Gov’t calls on public to avail of mass testing with 27 new COVID-19 cases in city

August 21, 2020

About 3,800 frontline staff from Hong Kong Post responsible for mail delivery, outdoor duties and counter services undergo COVID-19 testing. (SOURCE: news.gov.hk)

The Hong Kong government on Friday appealed to the public to avail of the city-wide testing set to roll out on Sept. 1, as it recorded 27 new cases of coronavirus.

“For the good of yourself, and for the good of others, in safeguarding public health, please take part in the scheme,” said Chief Executive Carrie Lam in Cantonese in a press conference.

Lam said the testing —which they unveiled details of today—will be quick and convenient. She added she and other officials will also be the first to get tested.

Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip said the collection of samples for testing will last for seven days but will be extended to 14 days if needed.

The voluntary, free one-off virus testing in September targets Hong Kong residents with no symptoms and children below six years old.

Nip said the first seven days would be open for registration from the public. People may register online by providing their Hong Kong ID number, mobile number, name, their preferred testing centre, and their preferred date and time for the test.

Online registration for appointment will be available for next week, he added.

All 18 districts will have testing centres open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The centres will be disinfected for an hour each day.

Trained medical professionals will collect nasal and throat swabs. If the sample tests negative, the person would only receive a text message. If it turns out positive, the case will be referred to the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority

Nip added authorities will discard testers’ information and will destroy collected specimens after some time.

The Hong Kong chief added mass testing was possible with the help of the Chinese government.

Lam said the coronavirus’ third wave is still severe, as 30 to 40 percent of cases still have no links. She said the testing will determine the “silent carriers” of the virus.

Seven of the confirmed cases on Friday could not be linked to previous cases. Two more patients with COVID-19 have died, bringing the death count in the city to 75.

Hong Kong has 4,632 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date.

“At the end of the day, it’s the conscientiousness and the civic responsibility of every Hong Kong citizen that counts,” Lam said.