My Hong Kong | Heartbreaking, utterly shameful, and a dark stain on city’s reputation: Covid-19 restaurant ban exposed disconnect between politicians and public

Hong Kong’s reputation as a fast-paced city took on a new meaning this week with the government’s unexpected U-turn over its ban on eating in restaurants – a day after it went into effect. The rule, which was supposed to end on August 4, was widely perceived to be draconian, as it affected mostly manual labourers. Soon after it became official, scenes of workers huddled on stoops of buildings, under other makeshift shelters, and in shopping centres, attracted criticism from across the community. On the one hand, the government’s swift about face showed it was responsive to public opinion, but on the other, it also exposed a gaping disconnect between officials and the public. The ban was part of stricter social-distancing measures meant to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in the community, with daily infections in three figures for the past nine days. For office workers, the inconvenience was easily mitigated by simply buying takeaway and eating their lunch at work. But for those who have to work outdoors, such as on construction sites, it was not just some simple lunch disruption, because they had no alternatives. Some couldn’t even find a half-decent place to wolf down their food, and were presented with dire options such as hiding inside a public toilet cubicle, sitting on a park bench, or squatting under a footbridge away from the oppressive sun or rain. Hong Kong third wave: officials scrap coronavirus-related ban on eating in restaurants after just 24 hours Some street cleaners were even pictured eating inside refuse collection points to hide from prying eyes, while many workers stood and ate outside restaurants, sat on steps of buildings, squatted by the roadside, or set-up wherever they could find a spot to have a quick lunch break. With such a limited number of outdoor public spaces available in the city, it’s not a surprise many had to improvise, especially as most of these spaces were cordoned off to discourage people from gathering in communal areas. Understandably, the government desperately wants to minimise the risk of a major outbreak across the city, but the ban did not help remove or reduce the potential risk of spreading the virus. Instead, it shifted the problem outdoors. Many people were right to question why sometimes the government seems to want to make life so difficult for the average Hongkonger. For those working outside, a lunch break is not just a chance to refuel, it also gives them a brief respite from the oppressive heat, so they can rest and cool down. Although the ban has now been lifted, the government should not be spared public scrutiny. How can Hong Kong maintain its reputation as an international city when it shows its residents no respect or care? How does our city look to a world that has witnessed hordes of workers sitting on the ground, hanging outside restaurants eating lunch, or squatting in public toilets just to take a meal break? Something so heartbreaking, not to mention utterly shameful, won’t be forgotten easily. Hong Kong third wave: customers happy as restaurants reopen after short ban, but sector still struggling with Covid-19 hitting revenues The dine-in blunder may have been reversed, but in the future, whatever anti-pandemic measures the government brings in, it must put the welfare of its people first. Battling the pandemic doesn’t have to involve a rigid formula that comes at the expense of whatever, or whoever, gets in the way. There are many ways to resolve pandemic-related concerns that don’t result in the isolation of certain communities. Even more disturbing was the fact that Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung told people “to order takeaways and eat in country parks”. He also urged employers to arrange work-from-home for their staff as much as possible to avoid crowds buying breakfast and lunch. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day enjoying the outdoors over lunch if they didn’t work in the city? However, it appears our government might have overlooked the fact that many jobs cannot be carried out from home. For Hongkongers who truly love and cherish this city, despite its flaws, it must have pained them to see the government forcing people to make a living as if they are scavenging. With that in mind, let’s spare a thought for those who do not have the luxury of working indoors or working from home, and fight for their corner a little more. This time, Hong Kong people have reclaimed a little bit of normalcy and respect after vehemently fighting off an objectionable government measure, but unfortunately, we all know this won’t be the last time. Luisa Tam is a Post correspondent who also hosts Cantonese-language video tutorials that are now part of Cathay Pacific’s in-flight entertainment programme