- Medical professionals and the government might have their differences but finger-pointing is of no help; rather they must work together to defeat this deadly new disease
The crisis sparked by the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak continues to put Hong Kong and the mainland to the test, not just in terms of government leadership and responses, but also community efforts in fighting the disease. As infections and death tolls multiply, the public and the medical profession are understandably distressed and look to the authorities for more resolute measures. While officials could have been more proactive and decisive, it is time for unity rather than finger-pointing. It is imperative the authorities and people on both sides of the border put public health as the highest priority and work closer to stamp out the outbreak.
China coronavirus: Hong Kong leader hits back at criticisms of being slow
The Hong Kong government has been on alert since news of the outbreak came to light a few weeks ago. But the responses have been insufficient, as shown in the belated advice for people to wear face masks and the late decision to suspend flights and trains to and from Wuhan. Even though Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor stepped in after returning from an overseas trip on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the measures were already lagging behind those introduced in Macau and on the mainland. The effectiveness of the latest entry ban on those from the severely affected province of Hubei is being put to the test. Given the acute situation and that many mainland cities have effectively been shut down, officials should put public health above politics and adopt immediate and decisive measures when needed.
Confidence in Lam's leadership has been severely undermined by the social unrest sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill. The embattled chief executive now looks even more out of touch with the public, after Premier Li Keqiang yesterday flew to Wuhan to inspect the situation first hand. Lam upset public health care professionals further when she responded to a threatened strike against what they saw as the government's incompetence in tackling the disease. "Maybe we have become used to more radical moves in the past few months, but I hope medical staff will not resort to a confrontational approach to fight for their cause," she said.
Medical professionals have been critical of Lam's handling of the protests. Her refusal to shut down the border amid a surge in imported infections of the Wuhan virus has fuelled further outrage. With many frontline health officials still haunted by the painful experience of fighting the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic 17 years ago, grievances are understandable. But the community is counting on public health care professionals more than ever at this critical juncture. They must not let professionalism be compromised by emotion and politics. The government also needs to address their legitimate concerns. Only through solidarity can we win this war.
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