Hong Kongers’ COVID-19 Life Hacks
14 Ways that Hong Kong people and businesses are adapting
Any government in the world can close borders, add fancy robots into its airports, implement mass testing, hire more front-liners, launch economic stimulus packages and distribute relief goods to its citizens for this ongoing pandemic. However, such implementations are useless if people are not able to cope with the new norm. Numerous headlines and government critics from all over the world have already raised the issue of havoc on people’s Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Hong Kong as we know has been successful in slowing the spread. Although its economy has not been spared, this money-making city of Asia has transformed with this pandemic. Its COVID-19 success story is not entirely attributed to the front-liners or the government.
Its people have stepped up to keep their businesses and daily life going by adapting several hacks:
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with the shops, companies and products shown on this blog. I am simply a resident who had documented these to share my knowledge.
1. Portable thermal scanners
Setting up a thermal scanner in the lobby, receptionists can easily monitor every visitor’s temperature upon entering the building.
2. Manual temperature check
If they don’t have the fancy equipment above, a staff checks each person’s temperature with a thermometer gun as they enter any establishment.
3. Envelopes for mask
A waiter gives each customer a clean envelope for them to put their masks as they dine-in. A colleague of mine distributed envelopes to each one of us when our team was going out for lunch, knowing that not all restaurants do this.
4. Ultraviolet Sterilizers
For the entrance and exit points of this mall, ultraviolet sterilizers are used to disinfect people.
5. Plastic cover on buttons
It makes it easier to disinfect without damaging the prints and not letting bacteria or potentially the virus stick to rounded corners of each button when touched.
This is rare for ATMs as it’s mostly common for elevator buttons.
6. Plastic separators
Space is scarce in Hong Kong and most of the time, one can find himself dining with a stranger in a restaurant. This separator serves as a barrier for customers to minimize contact with another individual or group.
7. Ads and posters to remind people
People can easily see this ad when they get off at a tram stop near Happy Valley. These serve as reminders to still be cautious at this time.
8. Cleaning Products Advertisements
This particular German product has been dominating advertisements in buses and MTR spaces.
9. Contactless food deliveries
This doesn’t just happen on restaurant deliveries but also grocery deliveries.
10. Free Insurance Coverage
I was surprised when someone shared this on Facebook and since I was an existing customer, I signed up just in case I do get the virus.
11. Discounts on take-away and food deliveries
This is the usual promotion now (sometimes tied to another product or service) as people are encouraged to dine at home or in the office.
12. Mask campaign
Someone created a website for people to start wearing masks. I came across this website when my colleague shared this with our Whatsapp group chat. Do check out the link on the caption.
13. Hand Sanitizers Everywhere
Needless to say, this has become the norm. Hand sanitizers are placed where people will come into contact with each other the most.
14. Sell Masks
This clothing store is just one example of other shops taking on the opportunity to sell masks even if those are not their primary product.
At first, I found these amusing to see how many are banking on this pandemic. I realized, however, that they weren’t just raising profits but also raising awareness in making people change their behavior.
Hong Kongers realized they had to adapt. As rich as this city is, the only thing it cannot afford right now is a devastating lockdown. At the time of this writing, we’re still not on lockdown because of these life hacks.
Bonus: Someone went viral for creating a parody song for this pandemic.
