In Response to Xi Jinping's Warning... Hong Kong Conducts Mandatory COVID-19 Testing for All Citizens

Mandatory 3 Tests for 7.5 Million Citizens... Fine of 1.53 Million Won for Refusal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Hong Kong has announced mandatory COVID-19 mass testing for its 7.5 million residents, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 18th. However, experts warned that such testing could be meaningless unless the city is locked down.

According to SCMP, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's Chief Executive, plans to conduct three rounds of COVID-19 testing for all residents, once a week for three weeks, starting early next month. Those who refuse testing will face a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 1.53 million KRW). This decision came just one day after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned to "make every effort to prevent COVID-19 infections." This testing approach was previously implemented in some parts of mainland China.

Hong Kong was considered a "COVID-free zone" last year due to successful quarantine measures, with daily confirmed cases in single digits. However, with the spread of the Omicron variant, the average daily new cases over the past three days have risen to around 1,600. The situation worsened on the 17th, with 6,116 new confirmed cases and about 6,300 preliminary positive cases, marking the highest levels ever recorded in Hong Kong.

The authorities plan to schedule testing using ID cards, and children without ID cards will be tested together with their parents. Specific testing policies and whether samples will be sent to mainland China are currently under discussion.

The Hong Kong government has already secured 3,000 units in three residential buildings and 20,000 hotel rooms for COVID-19 patient isolation. In addition, quarantine facilities with medical systems, including 7,100 hospital beds, total about 21,000 beds. However, with the surge in cases last week, the supply system is now under emergency strain.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Quarantine experts emphasize that the key to this mass testing is "speed." Infectious disease expert Dr. Hobak Leung mentioned that Spain successfully reduced transmission rates about a year ago by conducting mass rapid diagnostic testing in several regions.

On the other hand, some argue that this testing may not be effective. Dr. Joseph Chang Ka-yin, co-chair of the Medical Association's Infectious Disease Advisory Committee, pointed out, "If the authorities are implementing universal testing, they should seriously consider locking down the city. Otherwise, it is meaningless."

Ramon Yuen Ho-man, health spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "Sending samples to mainland China raises privacy concerns." He claims that even the barcode on the sample bottles can be used to trace residents' identities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.