Coronavirus Hong Kong: rail giant, utilities and telecoms bolster protective measures to ensure smooth operations amid surging fifth wave

Steps include tougher social-distancing rules, suspension of face-to-face meetings and quick test kits for workers

MTR Corporation taking extra steps to ensure no outbreaks among its employees jeopardise regular service for public

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A cleaner disinfects a turnstile at Mei Foo MTR station. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 8:24pm, 9 Feb 2022Updated: 3:24pm, 11 Feb 2022

Hong Kong’s rail operator, public utilities and telecoms firms have ramped up their Covid-19 precautionary measures to ensure service can continue largely uninterrupted during the escalating fifth wave.

The measures included stringent social-distancing measures, work-from-home arrangements for office staff, suspension of face-to-face meetings, enhanced protective equipment and quick test kits for employees.

The MTR Corporation, which employs more than 17,000 staff and carries an average of 3.5 million passengers per day, resumed its work-from-home arrangements for back-office staff on February 5.

The rail giant also told its workers last month they would not be allowed to enter the company’s premises if they had not had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by February 23, except for those who were medically exempted. The firm would not accept regular testing as an alternative, it added.

A company spokeswoman said the rail operator had prepared contingency measures should the number of staff infections increase.

“In view of the possibility that the number of staff infections may increase along with the escalating pandemic, our company has already drawn up a contingency plan,” she said. “We’ll also keep a close eye on the pandemic situation and will make necessary adjustments accordingly.”

The enhanced measures came as Hong Kong confirmed 1,161 new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, marking the first time the daily case count has surpassed 1,000 since the pandemic began.