Avoid Covid-based discrimination – equality watchdog

Don't discriminate against communities based on Covid-19 infections, an equality watchdog has called.

Equal Opportunities Commission chairman Ricky Chu Man-kin said various clusters emerged during the two-year pandemic, including those involving aircrew, pet shop workers, dancers, domestic helpers, bar and fitness center operators, and ethnic minorities.   

A hamster owner told the media about being forced by an employer to give up the pet, while South Asian communities voiced worries that Covid-19 reports would deepen discrimination against them.

Chu said health authorities have to identify transmission chains quickly and accurately in order to control the pandemic. During the process, officials name specific communities or trades.   

"It can help trace down the close contacts and remind those in the involved industries and communities to volunteer for tests and stop high-risk contact," he wrote.   

However, related reports could create a negative impression of the communities involved, and some citizens could blame them for spreading the virus.   

It is a double-edged sword and a difficult balance to make between informing citizens about the latest concerning the outbreaks and avoiding negative labeling of the groups involved.   

"Those infected do not get the virus or spread it intentionally... they didn't do anything less, but they are unlucky and got infected with this mutated strain which is highly transmissible. They are patients... they shouldn't be blamed or seen as sinners," he pointed.

Labour and Welfare Bureau warned employers cannot fire a worker who is under lock down or quarantine. Affected employees can reach out to the bureau to claim compensation from the employer.

Chu also said if an employer fires a worker because he or she lives in Kwai Chung Estate, it may be in violation of Disability Discrimination Ordinance.