Mixing public health with politics may be perilous, especially amid an ongoing battle against Covid-19. Unfortunately, the government’s voluntary universal testing scheme has become a victim of political attacks before it formally begins today. The escalating war of words between the authorities and critics must not become an obstacle for citizens wanting to come forward. The choice is, ultimately, entirely personal and voluntary. It is to be hoped that the scheme can be conducted smoothly so more will feel comfortable to join. Officials should also further explain the rationale behind the exercise to encourage wider participation. The registration figures released by the government – some 500,000 within 48 hours – appear to have defied fears of an underwhelming response. Bookings for today at 80 of the 141 sample collection centres are already full. To the relief of the government, the initial response signifies a good start. What you need to know about Hong Kong’s mass Covid-19 tests However there have been reports of employees coming under pressure to sign up, of registrations made with fake information and individuals having their personal data used without authorisation. Such irregularities do nothing for public confidence and should be investigated further. The Beijing-assisted programme, officials say, only serves to identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus and help cut hidden transmission chains in the community. But concerns over its risks and effectiveness, coupled with the prevailing anti-mainland sentiment in some quarters, have provided ammunition for political point-scoring. In response, the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and Beijing’s liaison office have issued separate statements saying such actions are evil and disregard people’s health . Hong Kong records 9 Covid-19 cases as top officials prepare to take test It is regrettable that officials have to fight not just the coronavirus, but also mounting criticism and scepticism. Members of the public are being urged to participate to help protect themselves as critics call for a boycott, saying the tests will be ineffective. Social media is also awash with what appears to be disinformation campaigns. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide whether to come forward, having fully considered the pros and cons. As with the registration for free masks, the latest exercise is seen by some as a test in public trust in the government and Beijing. But for the less politically minded citizens, it is nothing more than another step to combat the epidemic, albeit a belated one. Registrations so far are just a fraction of the city’s 7.5 million population. Depending on the response, the week-long scheme may be extended for seven days. Whether it can proceed smoothly and detect silent transmitters shall continue to affect the numbers taking part.