The Hong Kong Facebook group, “Hong Kong Quarantine Support Group,” was created in March 2020, to help people who need extra help or just compassion during a time when isolation and life difficulties began to spread in Hong Kong because of the virus. Nearly one year later in February 2021, the group had almost 30,000 members, many of whom were once beneficiaries of the kind acts from this community. Many remained active in the group even when they no longer needed help. Members of the group continued to stay in touch with each other and help with anything from saving a 8-year-old’s birthday to keeping an eye on an elderly traveling and waiting for COVID-19 testing alone.

The Hong Kong Quarantine Support Group also matches people who need help with daily tasks, such as doing groceries or dropping off COVID-19 testing samples, with volunteer “quarantine buddies” who can assist them.

 The picture shows the 84-year-old Ms. Anna Gong and her son. In July, 2020, Ms. Gong was returning from a long stay with her family in the United States to Hong Kong when COVID-19 testing in the airport was in effect. Ms. Gong’s son approached the group asking for assistance for his mother while she waited alone for the COVID-19 testing for almost an entire day. Members of the group greeted Ms. Gong on the plane and at the airport, sending updates about her to each other to make sure she was safe.

 If you are in isolation and need help or a buddy, visit HK Quarantine Support Group at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2788738214495345/ or email hkstaysafe@gmail.com.

To learn more about the group, visit https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/world/asia/hong-kong-quarantine-covid.html