Coronavirus: Hong Kong employers called ‘irresponsible’ as survey reveals 50,000 domestic helpers not given masks, sanitiser

Poll finds up to 14 per cent of domestic helpers in Hong Kong have received no basic anti-contagion equipment from their employers

Group representing households slams findings as ‘impossible’ saying its members are vigilant against Covid-19 spread in their own homes

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Domestic helpers don masks as they socialise in Central on their day off, but some have told a survey they cannot rely on their employers to issue them with the products. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 8:04pm, 16 Mar 2020Updated: 11:58pm, 16 Mar 2020

Tens of thousands of domestic workers in Hong Kong have not been given any surgical masks or hand sanitiser during the coronavirus crisis, according to a survey, raising fears employers are leaving them vulnerable to infection.

But an employers’ association on Monday rejected the findings of the online poll, insisting its members were well aware of the need to protect their helpers to avoid cross-infection.

The survey of 1,127 domestic workers, conducted by the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body earlier this month, revealed 14 per cent had never received any masks or sanitiser from their bosses.

Domestic helpers are a regular weekend sight on the city’s streets but a poll has found some are being deprived of their day off. Photo: Nora Tam

“It’s dangerous and irresponsible,” said Eman Villanueva, the non-governmental organisation’s spokesman.

“No one should be left behind. All of society should foster a sense of solidarity. If we leave one sector behind, we are opening up the whole of society to the outbreak.”

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Coronavirus: Hong Kong employers called ‘irresponsible’ as survey reveals 50,000 domestic helpers not given masks, sanitiser

Poll finds up to 14 per cent of domestic helpers in Hong Kong have received no basic anti-contagion equipment from their employers Group representing households slams findings as ‘impossible’ saying its members are vigilant against Covid-19 spread in their own homes

Poll finds up to 14 per cent of domestic helpers in Hong Kong have received no basic anti-contagion equipment from their employers

Group representing households slams findings as ‘impossible’ saying its members are vigilant against Covid-19 spread in their own homes