‘Quarantine is not punishment’: angry residents at Hong Kong government Covid-19 facility in Penny’s Bay complain of delays, blunders

Hiccups among issues sparked under city’s tough zero-Covid policy, prompting apology from city leader

One resident appeals for ‘safety and dignity’, claiming calls to camp hotline went unanswered for hours

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Staff and residents at Penny’s Bay. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 2:58pm, 15 Jan 2022Updated: 8:07pm, 15 Jan 2022

Management hiccups and blunders at a government-run quarantine camp in Penny’s Bay during a growing Omicron outbreak in Hong Kong have left many residents upset and prompted an apology from the city’s leader.

Prolonged isolation, postponed tests, delayed meals, unanswered hotline calls, as well as issues with power supply and mobile phone reception were among distressing episodes experienced by those sent to the facility.

More than 60 Omicron cases have been tied to an infected Cathay Pacific flight attendant who flouted home-isolation rules. Some 4,700 people deemed close contacts have been sent to Penny’s Bay, including 113 participants in a birthday bash for a pro-Beijing figure. The party, which has since ballooned into a political scandal, included senior government officials and lawmakers.

An aerial view of the Penny’s Bay quarantine centre on Lantau Island. Photo: May Tse

Rambo Yu, director of the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry, who was serving mandatory quarantine at Penny’s Bay after attending the event, said on Friday that services had deteriorated over the past few days.

“The meals are often an hour late,” he said. “Given the food quality, I have given up waiting for it and instead am relying on food I brought in, or deliveries from my family and friends.”

Yu also said there had been a three-hour power outage on Wednesday afternoon. Residents were informed in advance of maintenance work, but Yu added he was surprised to find his mobile phone signal was also affected in the period.