Sammo Hung Criticises Hongkong Government’s Handling Of The COVID-19 Crisis, Calls It "Ridiculous"

Hongkong actor Sammo Hung was recently seen out shopping for groceries while the city battles its third wave of COVID-19 infections. The 68-year-old, who falls under the high-risk category was fully decked out in anti-COVID gear. In a telephone interview with Next Magazine, the actor shared that his son had advised him not to leave the house, as he was worried that the actor would contract the virus.

Sammo went on to share that while he did cut down on his trips out, he still goes out to buy food once in a while, to avoid the feeling of being cooped up at home. However, he takes all the necessary precautions and wears protective gear whenever he's out.

When the conversation turned to the Hongkong government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus, Sammo couldn't help but share his frustrations.

The actor was particularly ticked off by the government’s decision to enact a dine-in ban. The decision was soundly criticised by the public, which led to the announcement that a select number of community centres would be opened for dining in, with only two people to a table.

“I don’t know what the Hongkong officials are thinking! First, they say that everyone is prohibited from dining in, then, they start providing places for people to consume their food together, isn’t that considered gathering together then? They should be as generous as me, I’m extending an invitation to these officials, they can purchase their own food and dine-in at my house. I’ll give them a place to eat, but they can’t take the bus ‘cos there’ll be too many people gathered in the bus. They’ll all have to ride their own bicycles here,” Sammo said.

The actor was similarly ticked off by the government’s decision to exempt the crew and passengers of foreign ships from COVID-19 tests as well as how they are not restricting travel. He also said that if this goes on, Hongkong might have to endure it’s 18th wave of COVID-19 infections.

Sammo also shared that when his Filipino domestic helper returned from the Philippines earlier, he paid for her to be quarantined for 14 days at a hotel. However, the authorities required her to find someone to travel to another district on her behalf to submit the samples they needed for her COVID-19 test. When he questioned the officials on why they couldn’t send someone over to collect the samples from her, they replied that they were unable to hire anyone to take up the job.

“It’s really ridiculous, I don’t wish to criticise the government, but what have they actually done to help prevent the spread of the pandemic?” Sammo ranted.

Photos: Apple Daily, Alan Tam/Weibo, TPGPHOTOS