Exclusive | Hong Kong third wave: social-distancing measures not likely to be relaxed until citywide coronavirus testing wraps up in mid-September
- Sources say the testing, which will begin on September 1, is expected to take two weeks
- But despite decline in daily new cases, when it comes to social distancing, ‘any relaxation will be only after September 15’
The universal testing, involving 150 testing spots across 18 districts, is expected to be completed in two weeks starting from September 1. Details will be announced on Friday afternoon.
The local coronavirus situation appeared to be improving, with 18 new cases, the lowest daily infection count in more than six weeks. The government announced that some basic public services which had previously been suspended or reduced would gradually resume from next Monday.
The tally of confirmed cases stood at 4,604, with 75 related deaths, including three on Thursday – two women, aged 72 and 92, and a man, 71.
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From September 1, any resident who would like a coronavirus test can go to one of 150 swabbing stations to be set up in playgrounds and large community centres, according to sources familiar with the policymaking process. They will have to first register in an online system designed by the Innovation and Technology Bureau, and will be assigned a time slot afterwards.