'Avoid All Non-essential Group Activities Now'

A public hospital doctor who's been caring for Covid-19 patients has called on the public to take more steps to prevent a mass outbreak, saying people should avoid all non-essential activities as this is a critical time.

Dr Manimala Dharmangadan, who works at Princess Margaret Hospital, said even with new social-distancing rules implemented over the weekend, some Hongkongers are still out and about, such as trekking with friends.

Manimala said even though some people stay home, they invite their neighbours and friends to come over and spend time together or have a meal together.

“I know this is happening which is absolutely not called for in these times. So social distancing [means] isolation of you with your immediate family members at home.”

Dharmangadan also said while fitness is essential at these times, doing exercising together as a group is something that should be avoided now.

“If you are going out to a non-crowded area, you can definitely do it with your immediate family members."

But I know there are people who go out, in groups of five or six go out for trekking. These are things that can be avoided,” she said.

Dharmangadan told RTHK’s Frances Sit that there is no way Hong Kong's medical system can cope if confirmed cases continue to surge.