Health chief calls for more to join citywide test scheme

Health chief says the pandemic would be easier to contain if more people are to join the citywide test scheme, which is set to begin on September 1. 

Speaking on a radio program, Sophia Chan Siu-chee says it would be hard to estimate the number of participants volunteering to join the two-week test, as citizens might be less vigilant when the pandemic situation eases.

Chan said authorities would be unveiling more information to ensure the scheme’s transparency, and stressed that participants’ personal data would not be sent outside the SAR. 

She added several thousands of health officials are gearing up for preparation work for the swabbing stations, which she said would be set up in venues managed by the Leisure, Culture and Sports Department like sport grounds or schools. 

The testing centres will be set across all districts in Hong Kong, opening from 8am to 8pm. 

Any resident can register online and go to one of the swabbing stations.

Qualified doctors, nurses, and dentists will collect samples through a mixture of nose and throat swab. Test results would be sent by text message.