From SARS to COVID-19: the role of experience and experts in Hong Kong's initial policy response to an emerging pandemic

Hong Kong's relatively successful initial COVID-19 response in 2020 stemmed from institutional memory and individual experiences gained during the 2003 SARS epidemic. While public cooperation with government restrictions was initially high due to familiarity with measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, this was significantly impacted by the pre-existing political context of widespread anti-government protests and low public trust. The study investigates the evolution of Hong Kong's science advisory mechanisms from pre-SARS, post-SARS, and during the 2020 COVID-19 response, analyzing the roles of key organizations, committees, and expert panels. The research highlights the crucial need for robust science advisory structures and expert knowledge in managing health crises, while also emphasizing the need for further research on how science advice influences policy decisions and public acceptance.

Kira Matus, Naubahar Sharif, Alvin Li, Zhixin Cai, Wai Haang Lee, Max Song