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E-news Issue 228

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Fight against coronavirus won’t be won with NIMBY mentality

The EOC expressed concern in a statement on 11 February 2020 over recent scuffles in various districts sparked by the Government’s plan to set up quarantine centres and designated clinics to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

The EOC urges the public to approach the matter with reason and empathy, as a not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) attitude towards the facilities would serve only to delay help for persons affected by the virus and undercut efforts to bring the epidemic under control.

“There is a great deal of concern and apprehension surrounding the epidemic, and that is completely understandable. However, if we all harbour a NIMBY mentality and object to having the facilities built in our neighbourhoods, the epidemic will likely spiral out of control, and eventually we will all have to suffer the consequences,” said Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, Chairperson of the EOC. “The EOC is especially concerned about the potential stigma that might be inflicted on users of the facilities and other persons affected by the virus amid the opposition. At its worst, it can deter infected persons from disclosing their condition, receiving quarantine inspection or simply visiting a doctor.”

Mr Chu continued, “Having said that, we also urge the Government to step up its efforts in communicating the purpose and operations of the relevant facilities to the public. As the EOC pointed out in its 2016 study, ‘Challenges Encountered in the Siting of Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness and Other Social Welfare Facilities in Hong Kong’, resistance among residents against socially sensitive facilities such as ICCMWs is often the result of misunderstanding, which stems from incomprehensive or inadequate public engagement. Given that the coronavirus is a new strain of illness that has caught the world off guard with its rapid spread, it is understandable that some people would be worried. The Government therefore must keep in close contact and work earnestly with the local community, including neighbourhood representatives. Such communication should be conducted soonest in a rational manner and in the spirit of understanding and cooperation.”

Mr Chu subsequently penned a Chinese article entitled “Compassion, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination: Three Key Ingredients in the Anti-Coronavirus Recipe” (抗疫三寶:關愛、共融、不歧視), highlighting the unique challenges facing ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and the elderly in receiving coronavirus updates and purchasing protective equipment because of language barriers and mobility difficulties. The article called for greater compassion towards marginalised communities amid the epidemic, and was published by The Stand News, Inmedia and Hong Kong Commercial Daily. To view the article, please click the below.

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