Editorial | Abuse of quarantine centres to be deplored
- With stocks of pot noodles and hair dryers going missing, those confined to such sites should be grateful for the services they receive and use the facilities properly
Crisis brings out the best in us, as shown in the generous donations of surgical masks to the needy amid a global supply shortage. But, sadly, it also brings out the worst in others. We are not talking about online scammers selling fake health care products, shoppers fighting for toilet rolls or workers not wearing masks in the office.
It has emerged that some people staying in government quarantine centres have blatantly abused both the facilities and services. They may be the minority, but they fail a society struggling to cope with one of the worst health crises the world has seen.
The frustration of those locked up for 14 days in one of three holiday villages for people arriving from the mainland since early February can be imagined.
But that is no excuse to take advantage by simply walking off with stocks of pot noodle provided or keeping hair dryers and extension power cords for personal use.
Some even opted for quarantine owing to the free meals and accommodation offered. The premises are meant to be an alternative to quarantine at home or in hotels. However, one case saw a person admitted for the third time, and of the 700 admissions so far, 20 per cent may involve such abuses, according to the government.
