(29 Feb 2020) LEAD IN: A robot is helping to keep elderly people in Hong Kong safe from a deadly virus by allowing them to make video calls.
Visits to an elderly care centre have been restricted in the wake of COVID-19, but Temi the robot means residents can still stay in touch with their relatives.
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This robot means residents at an elderly care centre can stay in touch with family - without risking infection from a deadly virus.
It allows them to make video calls to loved ones who can't visit in person.
"Because of the recent epidemic, we have prohibited families from visiting our elderly home since early in the lunar new year," explains Wong Ka Cheong, a staff member at the centre.
"But of course, our elderly residents would feel depressed when they cannot meet their families. With the help of this robot, they can make video calls, so families can still communicate with the elderly face-to-face without being here physically."
The outbreak of the virus COVID-19 has caused a lot of disruption to everyday life in Hong Kong.
Schools are suspended, many workers have been advised to work from home and social activities are not recommended.
And with elderly considered particularly vulnerable to the virus, it's important to safeguard their health as much as possible.
Leung Miu Chi has been allowed to come and see her mother Kwan Fung Kwan today.
But it is not always the case.
Speaking over a video call at least provides some reassurance when she can't see her mother face to face.
"Sometimes I will notice she has forgotten to put in her dentures, I can immediately ask the nurses to remind her. This makes me relieved, as I can monitor and notice her changes and feelings," says Leung Miu Chi.
"It is easier when we can see each other face-to-face. Just calling on phone may not be that accurate, but when I see her, it is safer to know that she's doing fine."
The robot, called Temi, was invented by a company from Tel Aviv in Israel.
And it can do much more than just facilitate video calls.
"We bought this robot and started to use it since late January," says Wong Ka Cheong.
"It has a self-navigation function, it can make video calls, patrol around the center and provides different information and access to the internet. Other than these functions, it can also measure the elderly's temperatures and help transport simple objects."
The robot can remind residents to do their daily routine - like washing hands and doing exercise - through its voice prompt function.
As at February 28, 92 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Hong Kong. Two patients have died.
The government has set up a quarantine centre for people who are at higher risk of catching the coronavirus, for example those who were in close contact with infected patients, or have visited mainland China.
The government has advised citizens not to go to crowded places, like public transportation, and to wear a surgical mask at all times.
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