TCM joins the fight

Cheung recognizes that TCM treatment is a gradual process, affecting the body slowly, at least when compared to Western medicine. She does not expect three doses of Chinese medicine will make her immune to the virus but she does believe it will make her stronger if she comes in contact with it. Cheung is out in the shops these days, buying the ingredients listed on the package the school sent. She's making her own medicine and believes that it will make her stronger and help her avoid the disease.

Polly Seto Man-yee, unit-in-charge of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui's Tai Wo Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, said many recipients told her the medicine is not as bitter as Chinese medicine usually is and that they are sleeping better these days.

The chairman of the Fong Shu Fook Tong Foundation and Fong's Family Foundation, Henry Fong Yun-wah, donated HK$100,000 ($12,900) to help the school's charitable effort, allowing more people to get the benefits.

Fong's donation paid for more than 2,000 doses of Chinese medicine that were delivered free to hospitals and elderly community centers. More than 700 people are getting the benefits.

"I deeply appreciate the kindness and philanthropy of Fong, who always cares for vulnerable groups and always keeps his enthusiasm for helping charities," said Bian. "This donation will improve the health of the elderly, but also help reduce panic by increasing confidence in the fight against the coronavirus."

The school estimates that so far, more than 13,000 people have benefited from the free medicine delivery since the program started this year.