The Hong Kong government announced that from today, February 8, Covid-19 patients with mild or no symptoms will be transferred to Penny’s Bay. The decision was taken based on data stating that low-risk patients “do not require any treatment” and “only need to be isolated,” according to Hospital Authority Chief Manager Dr. Larry Lee.
Dr. Lee added that a medical post will be set up at Penny’s Bay to provide patient support such as medical consultation and symptom-relieving medications if required.
At the same briefing, it was announced that, effective today, close contacts and household members of close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 patients who meet certain criteria can now quarantine at home under the Stay Home Safe programme. Close contacts must isolate for 14 days and family members of close contacts for 4 days. An electronic wristband must be worn that will track their locations.
This follows the record high of 614 confirmed Covid-19 cases on Monday, with over 600 more preliminary positive cases.
The new isolation rules will not apply to international arrivals, who must still spend 14 days at designated quarantine hotels. International arrivals into Hong Kong stopped being allowed to do home quarantine in December 2020.
Header image credits: Andrii Makukha, CC BY-SA 4.0
