The entire population of Hong Kong must undergo three mandatory covid-19 tests, the chief executive of this semi-autonomous territory, which is suffering the worst coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic emerged, announced on Tuesday.
“Those who do not submit to the tests will be held responsible,” said Carrie Lam, explaining that those responsible for mainland China will now coordinate Hong Kong’s strategy against covid-19.
One of the most densely populated cities in the world is suffering from a fifth wave of covid-19, the worst since the start of the pandemic, with thousands of infections daily.
“The rapidly worsening epidemic has far exceeded the ability of the Hong Kong government to deal with it. As a result, the central government’s support has become absolutely indispensable in fighting the coronavirus,” Lam told reporters, adding that the head of the liaison office with Beijing, Xi Baolong, will take charge of the enclave’s health policy.
According to the new regulations, the 7.4 million inhabitants must undergo three rounds of mandatory tests in March.
These will take place over several days and residents will also have to carry out daily rapid antigen tests in their own homes.
Schools and many shops and facilities, such as gyms, bars and beauty salons, will remain closed until the end of April, while the former will be used during the campaign as covid testing centers.
Flights from nine countries, including Britain, the United States and France, will continue to be banned.
Lam also confirmed that Hong Kong will implement the measure of isolating all those who test positive for coronavirus — including asymptomatic ones — in special quarantine centers erected with the help of Chinese authorities.