Besides news headlines and online articles, Facebook proved to be a valuable source of information for individuals returning to Hong Kong during the world's longest quarantine period. In response to the difficult situation, a group emerged named "Hong Kong Quarantine Support Group." This exceptional community acted as a lifeline for thousands of people, transforming into a resourceful platform while adhering to strict pandemic guidelines.
The group's purpose was to bring together returning Hongkongers with 'Helpers' who provided essentials, such as groceries, and assisted with navigating the new quarantine regulations. Kicking off as a simple initiative, the project quickly evolved into a large-scale Crowdsourcing platform that catered to virtually every aspect of the challenging journey, including advice on how to undergo the necessary tests abroad, evaluations of various quarantine hotels, and informative summaries of crucial information for the extended stay – like whether the windows are open, where to rent training equipment, or whether the hotel accepts deliveries from outside sources.
This group also offered emotional support to the quarantined individuals, who often shared their experiences or sought catharsis. Besides the serious discussions, humor also played an essential role, as people posted jokes and funny videos to make time pass faster. Some of the creatively inclined members even designed smart solutions such as Angry Birds-inspired games made from socks, paper bags, and cardboard, while others created mask sets for food delivery purposes.
Fundamentally, the group's driving force was to engage with individuals going through isolation and help ease their burden. Organized by dedicated volunteers, the group operated behind the scenes, ensuring that they secured the community's well-being, maintained positivity, and avoided conflicts that tainted other Facebook groups in Hong Kong.
The team's members established a 'Buddy Program' to connect isolated people via email and arranged deliveries for those unable to purchase food themselves. Moreover, they went above and beyond by supporting individuals in unique but challenging situations – providing comfort to friends and family grieving from afar or collaborating with hotels to provide exceptional quarantine experiences.
Initially, the Hong Kong Quarantine Support Group started with only a few hundred members but rapidly amassed an impressive following, reaching nearly 30,000. As one of its co-founders, Farah Siddiqi, humorously stated, they had never envisioned that their project would get that popular.
As the pandemic further escalated and regulations became stricter, more people required assistance and turned to the group. Jameson Gong, for instance, was one of these individuals who sought assistance with his mother's entrance into Hong Kong. Facing a dilemma with unanticipated regulations, Gong sought support in a Facebook group, and his mother Anna's challenges were met with an awe-inspiring display of empathy and cooperation.
Upon landing, Anna Gong waited for quite some time before being assisted by another group member, who managed to secure her easy passage through the arrival area. The group's impact was so profound that they received 649 supportive comments and well-wishes during the 12-hour ordeal.
Interestingly, the Hong Kong Quarantine Support Group introduced a unique sense of camaraderie amongst its members, one that transcended the quarantine period – some remained active in the group, even after their return from isolation, anticipating or experiencing further relocations. They relied on the group to share valuable wisdom and tips, hoping to lighten the burden on fellow travelers. This community spirit served as a testament to humanity's best qualities emerging in the face of adversity.
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