Like Canada, to contain the coronavirus, Hong Kong must do more to help working people

Canada’s coronavirus aid package includes subsidies for small business employers and benefits for workers affected by the outbreak. In Hong Kong, the government has done little to make regular people feel secure about staying at home

Albert Cheng

Published: 3:00am, 3 Apr 2020

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The coronavirus pandemic has sickened almost a million people around the world, and caused over 47,000 deaths.

Hong Kong and Macau, both adjacent to mainland China, were among the first cities hit by the epidemic. Macau has done a remarkable job of containing the virus, reporting only 41 confirmed cases over the past months. In contrast, Hong Kong has recorded at least 766 cases, with imported infections rising as people flock back from overseas countries.

The Hong Kong government is to blame for this second wave of cases. In late February, the virus was still under control, thanks to the collective effort of the general public. Hongkongers should be given credit for their awareness of personal hygiene and voluntary use of masks. Yet, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor refused to take extra precautions such as shutting borders and imposing stricter containment measures.

In March, as many Hongkongers flew back, some carrying the virus from foreign hot zones, confirmed cases soared by six times, to 715. Unfortunately, the Western world had taken Covid-19 lightly, when Asia was panicking.

Among Western countries, Canada is managing the situation relatively well, with some 9,500 cases and 109 deaths. The Canadian government has been spurred into action since the prime minister’s wife tested positive for the disease on March 12.

It has passed a coronavirus aid package, which includes C$52 billion (US$36 billion) in direct support to families and businesses, and C$55 billion in additional aid through tax deferrals.

Other measures that have been announced include C$10 billion in credit support to businesses. To prevent lay-offs, small business employers will be provided with a temporary wage subsidy for three months.

Workers affected by the outbreak will receive a taxable benefit of C$2,000 for up to four months, whether or not they qualify for employment insurance.

Low-income individuals and families will receive additional help – a special payment under the Goods and Services Tax credit, estimated to cost C$5.5 billion. Students have always been among the Canadian government’s top priorities; a six-month freeze on student loan repayments has been announced.

The Canadian government has made a prompt response to the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, as responsible governments surely should. Amid lockdowns and restrictions on public gatherings, hospitality and entertainment business have been put on hold.

By helping both individuals and businesses during difficult times, the Canadian government has brought the country together in the fight against Covid-19. Morale is higher than ever, as the government and people of Canada stand side by side.

There is no such luck with the Hong Kong government, however. Leaving aside the border issue, Lam’s administration has done little to ensure sufficient supplies of protective equipment to meet the needs of medical workers and the public.

While the government has finally imposed social distancing measures and banned public gatherings of more than four people, it has yet to propose subsidies to help all those affected by these measures. The government has offered aid to big employers, but not small businesses. As a result, big business benefits, but many individuals might still lose their jobs.

Lam’s poor response to the coronavirus crisis has led to more anti-government sentiment, following more than six months of protests. It seems her administration has no intention of seizing the opportunity to make peace with Hongkongers and combating the epidemic together.

Sure, there are some inconsiderate individuals in Hong Kong who are breaking quarantine, roaming the city and putting the community at risk. If home quarantine orders are not strictly enforced, a massive outbreak awaits.

The fact remains that Hongkongers do not trust the government. Morale among medical workers is low. Pro-establishment companies care only about their own interests, and are reluctant to step up and offer help to the general public. If Hong Kong continues to be divided, it will crack under the pressure of a massive outbreak.

A government that is determined to contain the virus should provide sufficient financial support to individuals and families. Only then can people stay at home, without having to worry about how they can pay bills and buy daily necessities.

Albert Cheng King-hon is a political commentator

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