From The Frontline
EL Hong Kong|March-May 2021
Dr Christopher K M Hui has a working life that’s nothing short of dynamic, including juggling daily roles in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen over the past seven years. With the emergence of the pandemic, however, things only intensified. He shares his story here.
Dr Hui
From The Frontline

Tell us a bit about the start of 2020 and how the COVID-19 crisis impacted your work.

On 10 January 2020, we accepted our first COVID-positive patients – they were all admitted to my wards over the course of that first week, at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital in Shenzhen. We immediately recognised this to be an important, sentinel event.

I worked closely with Professor KY Yuen at the HKU labs to collect all the clinical samples and data, and to draw up the original detailed “map” of the (then) novel virus. It was a real race against time. We didn’t sleep in those first 10 days!

By the eve of Chinese New Year, we knew there was a very big problem on the horizon. I realised it would require a full-time commitment to the frontline, and I couldn’t ask my colleagues to undertake duties if I wasn’t there to support them in person. So I packed my bags after enjoying a traditional “year-end” meal with my family and returned to the hospital.

This story would evolve to go on to become one of the largest local epicentres in the country outside of Hubei Province. And, by the morning of 13 February, there were more than 60,000 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in China.

What new duties did you find yourself handling as the pandemic developed?

As all the COVID patients were being admitted to my wards, I immediately re-organised our staffing to provide 24-hour cover with a six-day-on, three-day-off rest pattern in 12-hour shifts. This reduced the number of staff exposed to COVID-ward duties, while enabling each team unit to rest properly between shifts. We knew this was going to be a marathon and not a sprint.

Denne historien er fra March-May 2021-utgaven av EL Hong Kong.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March-May 2021-utgaven av EL Hong Kong.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EL HONG KONGSe alt
A Writer's Retreat
EL Hong Kong

A Writer's Retreat

We meet children’s author (and saree enthusiast!) Bhakti Mathur at her peaceful home on the Peak.

time-read
7 mins  |
June - August 2021
A Lantau Project
EL Hong Kong

A Lantau Project

The idea of renovating a home had long appealed to Jenya Mcguigan; a recent move from Lamma to Lantau gave her the chance to do exactly that.

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
Staycay Season
EL Hong Kong

Staycay Season

For a change of scenery (and a reminder of the pleasures of travel), check in to one of these five fabulous spots in five very different locations across Hong Kong!

time-read
7 mins  |
June - August 2021
Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer
EL Hong Kong

Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer

Are the kids keen for some fun over the holiday? Read on for details of an award-winning school camp programme for the summer – one with 13 different streams to choose from!

time-read
2 mins  |
June - August 2021
Pictures Of Pooches
EL Hong Kong

Pictures Of Pooches

We meet Romanian expat Mihaela Tudor, and learn about her photography work, including a recent project about pets!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
Middle Eastern Eats
EL Hong Kong

Middle Eastern Eats

We all love dipping into a plate of beautiful hummus, but this ubiquitous dish just begins to scratch the surface of everything that Middle Eastern cuisine brings to the table. Here’s a guide to finding a feast near you!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK
EL Hong Kong

20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK

Summer is upon us, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at some of best ways to get wet – or at least enjoy a seaside view – in Hong Kong. Here are 20 ideas to get you started!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
5 Booze Free Bevvies
EL Hong Kong

5 Booze Free Bevvies

Just as plant-based is becoming more and more a “thing” among foodies, so to alcoholfree drinks are appealing to an ever-increasing number of consumers. But how do they taste? To find out, we gave the Sipfree range of wines, spirits and beers a go. Read on to see if we’re converted!

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
Let's Talk About Sleep
EL Hong Kong

Let's Talk About Sleep

For many new mums and dads, it’s the “holy grail”: getting their new bub to sleep through the night and take long naps during the day! We chat with the founder of Kristin Graham Sleep Consulting about the struggles she faced, and how they prompted her to help those in the same boat.

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom
EL Hong Kong

5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom

Advice from the team at Blanc Des Vosges on making your sleeping spot a stylish haven.

time-read
2 mins  |
June - August 2021