Viewpoints SARS: the effects on a UK community | SARS: the effects on a UK community |
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The fear of being associated with SARS and the fear of the possibility off catching the SARS virus have reached fever pitch, and it seems that the Chinese community are no longer able to think with level heads. The panic that friends and family report over in China and the Far East seems to have travelled more effectively to the UK than the disease itself. For almost a month now, Chinatown has become deserted by its members. Along the Chinese grapevine, there are stories that 'takeaway owners are warning staff to stay away from Chinatown or they will be sacked'. Chinatown has become the domain of the British and the tourists, but even they seem to be wary of the 'Chinese disease', as they see fewer and fewer Chinese there themselves. There are reports of a drop in business all around the UK, and even takeaways and restaurants in rural parts of the country are noticing the decline in trade. In actual fact, throughout this period there have been only six cases of SARS in the UK. None of which is connected to the catering trade, or to any Chinatown in the UK. This view has been clearly stated in the British press. The Guardian (Friday April 18, 2003) said, 'There have been six suspected British cases of the virus but none has been linked to the Chinese food trade in this country.' The Chinese Ambassador and the leader of Westminster Council share this view and supported it by dining at Loon Fung (one establishment falsely rumoured to be contaminated) on the 24th April. Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavaron, also went to Chinatown on 30th April, instead of dining at 'the Ritz or Dorchester'. Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Dr Evan Harris MP showed his confidence in the Chinese community when he said, "The Chinese community contribute a great deal to this country. Unfounded fears that eating at Chinese restaurants increases the risk of catching SARS have now unfairly hit these businesses. That is neither a rational or sensible position. "No-one would want to lessen the legitimate concerns of the public in relation to SARS. But the fact is that no SARS cases in the UK have been contracted through the Chinese food trade." If it is clear to members of councils and main stream British press that there is no connection between SARS and the Chinese catering industry, then it is a shame that the Chinese community themselves chose to believe rumours possibly started by pranksters on message boards or rival restaurants. Christine Yau, chairwoman of the Chinese Community Centre said, 'The standard of hygiene in Westminster is very high, regular inspections are conducted. All restaurant people (owners and workers) are healthy but facing a problem of weight increase as they are eating most of the food. Instead of 4 meals a day, its now 6 to 7 times, if situation does not change, we all end up with bigger tummies.' Although SARS may have reached it's peak in the most of the Far East, no vaccine or cure has been found yet, and the fear of SARS may continue for some while. This problem has the potential to have a devastating effect on our community. With prolonged absence from Chinese restaurants, businesses could be forced to close and the core to the Chinese community will be damaged. It is imperative therefore, that British and Chinese alike come together to support the centres of the Chinese community in the UK, without them, valuable social and educational venues will be lost, as will an important part of our Chinese identity in the UK. Moreover, it is important to heal the rift between the first and second generation Chinese that occurred since the false rumours were first posted on the message boards of britishbornchinese.org. Instead of mudslinging, accusations and denial, we need to work together to build bridges and to promote Chinese culture and food in the UK. |
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