval of the government.

Hopefully, the authorities will strike a balance in their Covid-19 prevention measures now, in the light of the relaxation of measures by Singapore, countries in Europe, and even Japan and South Korea.

The vaccination rate is relatively high in Hong Kong. One government department even allowed a production crew from Australia to enjoy preferential treatment with regard to quarantine, an exemption most Hong Kong residents are denied.

Government policies should be flexible to earn the public’s approbation, but we must simultaneously maintain high standards of quarantine so that there are no loopholes. Such is the art of public administration.

A human touch in public policies would increase people’s sense of belonging. It is important for the government to project a caring image, instead of that of a rigid administration upholding policies dutifully and firmly.

Lo Wai Kong, Lai Chi Kok