The beginning of 2022 was extremely difficult for Hong Kong. The raging fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has made Hong Kong people, who have been physically and mentally tired of the chronic pandemic, wary again. For Hong Kong, it is the worst pandemic situation to date, but it also brings out the best of us. The pandemic has raised questions and concerns but also brought encouragement and blessings to Hong Kong society. Fortunate enough, with the timely and strong support of the central government, Hong Kong is turning the tide in its pandemic fight, with its anti-pandemic strategy getting back on track.
Meanwhile, more and more young people in Hong Kong have joined the volunteer work of fighting the pandemic. Braving the daunting difficulties and dangers posed by COVID-19, these young people demonstrate admirable altruism, great courage and a dauntless spirit.
Since the outbreak of the fifth wave of the pandemic, I’ve been in the forefront of the battle, distributing anti-pandemic materials to those in need as well as services to the community. I have also set up a volunteer team whose members have been working hard, helping reduce the pressure on medical healthcare workers.
I wish to inspire more young people to participate and contribute to Hong Kong’s pandemic fight. And leading by example is naturally what I, a young legislator, should do.
During these difficult times, we the young people, who are less vulnerable to the coronavirus by virtue of having generally better health and a higher rate of vaccination, ought to dedicate ourselves to anti-pandemic battle to help safeguard the health or lives of the vulnerable and the elderly.
During the fifth wave of the outbreak, according to statistics as of March 23, 87 percent of the death cases are patients aged 70 or above, of which 70 percent are unvaccinated. The high mortality rate among the elderly is in large part due to the low vaccination rate among the group. While we are obliged to encourage the elderly to get fully vaccinated as quickly as possible, young people can also play our part to build an immune barrier for the elderly.
In brief, in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, young people are able and many also are willing to make contributions. I am confident that as long as we work together and unflaggingly, we will win the battle.
The author is a member of the Legislative Council and the UN Association of China.