Hong Kong was one of the first regions outside of mainland China with confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). First identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, we now know that the infectious COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, a strain of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak.
Being at the front line of the pandemic’s provenance, and with an average of 300 000 people crossing the Hong Kong-China border daily, many feared a repeat of the SARS epidemic in which the city experienced a disproportionately high death per capita ratio.
However, in the two months that have passed since the first case was confirmed Hong Kong has managed to contain the spread to under 200 cases, and the City is now considered to be one of the world’s safest regions as COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly across the globe.
With more than 7 million people living in a city that is half the size of the Durban metro area, Hong Kong’s ability to restrict the spread of COVID-19 has been remarkable, especially when compared with the number of cases we are seeing in regions with significantly lower population densities.
I think it is important to share the following lessons that I have learned living in Hong Kong during this distressing period in the hope that by adopting similar practices in South Africa, the country can replicate the levels of containment achieved in Hong Kong.
Wear Masks
When going out in public wear a mask. Not only does it show respect for those around you but serves as a very useful reminder to be on the alert.
Medical masks are great, but try make reusable ones. I have around 3 masks that I change throughout the day. Wash them, dry them in the sunshine and keep them with you in separate sealed containers.
A mask will alert you to when you are touching your face, and help you change your behaviour. If you do sneeze and cough, it will help restrict the aerosols you give off.
Be considerate and treat them the same way you treat your wallet. Safe and on you at all times. YouTufbe has loads of videos showing you how to make your own mask. Use them.
Do Not Panic Buy
When we heard of the first case in HK on 23 January 2020, by the beginning of February, toilet paper, sanitiser, and many dry food stuffs were scarce. I suppose its natural to panic buy, but very unnecessary.
Some people thought they would make money by buying stock, others were perhaps a bit selfish. Remember this is not the apocalypse, despite many of us believing it is.
3 weeks after all the panic buying shops restocked. People who went crazy felt stupid, and those that wanted to make a quick buck are looked down upon. Take what you need, be frugal and remember sharing is caring.
Practice Ubuntu
Chinese culture holds social compliance in high regard. In the beginning of the outbreak, I thought wearing a mask was a bit silly. Later I realised it was not. People started offering me a mask, knowing that I may have had difficulty finding one in the wake of the panic buying.
As I said it shows unity, consideration and is a symbol of your personal effort to those around you. This virus follows no class or monetary lines, so share sanitiser, soap, and masks with those who may not have access to these items.
Stockpiling in the belief that you will survive without the support of those around you is apocalyptic thinking. This is not Mad Max. So help those who self-quarantine, educate those around you and share resources, especially with people who are forced to be in close proximity by virtue of socio-economic circumstances.
Being selfish will NOT save you. If you want to see how little your life means in this world, be selfish. It’s a hard lesson.
Self-Isolate
Restricting social contact is our number ONE priority. Take this seriously. Use your creativity to feed your social desires without being face to face.
This is a great time to catch up with your family, finish home projects, and show love to those around you. Use this time. Do not underestimate how important this is.
Develop a Routine
Set up a protocol for your home. You want to keep this virus out. If someone has to enter your business or home, take their temperature, ask them to sanitise and wash their hands, and for heaven’s sake, limit access to people who are vulnerable.
Wash hands regularly. Disinfect surfaces. Teach those around you.
Stay Informed
Coronafatigue! I am sure I have it. This has been going on this side of the world for months. The obsessive updates, the dramatic media headlines, the ever-increasing paranoia – none of these will help you. In fact they will wear you out.
I am not saying don’t be informed, but don’t obsess. Be strong, keep yourself mentally fit and be willing to help those around you. Get your information from reliable sources, such as the South African government, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, or the World Health Organization.
This is just my advice.
It seems Hong Kong has been hit with a second wave of infections today. Hopefully they are able to contain the virus again!
Hi Frank.
Indeed it has. However, action has been swift and Hong Kongers are once again being resolute. The influx has been from people returning to the city and are not community outbreaks. So I am confident we will again be able to contain the spread.