Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong today visited the isolation and holding centre at Harbour Road Sports Centre in Wan Chai, which will start service on March 16.

China Resources Charity Foundation donated 1,000 hospital beds to the Social Welfare Department and helped the Government to set up isolation and holding centres in various sports centres.

At the donation ceremony, Dr Law said the isolation and holding centres aim to look after frail elderly COVID-19 patients in a stable condition with mild symptoms or under recovery. They are referred by the Hospital Authority to cater for the needs of residents and seniors who may not return to their residential care homes or residences immediately. 

He added that the purpose of the centres is to vacate hospital beds to provide medical and care services to people with greater needs.

On increasing the manpower of care workers, Dr Law said dual-track recruitment both locally and in the Mainland are in progress. The first three batches of some 120 Mainland care workers have entered service or are under training. About 240 more are expected to arrive within this week.