There is not much change happening in our lives currently. We are staying put here in Hong Kong, watching as coronavirus causes panic and mayhem around the world, a sobering testament to how connected our global economy is today. It looks like it will be a tough year.
I know people say that face masks are not effective and should be reserved for hospital staff, but here in Hong Kong if you do not use one in public spaces you are definitely shunned and viewed with a cross between disgust and discomfort. I went to run some errands in Central and could not see even one person without a face mask. The recent changes in Hong Kong are dizzying for contrast - first face masks were vehemently banned late last year as a result of the protests, and now you cannot go anywhere without one.
Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and increasingly South Korea have been lauded for their early and decisive action to contain the virus. It may be too early to know for sure, but at least to date Hong Kong has done a very good job, especially considering that it shares a border with China. I railed at the closures of schools and all indoor public spaces when it happened at the end of January, but now have to admit that it was absolutely the right call. Credit must go to the government and to the residents, who each have to do their part. Containing something of this magnitude and speed requires decisive action and cooperation. That said, I am feeling a bit miffed about all of the residents who fled Hong Kong in February who are now trying to come back because it's now viewed as a safe space. For the love of all that is holy, please exercise some civic responsibility and quarantine yourselves!!
Moving on to the boys - they are growing bigger every day. In the nearly three weeks since my parents have been here, they have been able to make eye contact and now move their heads to track sounds and visuals. Their tummy time still needs more work (Al fails miserably in this regard) and they are learning to cry loudly whenever they are put down in their cribs. Al has perfected the pout, including a theatrical lip quiver that no one with a beating heart could deny.
My mom with Teo.
My dad with Al.
I have been keeping my parents quite busy, heh heh.
The two are also remarkably similar while sleeping - strike a pose! And yes, the boys wear a lot of pink and floral print. They are confident in their masculinity.
I know people say that face masks are not effective and should be reserved for hospital staff, but here in Hong Kong if you do not use one in public spaces you are definitely shunned and viewed with a cross between disgust and discomfort. I went to run some errands in Central and could not see even one person without a face mask. The recent changes in Hong Kong are dizzying for contrast - first face masks were vehemently banned late last year as a result of the protests, and now you cannot go anywhere without one.
Moving on to the boys - they are growing bigger every day. In the nearly three weeks since my parents have been here, they have been able to make eye contact and now move their heads to track sounds and visuals. Their tummy time still needs more work (Al fails miserably in this regard) and they are learning to cry loudly whenever they are put down in their cribs. Al has perfected the pout, including a theatrical lip quiver that no one with a beating heart could deny.
My mom with Teo.
The two are also remarkably similar while sleeping - strike a pose! And yes, the boys wear a lot of pink and floral print. They are confident in their masculinity.
No comments:
Post a Comment