Coronavirus Dominates Dinner Conversations

Hong Kong commuters disembark from the MTR train, all wearing masks

At the few gatherings I have been to, the talk around the table is the coronavirus, now called COVID-19, and how it has impacted our daily lives.

Many people have been stuck working at home, some more productive than if they were in the office, while others still continue to go in to work.

Today there seemed to be more people out and about -- at around 6.15pm, the Central MTR station was relatively busy, with lots of people coming into the station during rush hour.

Some resort to wearing swimming goggles and tear gas masks

I went to a restaurant in Central that opened recently, and there was a long queue outside the door. People were encouraged to eat outside and one group even had a bottle of wine complete with wine glasses as they ate pizza.

Inside one person at our table wondered if the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens would still be on -- we found out later it is now postponed to October -- and would an annual food festival called Taste of Hong Kong would still go ahead in March? (we don't think so).

Another person observed how hiking up Victoria Peak is now very popular, people wanting some fresh air and exercise, but when it came to the cinema, they now take your temperature and it is mandatory to wear a mask in the theatre.

On Sunday I went to see The Farewell on the big screen and while temperatures were not taken, almost all of us wore masks as we watched the film. Strange, but the new normal.

Lining up for either masks or toilet paper or both

The procurement of masks was also a hot topic, how they were completely overpriced, and getting used to wearing them on a daily basis. Some even wear masks inside the office, probably to take extra precautions, but report their glasses keep fogging up, and having to readjust masks when they smile.

It's definitely a strange new world we're living in -- and for how long? That's what we all want to know.

Worldwide there are now over 45,100 confirmed cases, 1,115 deaths, and over 4,700 recovered. The number of deaths have now surpassed 774 people for SARS in 2002-03, so it seems to be more contagious and deadly too.

In Hong Kong today we recorded our 50th patient confirmed with COVID-19, about 10 of the cases are related to a hot pot dinner on January 26 with two relatives who came down from the mainland.

Some lucky shoppers stocking up on toilet paper

Meanwhile the hunt for reasonably priced masks continues and the massive line for toilet paper. I have seen a few people carrying their prized toilet packs on the MTR or a bag of rice.

It's crazy that masks, rice and toilet paper are such highly-prized items. We are all buckling down for war and collecting whatever provisions we can get. But who are we fighting? The coronavirus or each other?

We've had hardly any help from the Hong Kong government, and not a peep! Not one word from the Liaison Office and the new leader there, Luo Huining.

Perhaps he's hiding in a basement somewhere a la Parasite and hoarding all our masks, toilet paper and rice...?