Coronavirus: Hong Kong scrambles to find sites for quarantine centres as residents cry ‘not in my backyard’

Prefabricated units can be built within weeks to quarantine contacts of patients, government sources say

Various plans have run into opposition among residents and local leaders as a ‘not in my backyard’ mentality takes hold over fears the disease will spread

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Hongkongers are worried the coronavirus will spread in the community. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 8:00am, 5 Feb 2020Updated: 10:39am, 5 Feb 2020

The Hong Kong government has identified remote sites where prefabricated units can be built within six weeks to quarantine contacts of patients struck by the deadly coronavirus, the Post has learned.

The move is part of the government’s efforts to search for new sites or extend existing facilities for potential quarantine centres to contain the spread of the outbreak that originated in Wuhan.

Officials also contacted hotel owners about renting smaller properties for quarantine purposes and are studying the feasibility of converting a police youth training centre in Yuen Long.

But such plans are running into strong opposition among residents and local leaders as a “not in my backyard”, or “Nimby”, mentality takes hold over fears the disease will spread in their neighbourhood.

A government source said officials had identified one or two sites in far-flung areas in the New Territories where units could be built using prefab technology or modular integrated construction to house people who had contact with confirmed cases.

“The prefabricated units would be ready in five or six weeks. At least 100 places will be available for quarantine purposes,” the source said.

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