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The Terror of SARS

While the world turns its attention to events in Iraq, in Hong Kong, our eyes are on the rapid spread of atypical pneumonia, officially known as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). We are concerned by the ramifications of the epidemic for missions work.

The syndrome originated last November on the mainland in Guandong Province, China. China has admitted to participating in a cover up of its origins, and little is still known about the cause of the disease. The syndrome is apparently resistant to standard antiviral and antibiotic treatments. In China, 1,290 are infected and 55 dead.

In Hong Kong, the local government is under tremendous pressure to gain control of the situation as more and more people are infected. As of April 10, Hong Kong has 998 cases, and 30 have died. The government has quarantined 1000 individuals who have had direct contact with infected people. One entire housing estate block has been quarantined for 10 days. All schools are closed from March 29 to at least April 22.

Schools all over Hong Kong face difficult decisions. Teachers in some schools, like ICS, are expected to report for work. Others are allowed to work at home. Missed time presents a quandary, especially for secondary school students. The government has said that even with the enforced closure, the number of vacation days must not exceed the 90-day annual maximum. Options include extending the school day, opening on Saturdays, taking days from the Easter holidays or extending the school year. Extending the school year impacts graduations, summer furloughs, and other missionary decisions.

This outbreak has also affected churches that operate study centers; many classes are being cancelled. Church attendance is also affected, and churches are using different methods to safeguard their congregations. At my church, everyone had to wash their hands before entering and when leaving. Wearing surgical masks is common, especially in public places.

The streets of the most crowded city in the world are emptier than usual, and those who walk them are masked. In a bow to materialism, many fashion-conscious Asians are sporting designer face masks and coordinating them with their outfits. Youth wear masks decorated with cartoon characters like Hello Kitty, or masks featuring designer patterns, such as the Burberry tartan.

The combination of the war, atypical pneumonia, and economic problems has left many people discouraged. The economy in Hong Kong is suffering from the sudden decline in tourism, and many small businesses will likely collapse because people are not going out and buying like they used to for fear of contracting the disease.

However, we are not succumbing to anxiety. This epidemic is a good opportunity for Christians to experience and share the peace of God with nonbelievers. As Easter approaches, we can share the joy of resurrection and our hope in Christ. In these dark times, we know that God is still on the throne. We are praying for healing in this land, for the wisdom of our government and school leaders, and for the skills of our doctors and scientists, as they seek to discover and eradicate the cause of this disease.