Separation of 2,000 Children Under 10 from Parents Due to COVID-19 in Hong Kong

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] A Hong Kong charity claims that up to 2,000 children under the age of 10 who tested positive for COVID-19 have been separated from their parents and quarantined.

On the 29th, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the local charity 'Mind Hong Kong' stated, "Up to 2,000 children under the age of 10 have been separated from their parents over the past six weeks after being hospitalized due to COVID-19," and claimed, "This constitutes child abuse."

Dr. Lucy Lord of the organization explained, "Separating children from their parents, even for a short period, can lead to post-traumatic stress," adding, "It can have long-term effects on the mental health of young people." She further stated, "I have never seen parents allowed to be hospitalized with their infected children," calling it "unacceptable."

Dr. Lord, who works as an obstetrician at the Hong Kong Central Health Care Center, estimated that approximately 1,000 to 2,000 COVID-19 positive children have been separated from their parents over the past five to six weeks. She also noted that over 90% of the cases were related to family transmission.

Dr. Lord added that about 30% of patients left Hong Kong with their families due to fear that they might have to be separated from their children if the children became infected with COVID-19.

Public protests against such government measures continue, and some parents reportedly hide their children's infection status out of fear of forced separation, SCMP reported.

In fact, a British national claimed last month that she was separated from her 11-month-old daughter who tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized at Queen Mary Hospital. Following this incident, the British and Australian consulates issued statements protesting to local authorities.

Billy Wong Wai-yuk, Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Committee on Child Rights, pointed out, "Each hospital has different policies for isolating children who test positive for COVID-19," adding, "Some allow parents to accompany their children, but some facilities prioritize public health over the best interests of the child."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.