Hong Kong to open Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre for incoming domestic helpers

Hong Kong will open the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre in late September for incoming foreign domestic helpers to undergo their 21-day compulsory quarantine.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the Centre will provide around 800 units, at a room rate of no more than HK$500 per night.

The Hong Kong leader admitted that the number of quarantine rooms for the helpers was insufficient, with only one hotel providing such services. However, she stressed that the move was to allow helpers to arrive in Hong Kong in an orderly fashion, avoiding a surge in imported cases which may cripple the city’s healthcare system.

She said the center will be run by the Civil Aid Service and other government departments.

“Bookings for the center will open at a later date, as it takes time to set up a booking system, allocate manpower, and arrange for food at the facility,” Lam added.