Letters | Coronavirus: Hong Kong must spell out the rules in case of fire risk at quarantine hotel

While the exact circumstances of this incident may be unclear, what is absolutely clear is that critical health and safety measures by hotels must be upheld even during a pandemic.

Therefore, we urge the Department of Health to immediately make clear that those undergoing quarantine will not be penalised for leaving isolation in a genuine emergency, and to remind designated hotels of their responsibilities to ensure they have policies in place for those undergoing quarantine in the event of a fire alarm.

This should include: 1) reassurance that, in the event of a genuine fire safety risk, those in quarantine are correct to immediately exit the building, and 2) a reminder that hotels should provide fire safety information appropriate for those undergoing quarantine, in order to avoid hesitation by guests.

The Buildings Department’s Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings, 2011, emphasises the essential importance of evacuation time and clear procedure: “Building management should provide an appropriately and effectively managed process to allow for orderly evacuation in case of fire.”

Naturally, this process may require some special consideration with regard to quarantined guests. For instance, guests may be urged to leave and, if possible, continue to exercise appropriate social distancing. Cleaning measures may then be taken, and a particular staircase or exit may be used for such guests where possible.