Quarantined HK hotel guests complain about detention
By Channel NewsAsia's Hong Kong Bureau Chief Roland Lim | Posted: 04 May 2009 1925 hrs

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HONG KONG: Hong Kong's health authorities are testing three new suspected cases for the H1N1 virus after a Mexican visitor tested positive last week. They included a taxi-driver who had been in contact with the Mexican.

Even though there are no new confirmed cases, some 300 guests and staff remain quarantined at a hotel.

It is Day Four at ground zero for Hong Kong's first H1N1 case – the Metropark Hotel. An amateur video shot by a British businessman showed guests wearing masks and mingling in the hotel lobby as health workers carried out their duties.

All those stuck in the hotel appear to be healthy, but some guests have complained about food arrangements and the seven-day detention.

There have been reports that hotel guests' tempers have been fraying and emotions were running high. Authorities even had to send in psychiatrists to counsel those who were affected.

Authorities have come out to justify the quarantine measures, following criticisms that they were over-reacting.

Professor Gabriel Leung, under-secretary, Food & Health, said: "The reason is because we have had a confirmed case and no evidence of any community transmission. The major public health objective at this point in time is to contain the transmission and completely interrupt the chain of transmission."

Authorities are still trying to trace another 46 hotel guests who fled the premises and have yet to return.

The names of the missing persons have been passed to immigration officials and they will not be allowed to leave the city.


- CNA/so