Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Infected US consulate employees in HK reportedly reject quarantine, sparking public outcry
By Global Times

Two employees of the US consulate in Hong Kong have tested positive for COVID-19 but refused to be quarantined, local Hong Kong media reported Monday. Their behavior has drawn public outcry as of Monday afternoon.

"We have been informed that two Consulate General employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Due to privacy concerns, we are not able to share additional information," according to an official announcement published by the consulate on its website on Monday, confirming the situation.

According to local media Dot News, both employees refused to accept the quarantine arrangement on the grounds of diplomatic immunity. They are still roaming the community after the preliminary diagnosis and working in the consulate, posing a huge potential hazard to the prevention and fight against the epidemic, Dot News reported on Monday, quoting government sources.

While notifying the consulate's indefinite temporary closure, the consulate did not respond to earlier news that two employees had refused to be quarantined.

" We can confirm that the employees in question do not work in offices that interact with the public," said the consulate. "We have closed the Consulate General to perform a deep disinfection and cleaning, while appropriate contact tracing is completed."

Hong Kong's Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said on Monday that the two cases will be handled seriously.

"Those who tested positive in initial tests also need to be isolated as soon as possible. We must find their close contacts and do more tests," Chan said.

The employees' arrogant outlaw behavior sparked public outrage.

"They can do whatever they want to do in the US, but they must obey local rules as long as they are in the Chinese territory," a netizen wrote on China's Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo, slamming their irresponsible behavior.

"The Chinese government should evict them from the country," another said.

Chan said that government authorities have contacted the US consulate regarding the issue. The government will announce any update on the issue as soon as possible.

The US consulate in Hong Kong could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Gatsby

The US consulate in Hong Kong is US Territory.

Lonewolf

They should obey the law of the land

Michael10

Your title says it all, "sheer ignorance".

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Absolutely... Too bad they don't live at the consulate... Te moment they leave the premise they are on Chinese ground...

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

One would think...

Love the new avatar

Hw are you feeling???

Strycker Loc: The middle of somewhere else.

When in Rome. Though I suppose since the consulate is technically not in Rome (Hong Cong) then the whole consulate should be required to quarantine for the appropriate number of days.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Here's the thing; by the time someone tests positive, they may already been shedding the virus, so, even if personnel are tested daily...................................it's far too late for quarantine anyway.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

So just let infected people roam freely.... How's that working out for you guys???

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

They are... And disinfecting the consulate.

Gatsby

It's working. South Dakota's unemployment is 3%, business is booming, and many states have more

deaths per capita. Some of us don't have to be "taken care of" from cradle to grave.

Michael10

6 states have more deaths per capita, 6,,, 1 state per capita has more cases, North Dekota. Gotta wonder about the thinking of someone bragging the state with one of the least population per mile that high on the list, any list is not a plan to follow.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

I'm just saying, the entire Consular staff, including local employees, eateries, bars and anywhere else those infected folks have gone would have to be quarantined until contact tracing was complete. Here, contract tracing is for shit - and - stopping testing has seen the virus all but go away.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Which is what China does when infections are found... We're still scanning everywhere we go so that we can contact trace..

F.D.R.

Then they should stay within the 'U.S. territory' and not make waves. A couple of 'privileged' assholes.