Residents in Penny's Bay quarantine camp leave rooms without consequence

People who are quarantined at Penny's Bay have walked out of their rooms with no consequence, a netizen has alleged.   

In a post published on forum LIHKG on Wednesday, the netizen claimed one of his family members was sent to Penny's Bay quarantine center a few days ago. Yet, during their stay there, his family found that some other residents had left their rooms and claimed, "these people have been partying and spreading the virus along the corridor day and night."  

The netizen also attached some photos in the post, showing that the neighbors there, with their masks on, were indeed outside their rooms.   

The netizen continued that he had called the hotline of the quarantine camp, and staffers told him they would take follow-up actions, but the situation stayed the same for another two days.   

Therefore, he published the post and asked for help from the internet.   

Many commented that the quarantine camp was just a joke. One netizen mocked the center and wrote, "Even those in jail can go to the playground."   

Others likened the situation to the hit US drama series "Prison Break."   

Respiratory expert Leung Chi-chiu said although the corridors at Penny's Bay are more spacious than at quarantine hotels, and it is less likely for the virus to reach other rooms, the situation is not ideal as cross-infection may take place.   

"The air carrying the virus may remain in the public area. People who have just arrived at the quarantine camp or those who have finished quarantine and are about to leave may be exposed to contaminated air and catch the coronavirus," Leung said.    

"Currently, the government has no mechanism to lengthen the quarantine... It may lead to an outbreak in the community," he added.   

Confirmed patients are quarantined in groups, while people at Penny's Bay are quarantined separately. It is best if they remain in their rooms, he advised.   

As of 9am on Tuesday, there were a total of 2,741 people staying at Penny's Bay, occupying 1,943 units. Another 359 rooms there were available.   

The Standard is verifying the incident with the Department of Health.   

According to the law, people subject to quarantine must not leave the place of quarantine without authorization. Breaching the order is a criminal offense, and the sentence upon conviction carries a HK$25,000 fine and six-month imprisonment.