Coronavirus: Hong Kong’s ethnic minority leaders slam government over handling of outbreak

Community figures accuse ministers of failing to translate health and other advice, provide masks or engage with parts of society

Department of Health says virus information will be available soon in more languages

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Ethnic minorities are among those in Hong Kong who feel let down by the lack of surgical masks in the city. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 9:00am, 9 Feb 2020Updated: 11:35pm, 9 Feb 2020

Community leaders have accused the government of failing to provide important health information and surgical masks for Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities during the coronavirus outbreak, while displaying a lack of willingness to engage with sections of society.

The city is battling a new virus strain that originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, recording 27 cases including one that was fatal.

Global total fatalities have risen to 813, matching the World Health Organisation’s figure for total Sars deaths.

The Hong Kong government has declared an emergency, implementing containment and mitigation measures such as a month-long suspension of schools, shutting 10 border crossings and imposing quarantine on all those entering the city from mainland China.

Ansah Majeed Malik says some Hong Kong residents are being deprived of vital information to protect themselves against the coronavirus. Photo: Felix Wong

But those representing and supporting ethnic minorities in Hong Kong have been critical of the response.

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