We’re quarantined not just if we test positive, but also if we happen to visit somewhere that someone who later tests positive has visited. And that’s the fear we all have from using the “LeaveHomeSafe” App. We now, as of two days ago, have to avoid the QR when entering anywhere, the supermarket, the coffee shop, the mall. Anywhere.
So locals are swapping strategies to avoid using the LeaveHomeSafe App. Because you’re not “leaving home safe”. You’re leaving home with trepidation you might be banged up in a cell.
People are strategising: when to leave home. When to go to shops. How to avoid clicking the QR. Ordering ever more to be delivered. Anything to avoid being pinged.
We’re not doing this because we don’t care about “the greater good” but because we see how nonsense the strategy is. People no longer believe the Zero Covid strategy can work. Even the “dynamic zero” strategy can only work partially amd at huge cost. We know this from chatting to friends and from the trend in comments.
From being late having the facilities, they’re now building furiously — but they won’t be needed when they’re finally ready! Because Omicron will have swept through Hong Kong just as it has in every single other country. Cases zoom up and zoom down.
The best strategy remains: protect the elderly and the vulnerable. Make sure they’re all vaccinated (only 28% of the 70+ are, a shamefully low number). And then get on with getting on with life for the rest. Just as England is doing.
ADDED: As ever we must count our blessings. We’re not suffering having the s/t beaten out of us by the Russian armed forces, left cowering in subway bunkers, losing lives and homes. Covid nonsense aside, we remain a safe haven.
