Pok Fu Lam residents defy quarantine camp order

Dozens of residents at a luxury block in Pok Fu Lam are fighting the authorities’ order that they go into quarantine, according to one of the residents there.

On Wednesday, officials demanded that everyone living in the Royalton building move to a quarantine facility after a domestic worker living in the block came down with a highly infectious version of coronavirus.

But some are refusing to leave and have written to Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung and Health Secretary Sophia Chan, complaining that the arrangement is flawed.

One of the residents holding out, Jonathan Cummings, told RTHK that they should be allowed to quarantine at home instead.

“This building is a standalone. It’s not connected and we’re isolated within this building. Many of the residents here are elderly, have special needs, many have children etc. There’s no logic, no need for families, elderly people with special needs to be transferred to live effectively in a quarter cabin for three weeks where they’re arguably … now I am not a scientist … less safe than they are staying here,” he said.

Cummings, who’s the regional head of a global brand consulting and design group, also said his work would be severely affected if went to a quarantine facility for 21 days.

“I run a big international team so naturally, my day-to-day is affected and …. If I can stay at home, I’d be less affected. Being in the quarantine camp will make it almost impossible, particularly with young children, to do much,” he added.

In response, the Department of Health told RTHK that the evacuation process is ongoing, adding that around 80 of the 120 residents have already been moved to quarantine facilities.
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Last updated: 2021-05-06 HKT 22:56