Three holding centres to commence operation

     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced today (December 9) that, in light of the rising number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community and residential care homes (RCHs), the quarantine centres at Tsuen Wan West Sports Centre and Lung Sum Avenue Sports Centre will be converted to holding centres (HCs) on December 12 and December 14 respectively. A new holding centre at Hall 8 of AsiaWorld-Expo will also commence operation on December 14.
      
     The three centres will receive COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms. Basic meals and nursing support will also be provided without charge. The Hospital Authority will collaborate with private medical vendors to provide medical support. The number of beds, service targets and care teams of the three centres are set out in the table below:
 

 
     The SWD expresses heartfelt gratitude to the above teams for their professional services and support for the centres.
      
     Meanwhile, the HCs at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre, Siu Sai Wan Sports Centre, Tin Shui Wai Sports Centre, Harbour Road Sports Centre and Choi Wing Road Sports Centre will continue to be in operation. The Temporary Quarantine Centre at Halls 3, 6, 9 and 11 of AsiaWorld-Expo will also continue to receive those elderly persons and persons with disabilities in RCHs who are identified as close contacts.
      
     The SWD will continue to monitor the epidemic situation closely. If necessary, and upon liaison with relevant bureaux and departments, the SWD will swiftly mobilise resources and prepare venues to activate other holding centres or quarantine facilities.