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COVID-19 infections and deaths in the United States (163 and 5, respectively) now substantially exceed Hong Kong’s numbers (105, 2). Hong Kong sits on China’s doorstep and has deep and broad ties to the mainland.
So, why has the number of cases remained so low in Hong Kong? And how might that be relevant for the United States?
Hong Kong has established a highly rigorous environment of abatement and containment. Here, in my office every surface that anyone touches is sanitized at least once an hour — every elevator button, door handle, water cooler knob, coffee machine. That includes the building’s rubber escalator banisters. Earlier this week, I noticed one of the cleaners with a long pole sterilizing the air conditioning vents in the ceiling.
Almost everyone wears a mask.People know that asymptomatic carriers are walking around. Everyone knows they could be spreading the virus. We think the WHO may have missed this point.
When I enter my office building in the central business district someone sprays my hands with disinfectant. Someone else takes my temperature. Only then am I allowed access to the elevators. The same procedure is followed at my club.
Virtually all public events have been cancelled. There are no conventions, conferences or lectures. Public and private schools are closed for three months and counting. College students study on line. The public gyms and pools are all closed.
People work at home or eat in their offices. The sidewalks near the green markets are washed and disinfected. People take off their clothes when they get home, wash them and take showers. Gas stations have people pumping gas, so no one has to touch the handles. Border crossings from China are subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine.
We have far fewer cases than many other places. And many of the people either came in from elsewhere before border security was beefed up or returned from cruise boats.
People on home quarantine are visited several times a day by officials who check their temperatures, as well as ensuring that they do not go outside.
And, here there is a public health system that covers all residents (not just citizens). So, people seek advice and treatment. They don’t walk around sick because they are uninsured. I don’t think in the United States people are going to be anywhere near as rigorous.
At least not until it’s too late.
Richard Ward is chairman of Ward Associates Asia Limited and a Hong Kong resident. He is originally from Shickshinny.