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One of the realities of life during an epidemic - such as is occurring now in China, and is feared soon in Hong Kong - is that disruptions to life's normal routine are to expected. It is one of the reasons why everyone should have a general level of emergency preparedness.
In China, that can mean the quarantining of millions of people and localized shortages of essentials like food, while elsewhere, disruptions are likely to be less onerous (see HK Epidemic Measures: Curbing Travel From Mainland - Closing Public Places - Work From Home Orders).While it doesn't compare to the hardships being experienced in China right now, with only about a dozen confirmed cases in Hong Kong, the disruptions to society and their economy are likely just starting to ramp up.
Some bank branches temporarily out of service
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
To counter the spread of the novel coronavirus and better protect staff and customers, the banking sector has introduced a series of measures, including split-team arrangements and allowing staff to work from home where practicable.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (January 31) received reports from banks that, in order to continue operating on this basis, some of their branches will need to be closed or operating hours will need to be shortened temporarily. According to the information provided, around 20-30 per cent of bank branches are expected to be closed temporarily and some of the remaining branches will be open for restricted hours. Individual banks will announce the details of their service arrangements very soon.
Bank customers are advised to use online or phone banking, ATMs and other electronic banking services as far as possible, and to check banks' latest announcements on service arrangements via their websites or customer service hotlines before visiting branches. In addition, the Hong Kong Association of Banks will provide on its website regular updates on the service status of bank branches. The HKMA appeals for the public's understanding of this temporary arrangement, which is necessitated by the current exceptional public health situation.
The HKMA will continue to monitor developments relating to the coronavirus and maintain close contact with the banks. The banks will continue to assess whether any further operational adjustments to bank branch operations are necessary. The HKMA will provide further updates on the availability of banking services when appropriate.
Ends/Friday, January 31, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:38
While it remains to be seen how much of an impact this novel coronavirus will have outside of Mainland China, as long as it is circulating, it could complicate any other natural disaster or local emergency response.
Tornado season is just around the corner, Hurricane season is only months away, and earthquakes can happen at any time.Which is why I practice personal preparedness, and promote it heavily in this blog. The last place you want to be in any emergency is in a slow moving queue hoping against hope that there will be something left on the store shelves by the time you get in the door.
Where you live, and your local threat environment, will dictate some changes, but as a general rule, the things you should have in advance to deal with any disaster or emergency include:
- A battery operated NWS Emergency Radio to find out what was going on, and to get vital instructions from emergency officials
- A decent first-aid kit, so that you can treat injuries
- Enough non-perishable food and water on hand to feed and hydrate your family (including pets) for the duration
- A way to provide light when the grid is down.
- A way to cook safely without electricity
- A way to purify or filter water
- A way to stay cool (fans) or warm when the power is out.
- A small supply of cash to use in case credit/debit machines are not working
- An emergency plan, including meeting places, emergency out-of-state contact numbers, a disaster buddy, and in case you must evacuate, a bug-out bag
- Spare supply of essential prescription medicines that you or your family may need
- A way to entertain yourself, or your kids, during a prolonged blackout or shelter-in-place
