Calls to set up "Covid clinics” at the 18 districts

Civic Party lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki suggested that instead of introducing mandatory testing for patients with symptoms, the government should set up “Covid clinics” at the 18 districts.

Kwok, also a urology doctor, said if doctors have to report to authorities about suspected coronavirus cases, it would seriously undermine the trust between doctors and patients.

“Giving away confidential information and demanding patients to receive any test is against the doctor’s code of practice, any medical staff would possibly be penalized for doing so,” Kwok said.

Kwok also pointed out that fever and headaches are symptoms commonly seen in many other sicknesses, if all patients with such symptoms are required to get tested for the coronavirus, it would be a waste of government resources.

He also feared such a move will scare off patients seeking medical attention, increasing the chances of a community outbreak.

He also slammed authorities’ latest easing of social distancing measures, questioning the decision of allowing 30-person local tours and 50-person wedding ceremonies, while the 4-person gathering cap in public areas is still in force. He said the government is trying to suppress public demonstrations through such “disease prevention measures”.