Editorial | Nicole Kidman faces testing role in Hong Kong isolation row
- Hollywood star can put Hong Kong back on world stage in latest film project despite not undergoing Covid-19 quarantine, but balance must be struck
Hollywood star Nicole Kidman’s appearance on the streets of Hong Kong soon after arriving from Sydney to film a television drama series was bound to catch some people off guard.
The project had been publicised, but there was uncertainty about where the Australian actress would undergo her compulsory Covid-19 quarantine. As it turned out, she was exempt, as are senior officials, company directors and others from 12 categories seen as essential to city life.
The explanation from the government was that Kidman’s work was “conducive to maintaining the operation and development of Hong Kong’s economy”.
But the sight of Kidman with her film crew, and shopping with bodyguards in tow, seemed to speak of privilege and make light of the city’s “zero tolerance” approach to the disease. Sydney is, after all, at the heart of Australia’s latest coronavirus wave and suffering record numbers of cases daily.
Within a week of the actress’ arrival on August 12, Hong Kong had increased the mandatory hotel quarantine period for vaccinated Australian travellers from seven to 14 days in line with a review that involved lifting 16 countries into higher-risk categories. Hundreds of travellers had plans thrown into disarray without warning, causing anger and frustration.