A man who arrived in Hong Kong last Sunday escaped quarantine twice—first from his hotel, then from Penny’s Bay where he was sent to—before winding up in a Tseung Kwan O apartment that night.
Police tracked down and arrested the 34-year-old, surnamed Chung, on Monday morning in The Wings II in Tseung Kwan O, putting an end to the dramatic episode.
According to local media, Chung flew in from New Zealand on Sunday morning and went to a hotel in Sheung Wan for his 21-day quarantine.
He escaped the hotel shortly after, according to the Department of Health, and was promptly sent to Penny’s Bay quarantine facility.
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At around 11:15 pm Sunday, staff at Penny’s Bay spotted him hopping onto a private car outside the facility. Failing to chase the man, they then reported the runaway to the police and the Department of Health.
According to the authorities, the man was sent back to the quarantine center Monday afternoon after his arrest to complete the rest of his quarantine.
The health department’s spokesperson said that it may seek legal advice from the Department of Justice if necessary and that the person involved could face prosecution.
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