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Editorial | Despite grievances, solidarity is crucial to fighting Wuhan coronavirus
- Medical professionals and the government might have their differences but finger-pointing is of no help; rather they must work together to defeat this deadly new disease
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The crisis sparked by the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak continues to put Hong Kong and the mainland to the test, not just in terms of government leadership and responses, but also community efforts in fighting the disease.
As infections and death tolls multiply, the public and the medical profession are understandably distressed and look to the authorities for more resolute measures.
While officials could have been more proactive and decisive, it is time for unity rather than finger-pointing. It is imperative the authorities and people on both sides of the border put public health as the highest priority and work closer to stamp out the outbreak.
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The Hong Kong government has been on alert since news of the outbreak came to light a few weeks ago. But the responses have been insufficient, as shown in the belated advice for people to wear face masks and the late decision to suspend flights and trains to and from Wuhan.
Even though Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor stepped in after returning from an overseas trip on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the measures were already lagging behind those introduced in Macau and on the mainland.
The effectiveness of the latest entry ban on those from the severely affected province of Hubei is being put to the test. Given the acute situation and that many mainland cities have effectively been shut down, officials should put public health above politics and adopt immediate and decisive measures when needed.
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