(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government is looking into using AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) as a community isolation facility to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to a question during a press conference this afternoon on how long it would take to transform AsiaWorld-Expo into an isolation centre, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said the Government is inspecting the facility and moving in equipment.

“We have already started looking into the AWE and checked, for example, the air changes and also other facilities.

“We are also trying our best to put in the AWE, for example, the required furniture, such as beds and all those.

“So those are almost ready and one of the halls should be ready towards the end of next week.”

Prof Chan explained that AsiaWorld-Expo would be used for two purposes.

“One is for the decanting of our elderly homes in case there are more outbreaks. And second is for some cases and some isolation facilities for the Hospital Authority.”

At the press conference, Chief Executive Carrie Lam also announced measures to deal with the latest wave of the pandemic.

Along with the AsiaWorld-Expo, quarantine facilities in Lei Yue Mun Park & Holiday Village will soon be converted into an isolation centre as part of the measures.

The holiday village will provide about 300 units to isolate COVID-19 patients with mild or no symptoms, Mrs Lam said.