HK defends restraining kids with Covid-19
HONG KONG: Hong Kong health authorities have defended the practice of physically restraining some babies and children to beds in coronavirus isolation wards after criticism built over the treatment of families under the city’s strict anti-virus measures.
Despite being one of the most densely-packed cities in the world, Hong Kong has kept infections low, thanks to some of the most stringent quarantine measures in the world, recording some 11,000 infections and 200 deaths since the pandemic began.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is immediately taken to isolation wards, regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not, and those deemed “close contacts” are sent to mandatory government quarantine camps.
Almost all arrivals into the city must also quarantine in dedicated hotels for three weeks.
The measures have helped curb infections and have been in place for much of the past year, largely without complaint.
But there has been growing pushback in recent weeks after an outbreak hit neighbourhoods favoured by wealthier, and more politically connected, white-collar locals and foreigners.
Social media groups have since been filled with comments by families taken to isolation wards or mandatory quarantine camps.
Their complaints include allegations that some parents have been separated from their children, ordered not to breastfeed babies and that some infants have even been tied to beds to stop them from moving around.
The allegations have led to a series of statements this week from health authorities defending their policies, including over the use of restraints.
“Generally speaking, the hospital will only consider the application of physical restraint on paediatric patients for the safety and wellbeing of the patient,” the Hospital Authority said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Appropriate and prior consent will be sought from the parents or guardians.”
It said parents who tested negative would usually be allowed to accompany infected children in isolation wards if there was space.