Things to know

1Don’t let your fear take control We should all stay informed and vigilant during this sensitive time, but there’s no need to jump straight to panic mode whenever you see a piece of bad news in the media. As a coronavirus patient once offered her wisdom, “Take it seriously, but keep calm.”

2Don’t dismiss other people’s concerns about the virus While we shouldn’t panic, let’s not brush aside other people’s worries so easily. You never know what the others have experienced and how the outbreak has affected them personally. It’s understandable that the public wants to take extra precaution, especially when there are still many things we don’t know about the virus.

3Mask city Whether or not you think face masks can protect you from catching the coronavirus, most Hong Kongers are conscious about wearing one after SARS.

Things you need to know Lessons from SARS

4Toilets are dirty The jury is still out on whether the new coronavirus can be spread by faeces. But, we all know what happened at Amoy Gardens during the SARS outbreak. Keep your sewage pipes clean and put your toilet lid down before flushing.

5Support your local businesses Small businesses have been hit hard, first by the Hong Kong protests and now by the coronavirus outbreak. If we have learnt anything from SARS, it’s that these local shops and restaurants need our support to get through tough times like these. Let’s keep our community going strong.

6Hong Kong is resilient Even in the most challenging of times, our incredible city has been able to bounce back. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Personal hygiene starter pack • Wash your hands frequently • Bring a travel size hand sanitiser and alcohol wet wipes with you • Wear a face mask if you are sick • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth • Avoid crowded places