Fear for the deadly coronavirus, few local people recently go on the streets in Hong Kong. However, it doesn't happen to foreign domestic helpers(FDHs), most of whom are from the Philippines and Indonesia. After six days on duty, they spend their weekly day off on footbridges, parks, and paths to relax and socialize with friends. Although the Labour Department (LD) has appealed to them to stay home on their rest day and stay away from crowded public places to minimize the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, most of them don't show worries. On Sunday, February 16, 2020, it is still bustling and packed with FDHs in Central district, the area they usually choose for gathering.
1. There are more 3 groups of domestic helpers dancing and doing aerobics with music to keep fit and entertain themselves.
2. A general view of domestic helpers occupying roads outside the Central station on Sunday.
3. "The Wuhan virus doesn't affect our life at all," one domestic helper said, who gave her surname Beleno.
4. One domestic helper who gave her surname Cainglit said the food at the gathering was the same as what they prepared before the outbreak of coronavirus.
5. "The (corona)virus isn't near us at all," Rose Ann, the one in a pink beanie, said. Her friends around agreed with her.
6. The domestic helpers who only gave their surname Rodriguez, left and Ayala, try different poses for selfies and chat with their families back home.
7. Apart from public roads and squares, the telephone booth is also a choice for domestic helpers who don't gather with friends to rest.
8. Along the sidewalk, there are many Pakistani selling T-shirts. It costs $10 to buy one.
"Our business isn't affected by the (corona)virus," the stand owner said, who gave his surname Khan.
9. Domestic helpers are rehearsing for the beauty pageants with their coach in a yellow coat.
10. One domestic helper is trimming her bangs and says, "We still hold gatherings with close friends weekly as usual. " She declined to give her name.
11. Most people wear surgical masks at gatherings. But as they will have meals, do exercise and even do Karaoke, they don't wear masks all the time.
12. Some domestic helpers change their original gathering places to meet with more friends.
13. Many people will also buy hot meals here. Then at gatherings, they sit close in a circle and share food and drinks with each other.
14. Statue Square is also crowded with domestic helpers.
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