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At the beginning of the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, some of the experts and doctors claimed this disease may spread like SARS in 2003. The coronavirus spread from Wuhan to Asian countries, then the whole world. Asia Matters invited Professor Sian Griffiths, who is the emeritus professor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and also co-chaired Hong Kong’s enquiry into the SARS in 2003 to discuss the topic: “COVID-19 and SARD: Lessons learnt?”

Professor Sian compared the actions that the Chinese government has taken in SARS and coronavirus. She pointed several points of view on why she thinks Chinese government lessons learnt from 2003, such as Wuhan is being lockdown by Chinese government. Not just the actions of government and WHO, Professor Sia also pointed that people in the world also lessons learnt from SARS. For example, they are more reliable on the ideas and suggestions from experts than 17 years ago. Also, they believe more on science. Behavior, hygiene, and the sense of public health care are enhanced.

In addition, Professor Sian admitted the world is changed hugely in last 17 years, information spread in the Internet faster than in 2003. Yet, she discovers there are a lot of disinformation that will cause people panic. She reminds audiences should stay alter when receiving messages about coronavirus.

In general, the message of this podcast is simple and straight forward, audiences can understand it easily. This podcast sounds like a host is having a phone call interview with Professor Sian, so sometimes it is not clear enough to listen to what Professor Sian said.

If you are interested in this podcast, we can go search the URL and subscribe Asia Matters. The experts are invited help to explain the matters in Asia.