Too much is at stake for complacency where the Covid-19 epidemic is concerned. As a worrying mutation of the coronavirus was confirmed last week, Hong Kong authorities made the decision to order compulsory testing for the city’s 370,000 foreign domestic helpers and mandate that vaccination would be a requirement for new contracts. But while the response was timely and necessary to safeguard public health, the manner in which it was explained and executed could have been done better. Cooperation and understanding by all in society are essential to defeat the disease. The orders were made after a helper from the Philippines and the baby she was caring for were found to be infected with the N510Y mutated strain of the coronavirus. They are the first known local cases of the variant, which is believed to be highly transmissible. The source is a mystery, although the genome of the mutation is the same as that found recently in a man who had travelled to the city from Dubai. Their paths are not known to have crossed, raising concern that the virus is making its way through the community. Mutations of Covid-19 are inevitable at a time of low levels of vaccination and when guards are lowered; the South African variant, to which the mutation is related, evolved in such circumstances. Local authorities have acted with necessary haste. But by specifically targeting foreign helpers, they are being accused of discrimination by Philippine and Indonesian diplomats among others. The job nature and social behaviour of helpers on their days off were put forward as justification for the decision. Labour minister Law Chi-kwong has not helped by saying that maids can choose if they want to work in Hong Kong. He and other officials could have better explained the reasoning, given that helpers’ groups have long criticised the terms of contracts. Some critics have said the requirements for compulsory testing should also apply to those who do similar work and employers. Regular coronavirus testing is a requirement for hundreds of thousands of Hongkongers, among them those in care homes for the aged, transport and airport workers and people involved in the catering and fitness sectors. Some businesses, including bars, karaoke lounges and mahjong parlours, will not be able to reopen unless staff and customers have received at least one vaccine jab. Foreign domestic helpers, vulnerable yet valuable sector becomes an easy target The capacity for this is in place; the sudden rush by helpers to meet the May 9 deadline for testing overwhelmed the system, leading to shortages of specimen bottles, online booking places and very long lines at testing centres. Public health has to trump all else, particularly in the midst of a pandemic that is constantly evolving. Risks and potential threats have to be eliminated through testing and vaccination of as many people as possible. But the government also has to make every effort to properly explain and justify its decisions when any group is singled out for particular action.