Hong Kong Turns Holiday Campgrounds into Quarantine Powerhouses
In a move that’s more “viral” than vacation, officials announced on Thursday that two leisure spots—one a former military base—will double as quarantine stables for anyone who might have brushed up against the Wuhan virus.
Why Get So Serious?
Hong Kong’s been in high‑alert mode since the outbreak began in central China. The city has already lost 17 lives, and that’s not the only time it’s faced a respiratory nightmare.
Remember 17 years ago, when SARS swept through the city? It claimed nearly 300 lives and left a lasting scar on the globe’s densest metropolis.
New Cases and the Race to Test
So far, two residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus—both travellers from Wuhan, currently receiving isolation care in hospitals.
While Macau, the playground for mainland tourists, confirmed two more cases that week, the Macau tourism bureau nixed all official Chinese New Year events in response.
Two Overnight Quarantine Campgrounds
- A holiday park in rural Sai Kung district is ready to host the three people who’ve had close contact with the confirmed cases: a wife and two medical staff.
- A former British military barracks on Hong Kong Island is being prepped to serve as another quarantine hub.
“Full‑Team” Support
Mr. Wong Ka Hing, the Director of the Centre for Health Protection, assured reporters the camps would be run by a dedicated team of staff. He also hinted at expanding mandatory health declarations for travelers on the high‑speed train link with the mainland.
Lessons From the Past
Back in 2003, Hong Kong’s battle against SARS left the city with a new mindfulness around germs. Door handles, elevators, escalator levers—these metallic gateways are now routinely sterilised multiple times a day. Even a stray sneeze on a crowd‑packed subway can trigger a frantic slumber‑over‑a-distance scenario.
Surgical masks are now a staple in city subways and streets, not just the flu season. Many outlets have seen masks sell out in record time.
Fighting the Confusions
While Hong Kong’s past was plagued by secrecy from mainland China, officials claim they’re better prepared this time around. Authorities say they’re now far more open with data.
Still, concerns about Beijing linger, especially with the city’s anti‑government protests simmering over fears of erosion of local freedoms.
Controversies and Criticisms
Opposition lawmakers have voiced ire over letting relatives of the first confirmed case travel on to Manila. The MTR Corporation is also refusing sales to and from Wuhan, and crowds hoping for refunds have jammed up the high‑speed rail terminal.
In Macau, the decision to cancel Chinese New Year celebrations is yet to be officially sanctioned by the government, but the tone of caution is clear.
Bottom Line
With holiday camps turned into quarantine stations, Hong Kong is aiming to keep the virus from spreading before anyone’s tested. Employees are on watch, high‑speed rail links are scrutinized, and the city’s collective war‑on‑germs mindset is back in full force—just as it was during those terrifying SARS years.
