John Lee Hails 'miraculous' New Isolation Facility

Chief Secretary John Lee on Tuesday hailed the speedy, seven-day construction of a new isolation facility in Tsing Yi as "miraculous", as the centre began admitting people with Covid-19 who have no or only mild symptoms.

The site is the first of a number that Beijing is helping to build amid the fifth wave of Covid infections in Hong Kong.

Almost 4,000 beds will be available at the Tsing Yi emergency community isolation facility, inside shipping containers.

Each isolation unit has three beds, and those staying there will have to share toilets and bathrooms.

Speaking after visiting the site, Lee said he expected operations on the first day to go smoothly.

"We have deliberately brought in staff who'd previously operated other isolation facilities, to ensure that any possible problems can be solved and identified, and to formulate contingency plans to cater for different needs," he said.

"I believe there will be special arrangements on the first day, but most importantly, we have staff with the most experience, who are flexible in responding to any circumstances. There will be medical workers on site as well."

The top official also appealed for calm amid reports of supermarket shelves being stripped of food and daily essentials over growing speculation of an imminent citywide lockdown.

While Lee stopped short of confirming that people will be ordered to stay at home during an upcoming mass testing exercise, he said details of the arrangements will be released in good time.

"We absolutely understand that citizens are eager to know the details. We also know that we must inform everyone ahead of time so that they can make preparations," he said.

"The government will definitely do our best in ensuring supplies of food and daily necessities, so everyone should not worry about it. At this moment, Hong Kong has sufficient supplies."