Social News
Written by: Chen Shuxia
2020-08-09 13:39
Last update date: 2020-08-09 13:39The outbreak of the epidemic in Hong Kong has caused the infection of foreign domestic helpers who have stayed in the dormitories of intermediary companies, which has aroused public concern. A Filipino maid revealed that the dormitory environment is small, and some of them require 20 people to live in a 300-foot flat, and share toilets. It is difficult to maintain social distance. Under the restrictions on gatherings and the epidemic, some foreign domestic helpers described it as a dilemma, worrying about the risk of catching the epidemic when going out on a rest day, but staying at home needs to face the employer, frankly there will be pressure.
In response to the situation, the Hong Kong government announced earlier that it would provide free virus testing for foreign domestic helpers staying in intermediary dormitories. The person in charge of the Caritas Asia Foreign Workers Social Service Program pointed out the welcome measures, but worried that if foreign domestic helpers are allowed to continue to live in crowded dormitories This is equivalent to putting them in a high-risk environment, and it is difficult to prevent an outbreak. The Hong Kong government is required to implement supervision as soon as possible, including setting a minimum per capita area and regular inspections of dormitories.
The Hong Kong government announced that it will provide free virus testing for foreign domestic helpers staying in intermediary dormitories. (Photo by Lu Yiming)
Caritas Asia’s social service plan for foreign workers was broadcast live on Facebook today to share the plight of foreign domestic helpers under the epidemic. Belinda, a Filipino domestic helper, once visited a friend who was staying in an intermediary company’s dormitory. She pointed out that the flat is about 300 square feet, but 20 people live. , Every two people share a room. She described the dormitory environment as crowded and noisy. The foreign domestic helpers who stay in need to share toilets and there is no kitchen to use.
She believes that people coming and going in the dormitory is a high-risk environment that is prone to infection. You can only raise your own vigilance and maintain personal hygiene.
Wen Siyi, a social worker of the Caritas Asia Social Service Project for Foreign Workers, said that the crowded dormitories of intermediary companies are nothing new. The epidemic of foreign domestic helpers will expose the long-standing problems. Although the Hong Kong government announced that foreign domestic helpers staying in dormitories will be tested free of charge, she believes that the lack of uniform standards in the dormitory environment is equivalent to placing foreign domestic helpers in a high-risk environment. She urged the Hong Kong government to review the relevant policies of the intermediary dormitories for foreign domestic helpers, including setting the minimum area per capita and environmental hygiene standards, etc. It should also send regular inspections to ensure that the intermediary companies comply with the requirements.
Under the epidemic, employers require foreign domestic helpers to stop gatherings on holidays
The outbreak of the epidemic also disrupted the daily rest of foreign domestic helpers on holidays. A foreign domestic helper said that the employer allowed her to go out as usual on Sundays, but reminded her to take adequate preventive measures and also told her not to participate in gatherings. She also mentioned that under the epidemic, work pressure has increased. Because the young master stays at home after suspension of classes, he needs to take care of him around the clock. In addition, employers have also asked for better home cleaning.
Another foreign domestic helper said that since the two-person gathering restriction order came into effect, she would rather stay at home on a rest day. However, she frankly said that under the influence of the epidemic, it is difficult to go out and gather with friends, but the employer lacks personal space at home. She described the situation as a dilemma, "all under pressure."
▼In the third wave, the government has extended the restrictions on gatherings and banned food in the evening market.▼
+10
+9
+8
New crown pneumonia|Central foreign domestic helpers gather as usual, individual groups have more than two foreign domestic helpers: holidays are important
New crown pneumonia | Labour Department now arranges free voluntary testing for foreign domestic helpers staying in intermediary quarters
New crown pneumonia|Confirmed that the Indian domestic helper Zengju Xiyun Building still has foreign domestic helpers coming and going: Ning going to the stairs does not take it 𨋢
New coronary pneumonia