A group of Chinese-Canadians, including many Richmondites, are urging the B.C. government to take stricter measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Calling themselves, the Committee 100 Society (CCS100), the group wrote to the government after receiving a large volume of feedback from the Chinese-Canadian community about the government’s handling of the virus (COVID-19).
Kenny Zhang, who submitted the letter on behalf of the 40-strong group, outlined several recommendations for officials, including implementing higher standards of screening at Canadian ports of entry.
The letter also calls for brochures to be given out to travellers arriving from China and other COVID-19 “hot spots.”
“Current measures taken by the provincial government are considered not tough enough for most Chinese immigrants, as more cases of coronavirus have been revealed in B.C.,” said Zhang.
“Considering the viruses are highly contagious, we want our government to remain extra vigilant.”
The letter suggests that international travellers from China and other infected areas should get their temperature tested and report their travel history at Canadian airports.
In response to the crisis, the U.S. and Australia suspended all their flights from China a month ago, despite the start of the university year.
According to Richmondite Jason Liu, who is also a member of the CCS100, many residents are concerned about Chinese students and tourists, who originally planned to travel to the U.S. or Australia, switching their tickets to Canada.
“Many locals told me they are worried about these new arrivals following the rules, such as self-isolating for a while upon arrival,” said Liu.
Liu stressed that they don’t want to create any panic through the letter. Instead, they hope to collaborate with the government to fight against the virus together.
“This has nothing to do with creating divisions between different groups of people. It’s all about combating the common enemy: COVID-19. We are in this together,” said Liu.
CCS100 is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the best interests of the Chinese-Canadian community and those of other ethnic groups in Canada.
