HONG KONG, March 17 (Xinhua) — The fifth community isolation facility (CIF) in Hong Kong constructed with support from the mainland was put into operation on Thursday after it was handed over to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

John Lee, chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, on Thursday visited the newly-built CIF located in Hung Shui Kiu, Hong Kong, which can provide about 2,350 beds for COVID-19 patients.

The facility, which covers a land area of about 32,000 square meters, is composed of modular cubicles, with each room equipped with basic furniture and bedding, air conditioner, and smoke sensor, among others.

Designed and built by the China State Construction International Holdings Ltd., the construction of the facility was completed in less than a month.

The CIF also sets aside sections for care services for the elderly, which will begin operation in April.

During his visit, Lee expressed his gratitude to the central government’s aid in Hong Kong’s epidemic fight, noting that the five CIFs provide over 10,000 beds and play a very important role in reducing severe cases, deaths in confirmed cases, and infections.

On Thursday, Hong Kong registered 8,628 new COVID-19 cases by nucleic acid tests, and 13,022 additional positive cases through self-reported rapid antigen tests, official data showed.

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