How to ease the stress on families as Covid rules change in Hong Kong, confusing experts and parents alike
- Hong Kong’s evolving rules for dealing with Covid-19, and daily pandemic media briefings, have left parents confused and anxious about testing and quarantine
- A family lawyer and a clinical psychologist talk about trying to keep up with the rules, and offer tips on reducing stress and anxiety
Family lawyer Samantha Gershon is fielding a steady stream of calls from worried parents, concerned about being separated from their children and wanting to know what to do if they test positive for Covid-19.
It has turned her into a news junkie, tuning into the Hong Kong government’s daily pandemic press briefing and more to stay up to date.
“It’s frustrating. The rules and regulations are fluid, they are changing daily, and as a lawyer it’s difficult to advise clients,” says Gershon, a partner in the family team at Withers.
A year ago, the rules were clear, and she could advise with certainty whether someone would be deemed a “close contact” and which facility they would be sent to for self-isolation. Now the sands are shifting fast and offering such clear directives is getting increasingly difficult, but she’s pushing to keep on top of it.
“When I’m speaking to clients and trying to reassure someone, I can’t say ‘This is what the rules say’ because the rules change day by day. Everyone’s mental health is affected in one way or another.