The Social Welfare Department announced today that in light of the rising occupancy rate of the Temporary Quarantine Centre at AsiaWorld-Expo, the Kai Tak Quarantine Centre will begin operations on September 2.

The Kai Tak Quarantine Centre will receive residents of the residential care homes for the elderly who have been identified as close contacts by the Centre for Health Protection.

It is equipped with 786 beds among which 260 beds will initially be available for use. The department will closely monitor the development of the epidemic and put the remaining beds into service if necessary.

The quarantine centre will provide basic meals and nursing support without charge. The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Haven of Hope Christian Service will form teams to provide temporary care services, while the Department of Health will facilitate the medical surveillance of the seniors.