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Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor cautioned against panic buying arising from fears over a citywide compulsory testing in March, saying citizens' needs will be considered when the scheme is rolled out.
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Details of the compulsory testing scheme covering the whole population have yet to be announced. Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said in order for the mass testing to produce the best possible result, authorities will have to restrict and reduce the movement of people to ensure minimal social interactions between them.
Fears about lockdowns have prompted citizens to empty shelves of supermarkets.
On Monday evening, Lam called on the public not to cause panic by spreading unfounded rumours.
Authorities will consider Hong Kong's actual circumstances when implementing the mass testing operation. Opinions of the community will be taken into account, Lam added.
She stressed the supply of “major food groups such as rice and noodles” were normal.
She also said that the Hong Kong government has established logistics chains with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government to ensure a stable supply of food.
Meanwhile, supermarket chain ParknShop clarified on social media that all stores will open as usual next week, refuting online rumors saying all branches will be closed next Monday.
Read more: Panic buying continues as Covid cases surge
Citizens stocked up on food amid uncertainties over arrangement of a citywide testing to launch in March.
Supermarket shelves were emptied on Monday.
