Safe uncertainty: Reflecting on the pandemic responses of two Asian cities

Abstract

This reflection focuses on the salient racial, cultural and political processes in the response to COVID-19, particularly in Hong Kong and Singapore, using a framework that examines safety and certainty or the lack of it. It begins by examining the awful racism internationally toward Chinese and the unique Chinese culinary practices that has become a contentious focus in this pandemic. It will then reflect on the meaning and impact of political contexts, with reference to the use surgical masks in Hong Kong and Singapore. Next, it will discuss the disruptions and discoveries for social work teaching and learning and practice during this turbulent time. The reflection will end by looking at the silver linings, and re-thinking about safety and certainty for individuals and social work development, as the pandemic continues to evolve.