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LettersWhy must Hong Kong put Covid-19 holding centre in heart of crowded Kowloon City?

  • More transparency needed over decision to use a hotel in a densely populated district with a large number of seniors

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Police officers at the Regal Oriental Hotel in Kowloon City on April 21. The hotel has been turned into a temporary overnight holding centre for asymptomatic returnees landing in the afternoon or evening. Photo: Sam Tsang
Letters
I live in Kowloon City, opposite the Regal Oriental Hotel. I heard rumours on April 20 that the hotel would be turned into a Covid-19 holding centre, and this was confirmed by the government the same afternoon. I knew this would come, as the press had swiftly gathered outside the hotel way earlier, and I basically witnessed everything from my balcony.

Some things just do not add up in my mind. I wish somebody, if not Chief Executive Carrie Lam or Professor Sophia Chan, could offer some convincing answers.

First, logistically, why Regal Oriental Hotel in Kowloon City in the first place? It is a 30-minute drive from the airport even on a no-traffic day. This unnecessarily long ride from Chek Lap Kok to Kowloon City is very likely to increase the chances of virus transmission. Funnily enough, under the same hotel group, why not choose Regal Airport Hotel, which is a lot farther from the city?

Second, the Regal Oriental is next door to hundreds of households along Sa Po Road, Carpenter Road and Kai Tak Road. Kowloon City is a densely populated old district with a big elderly population – an age group with a much higher Covid-19 risk and fatality rate.

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I assume that asymptomatic travellers would strictly stay in the hotel. But, even if their initial test results are negative, they could be silent carriers! Who can ensure public safety if they were to travel home from Kowloon City on public transport?

And if they decided to hang out in Kowloon City to “celebrate the last two hours of freedom” before the 14-day self-quarantine at home, by enjoying a nice meal or simply getting necessities from the fresh market here, neighbourhood residents could only live in fear while small businesses here would struggle even further.

If the government continues to turn a blind eye to our opposing voices and insists on using the hotel, why can’t they arrange to transfer those travellers back home to reduce infection risks and prevent a community spread? And please don’t deflect the question by saying the quarantine bracelets cannot be hidden.

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