Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan apologised for the inconvenience caused to people under quarantine, saying improvement measures have been immediately carried out at the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre.

The number of contacts undergoing quarantine at the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre had increased substantially in recent days, among which were isolated incidents of individuals who could not receive tests before the end of their quarantine period, resulting in delays in leaving the quarantine centre.

Prof Chan explained to lawmakers today the various enhancement measures taken at the quarantine centre.

To strengthen the operation of the quarantine centre, the Department of Health and the Civil Aid Service (CAS) deployed additional manpower to work at the centre and enhanced manpower from the contractors. The Fire Services Department also temporarily deployed staff to assist in the daily operation of the centre. Currently, the manpower at the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre has increased from 600 to 1,000.

The Civil Aid Service has arranged for more experienced staff to be responsible for data entry and cross-checking of information of people under quarantine every night to ensure the accuracy of records of people checking in and out.

Other than enhancing manpower in handling enquiries from people under quarantine, the quarantine centre also disseminates the latest information to those under quarantine at appropriate times through messaging and instant messaging apps, reducing the number of repetitive enquiries.

The Department of Health has also temporarily set up a 24-hour dedicated hotline for people under quarantine to enquire about the checking-out arrangements.

A cross-departmental co-ordination group has been formed by various departments responsible for the operation of the quarantine centre and led by the Department of Health.

When needed, such as when the number of people under quarantine has drastically increased or when there are updates in the quarantine arrangement, the co-ordination group will strengthen communication among departments and expedite the work of the quarantine centre.