Letters | Why Hong Kong’s handling of the pandemic warrants investigation

Readers discuss how Hong Kong would benefit from an independent investigation into the government’s handling of the pandemic, and why mainland tourists are not flocking to the city

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Patients showing Covid-19 symptoms lie on beds outside the Accident and Emergency Department at Caritas Medical Centre in Hong Kong on February 15, 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 2:30pm, 4 Feb 2023

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I am sure that I am not alone in feeling deep disappointment that Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chui has dismissed calls for an independent probe into the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The main purpose of the probe would be to comprehensively review the actions taken during the pandemic and to set guidelines for future crises, regardless of whether they relate to health or natural disasters. For example, the Centre of Health Protection was established in 2004 after the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome to enhance the disease surveillance system.

An independent investigation might also reveal some faults and mistakes, and cause some to feel unhappy or embarrassed.

Some have said that it is meaningless to hold former officials accountable now that the government has changed. I would like to remind lawmakers opposing an investigation that their responsibilities include raising questions about the work of the government no matter who and where officials are.

We should not forget the scenes of patients being treated outside hospitals and people queuing up for masks. Had there been better coordination, the public, especially the elderly and vulnerable groups, wouldn’t have suffered so much disruption.

In view of the current political reality and the mindset of our leader, it is unlikely that an investigation will be conducted, even though the government’s medical advisers have urged it to conduct one. I hope officials will learn from this crisis and plan more effectively when the next pandemic comes.