Hong Kong’s Covid-19 measures must be clearly explained

From home quarantine to vaccination pass, the government’s changing Covid-19 measures can be overwhelming. This is not helped when they are not always well explained to the people. This is hardly conducive to fighting a battle that requires decisive responses and broad public support.

With so many new measures having been introduced in the wake of the fifth wave, the public can be excused for feeling confused. Earlier, people tested positive were left wondering whether they should seek treatment in public hospitals on their own or wait at home for assistance. Similarly, there were conflicting messages as to whether the mandatory use of the Leave Home Safe risk exposure app was already extended to shopping malls and supermarkets.

The matter is further compounded by insufficient testing, isolation and treatment facilities. The bottlenecks inevitably add to people’s frustration, with many caught by the compulsory testing notices queuing for their turns. Many patients have been stranded at home for days waiting for isolation and treatment; while some were forced to wait at the outdoor areas of public hospitals. Even when telephone hotlines and transportation support are finally provided for patients seeking treatment in designated clinics, some logistical issues remain.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has apologised for what she conceded as undesirable performance in combating the current outbreak. She also acknowledged that fears and rumours had bred public misunderstanding. The onus is on the government to fully explain any adjustments in measures and make sure they are understood by the public. Any rumours and misunderstanding must be dispelled immediately.

Despite having one of the world’s most stringent Covid-19 regimes, Hong Kong has yet to experience strong public resistance. This is a stark contrast to some places where pandemic fatigue has led to mass protests, including the ones in Canada, New Zealand and France. But public patience is not unlimited. While Hongkongers are generally united in fighting the virus, the directions and measures must be clear enough for compliance.