City should welcome cautious easing of quarantine measures
Fears of a possible fifth wave spurred by the spread of Covid-19 mutant strains prompted the toughest quarantine response yet by the Hong Kong government, and rightly so. But it also called into question how prepared the city is, and whether it has sufficient capacity, to isolate more people compulsorily as tests are stepped up. The spate of problems over the past few weeks has shown there is a limit to how far it can go. Therefore, the easing of quarantine arrangements by the government yesterday is the right thing to do.
The recent decision to evacuate an entire block of flats because of a single infection was certainly a forceful way to try to curb the spread, but it also involved locking people up for 21 days irrespective of their circumstances. Thousands are believed to have been confined since the first infection involving a mutant strain was found in the community. They include the old, chronically ill, infants and those who are fully vaccinated and supposed to be less vulnerable. Such a sweeping approach has not only inconvenienced so many, but also raised questions over its scientific basis, how it has strained resources and may reduce the incentive for vaccinations. Many are wondering why people should still come forward for jabs when those fully inoculated are still locked up indiscriminately. There have also been complaints about long waiting times to be transferred to centres as well as inquiries and requests going unanswered.
Quarantine arrangements have come under fire in the past and, while it is unrealistic to expect five-star services, it is incumbent upon the government to take care of those affected. Many see it as their civic duty to help contain the epidemic, and it is only fair that their genuine needs are addressed. With facilities feeling the strain, concern has also been raised that they will soon become full. So, in what appears to be a prudent adjustment, it was announced yesterday that those in quarantine may go home upon testing negative. The quarantine period for those fully inoculated was shortened, providing more tests are then carried out, and the changes extended to arrivals from places not considered high risk.
Meanwhile, closer monitoring of mass testings was urged after more unreliable results emerged. Separately, the need for tighter supervision and enforcement was further underlined by free government test kits being sold online while foreign domestic helpers and others queued for compulsory tests.
That there are still recurrent problems after more than a year of experience in battling the epidemic is regrettable. Ultimately, it is a balancing act between public health, the economy and what the people will accept. Lessons have to be learned and strategies adjusted so as to avert more crises in the future.