Over a million sign up for free virus test

Over one million people have registered for the coronavirus tests since August 29, when the online booking system opened, Patrick Nip Tak-kuen says.

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairds announced the news on a Facebook post, saying that the number exceeded one million as of 11:30 am today. 

Nip added the scheme could help end the third wave of Covid-19 in the SAR, thus allowing the reopening of businesses, and allow a resumption of cross-border travel, apart from offering test-takers the peace of mind they're seeking.

According to the government, since the mass testing program began, on Tuesday, September 1, about 656,000 have booked appointments.

About 186,000 people have booked appointments yesterday.

As of 8:00pm yesterday, about 284,800 specimens collected had been tested.

Positive results will be referred to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Department of Health for confirmatory tests. Confirmed cases will be followed up and announced by the Centre for Health Protection. 

Meanwhile, Alfred Sit Wing-hang, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology said on a radio program this morning called on more people to join the scheme, which had been extended four more days until next Friday. 

Sit said authorities have received 160 complaints about their personal information being used by others to sign up for the tests, adding that some cases involve family members unknowingly helping each other register.

Among the complaints, some 90 cases have been referred to the police for investigation. 

He added that the government would distribute another recyclable face mask to each citizen in the next two weeks ahead of another wave of infections expected in the winter.