Hong Kong protests: Queen Elizabeth Hospital guards against tear gas amid nearby clashes between radicals and riot police
- Windows sealed with tape, air purifiers brought in and medical appointments cancelled after multiple rounds of tear gas fired in neighbourhood
- Nurses’ quarters and ambulatory care centre, which are closest to Gascoigne Road, were most affected
A major public hospital in Hong Kong sealed its windows with tape, installed air purifiers and postponed some medical appointments after intense rounds of tear gas were fired in the surrounding area on Monday.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei carried out the measures as Gascoigne Road, a main traffic artery next to the facility, was one of the major sites of afternoon clashes between radicals and police. Police fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse the radicals.
The hospital’s nurses’ quarters and ambulatory care centre, which are closest to the road, were most affected. There was a strong smell of tear gas when the Post was there at around 3pm.
Patients were asked to stay in safe locations indoors, and those planning to visit the hospital’s specialist outpatient clinic, were asked not to do so on Monday and to reschedule their appointments.
Hospital staff distributed and wore N95 masks, which are used to protect against hazardous substances.