Hong Kong defends practice of restraining some virus babies

Hong Kong defends practice of restraining some virus babies

HONG KONG: Hong Kong health authorities have defended the practice of physically restraining some babies and children in coronavirus isolation wards after criticism built over the treatment of families under the city's strict anti-virus measures. Despite being one of the most densely packed cities in the world, Hong Kong has kept infections low thanks to some of the most stringent quarantine measures in the world, recording some 11,000 infections and 200 deaths since the pandemic began. Anyone who tests positive for the coronavirus is taken to isolation wards while those deemed "close contacts“ are sent to mandatory government quarantine camps.

The measures have helped curb infections and have been in place for much of the past year, largely without complaint when cases were concentrated in low-income districts. But there has been growing pushback in recent weeks after an outbreak hit neighborhoods favored by wealthier-and more politically connected-white-collar locals and foreigners. Complaints include parents being separated from their children, mothers ordered not to breastfeed babies and some infants tied to beds to stop them moving around.

The pressure has led to a series of statements this week from health authorities defending their policies, including the use of restraints. "Generally speaking, the hospital will