Get to know the first of eight new quarantine facilities that Beijing is helping Hong Kong build… Just in case.
The Tsing Yi Covid-19 isolation centre, sometimes referred to as a mobile cabin hospital, was constructed in seven days using shipping containers and provides up to 3,900 beds for those diagnosed with Covid-19, asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Each of these isolation units holds three beds, and there are shared bathroom and toilet facilities at the location.
As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc in Hong Kong, it’s important to remain calm and prepare yourself for whatever happens. So, equip yourself with knowledge and learn 10 things you need to know about these centres and what to expect inside these mobile cabins.
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A spokesman for the Security Bureau in Hong Kong emphasised that the washrooms are equipped with Western-style sitting toilets and squat toilets, both of which are separated from each other. There are also showers with hot water supplied and antibacterial hand wash is provided in the toilets.
Authorities have stated that the food supplier will provide four choices of meals every day with meat, vegetarian, and halal options, as well as fruit. Some individuals who have already been admitted to the isolation centre are said to have received fried food, noodles, spaghetti, and curry.
Some individuals that have been in isolation centres say that there is no WiFi available when you stay there and that they have had to rely on their own mobile data to access the internet. The Security Bureau responded that Hong Kong Telecom would add 5G network coverage and arrange free local data if necessary.
There is air-conditioning available inside the units and basic necessities, including a kettle, plug adapter, power extension cord, pillows, sheets and quilts. Three meals a day are also provided.
A spokesman for the Security Bureau explained that the centre is managed humanely with community isolation in mind. Therefore free newspapers are available as well as books, magazines, and children’s toys (to be arranged later). However, those already staying in the isolation centre have said no reading materials have been made available just yet.
It is recommended to bring your own hairdryer, along with plenty of snacks, cup noodles, slippers, shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste and towels.
Yes, only two-pin sockets (usually found in Mainland China) are available for use in the mobile cabins, but the isolation centre does provide additional adapters and extension cords.
If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, the government will notify you directly if you need to be admitted to an isolation centre. The authorities will provide a bus, for the centre’s exclusive use, to take you there. Check-in is then arranged with an average waiting time of two to three hours.
As of March 8, 970 rooms have been occupied, with an occupancy rate of 80 percent.
According to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Chapter 599), the relevant personnel have the right to take a person diagnosed with Covid-19 to the community isolation facility. If the person refuses to cooperate, they may be committing an offence in obstructing a public official. They can be fined $5,000 and sentenced to imprisonment of two months. It is also possible to be fined $5,000 and sentenced to six months in prison if a confirmed patient of Covid-19 leaves the site during their required quarantine period.
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