Editorial | Mandatory testing of Hong Kong’s high-risk groups key to eliminating coronavirus

  • With locally acquired infections rising to worrying levels and a fourth virus wave on the horizon, loopholes must be closed and laws followed for Hong Kong to have any return to normal life

A woman in a face mask with a selfie stick poses for a photo with the Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline in the background. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Locally acquired infections of Covid-19 in Hong Kong, particularly those of unknown origin, have risen to worrying levels, sparking concerns of a fourth wave of the disease.

The government has to take decisive action. Consideration of mandatory testing makes sense, although if implemented, such a step needs to be properly targeted at high-risk groups. To be effective, it has to be accompanied by stringent contact tracing and a population that understands the importance of strict adherence to social distancing rules.

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