Reflections & Perceptions
This session captured direct quotes from representative survey respondents, outlining their reflections and perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights are valuable for institutional policymakers to understand the impacts of specific measures, making them useful for future policy planning to promote sustainability and enhance the overall well-being of the public.
Afraid to go out
"At present, I am actively selective with the places I go to. In the past, I did not give much thought to where I went if I was able to work and eat. However, this behavior has changed during specific periods of the pandemic. In the initial stages of the pandemic, when fear and paranoia were rampant, I refrained from going out for a while. This was because I was genuinely afraid for my safety. As a result, I have become more conscientious about the places that I visit."
Reluctant to go out
"In the past, when everything rushed, having gatherings with more than four people was not frowned upon. However, when the pandemic struck, such gatherings became a definite no-go. Initially, when the maximum gathering size was limited to four people, individuals were still relatively relaxed and would organize beach clean-ups if the gathering size did not exceed four people. However, with the maximum gathering size reduced to two people and the reintroduction of social distancing and mask-wearing mandates, people have become increasingly reluctant to go out."
Washing hands a lot
"Before the onset of COVID-19, I rarely washed my hands. However, since the pandemic, I have adopted the habit of washing my hands when I arrive home. This has become a frequent and consistent habit that I have picked up."
Reluctant to travel
"Traveling, in my experience, has been a harrowing ordeal. Personally, I find traveling to Hong Kong to be an incredibly traumatic ordeal, and I believe many others can relate to this experience. Trying to enter the country or general travel, can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. As such, I have decided to avoid traveling inter-regionally soon, as I am not willing to undertake the prospect of enduring such a stressful experience again."
Increased environmental awareness
"As an individual, my environmental consciousness has increased due to my interest in podcasts about zoonotic diseases. This has prompted me to become more invested in understanding how COVID-19 emerged and whether future pandemics will occur. I have come to recognize the close relationship between deforestation and the encroachment of animal habitats upon human populations."
Economic stimulus measures
"Upon reflecting, I wholeheartedly agree that the government should have allocated the budget toward those in dire need rather than merely attempting to stimulate spending. It is concerning that the government is encouraging individuals who already possess economic resources to spend more rather than directing assistance toward those who require it most. The funds should have been prioritized towards those in need instead of being dispersed among the general population. However, I recognize that there may be valid arguments for encouraging spending."
.png)
Problem of “selective” enforcement
"The issue of hypocrisy is quite prominent in this context. I recall specific incidents of domestic workers congregating during the weekend. Authorities would always ask them to disperse, yet when other groups gather similarly, they escape scrutiny entirely."
.png)
Problem of “selective” enforcement
"Upon reflection, I am disconcerted by the perceived double standard surrounding quarantine protocols. As a cabin crew member, I must adhere to strict quarantine measures. However, recent events, such as the case of Nicole Kidman being exempt from quarantine upon entering Hong Kong, have left me questioning the reasoning behind such policies. Is she not just as susceptible to COVID-19 as the rest of us? I struggle to comprehend the logic behind such inconsistencies."
More waste from online shopping habits
"Upon reflection, I acknowledge that my online shopping habits may have contributed to increased waste, particularly packaging, and delivery. This is a concern that I have and would like to address in the future."
Increased awareness and actions
"As a precaution against the potential harm caused by disposed masks to marine life, I adjust the fit of my mask by tightening it. This practice is based on an article I read, which suggests that loosely tied masks may inadvertently end up in the ocean and, if consumed by animals, can cause harm to their health."
No real holiday with Wi-Fi
"The pandemic has brought significant changes to the way many of us work, including the option of working from home. With everything accessible online, it is now possible to access emails and work on remote databases using a mobile phone. As a result, even if one tries to take a holiday in Hong Kong, one may still be engaged in work or find it difficult to disconnect from work altogether. In contrast, if one is in a different country, it may be easier to justify being unavailable due to a lack of internet access or other logistical challenges."
Increased fatigue and exhaustion from extended lock-down
"There haven’t been good holidays during the pandemic, which has impacted my well-being too. The fatigue and exhaustion kick in, and it becomes harder to keep going. I don’t feel like Hong Kong will open up anytime soon, and there’s no holiday to look forward to. It’s not like I can book flights in six months. I have a countdown to something. “Looking forward to something” is a big thing in terms of well-being and surviving through a slump in the office or something like that. It’s just lovely; the pandemic has robbed us of that feeling."