Tuen Mun residents protest against clinic plan

Tuen Mun residents protest against clinic plan

More than 100 people marched on Sunday morning to protest against a government plan to convert an outpatient clinic in Tuen Mun into a designated clinic for suspected coronavirus patients.



It's the latest in a series of protests in communities across the SAR against plans to open clinics for people with minor symptoms of Covid-19.



Government officials say the clinics will ease the burden on public hospitals and will save patients from taking long journeys. They say the plan will only take effect if the virus outbreak here intensifies.



Chanting slogans and holding up placards, the protesters marched from Tsing Yin Garden to the Yan Oi General Outpatient Clinic.



Some said they were worried that the arrangement could lead to a community outbreak of the disease, as the clinic is near homes and schools. Others were unhappy that the government did not consult the public.



After the march, some protesters shouted abuse at riot police on standby outside the clinic. Some held flags with anti-government slogans, including calls for Hong Kong independence.



Residents of Kowloon Bay are also expected to protest against plans for a clinic there on Sunday night.