Chinese firm to build COVID facilities as Hong Kong infections spiral – The Peninsula Qatar

Chinese firm to build COVID facilities as Hong Kong infections spiral – The Peninsula Qatar

HONG KONG - Hong Kong has contracted a Chinese firm to build eight isolation and treatment facilities to help fight a worsening COVID-19 outbreak, as the government said on Friday daily cases in the global financial hub surged beyond 10,000 - a new record.

The temporary facilities, to be built by China State Construction International Holdings Ltd and with a combined capacity of 50,000 beds, will be spread across Hong Kong, including on private land lent for free by developers.

"The target is to maximise the site utilisation and complete the relevant works as soon as possible, equipping Hong Kong for the fight against the epidemic," the government said in a statement.

Hong Kong officially does not allow people to self-isolate, although thousands have been doing so as infections rise faster than new rooms become available.

Authorities reported a new record of 10,010 confirmed infections over the past 24 hours, up from Thursday's 8,798, and 47 deaths. Around 420 care homes have been infected.

The timeframe for completion of the new facilities was not clear as some experts predict the city could have 180,000 cases per day in March.

The move follows promises of "staunch support" from mainland Chinese authorities, with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam