Editorial | Fears must be eased before Hong Kong code system is given the green light
- Controversial mainland-style measure soon to be imposed on city in fight against Covid-19 has fuelled scepticism and opposition among the public
From traffic lights to rainstorm warnings to travel alerts, the use of colours has long been part of Hong Kong life. A mainland-style colour-coded system will soon be imposed in yet another controversial step to combat the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.
Understandably, its use in limiting access to premises has fuelled scepticism and resistance. With the daily number of cases stubbornly high and the way forward unclear, the public needs to be convinced that such a restrictive measure fits the wider strategy and can effectively bring lives back to normal.
Based on health-risk assessment, the “Leave Home Safe” risk-exposure app will show red and yellow codes that deny users access to specific places. The government said only patients and those in quarantine will be targeted initially, but conceded it may be adjusted in light of the pandemic situation.
The upgraded app will also introduce new identification functions, such as a real-name registration that enables access to users’ personal information.
08:55
Hong Kong health chief says any hotel quarantine reduction will be based on Covid infection data
It remains to be seen how the measure will effectively curb the virus. The two initial target groups are supposed to be confined to hospitals, hotels and quarantine centres or be at home anyway.