Hong Kong third wave: 5 million city residents to be tested for Covid-19, health minister says
- Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan says the government is finalising details for a voluntary coronavirus testing plan
- Infectious disease expert Joseph Tsang says officials will have to standardise procedures to ensure all samples taken are valid
Hong Kong expects 5 million people to take part in a massive voluntary coronavirus testing programme, the city’s health minister has said.
While details for the testing have yet to be finalised, those wishing to take part will have to register, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said.
The plan was announced last Friday by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, and three laboratories from mainland China have been selected to help carry out the tests.
A team of 60 medical experts from mainland China will lead the process.
“We are still deciding on the exact process, but those who want to get tested will have to register first,” Chan said on a radio show, adding that the Innovation and Technology Bureau would help set up the registration system.