Hong Kong to offer free coronavirus testing for all residents

Hong Kong will offer free voluntary coronavirus testing for residents, leader Carrie Lam said on Friday, as the global financial hub races to contain a resurgence of the virus over the past month.

The plan, which will enable citywide testing for the first time, is likely to be implemented in two weeks at the earliest, Chief Executive Lam said.

“The situation in Hong Kong is still critical, with the number of cases remaining high,” Lam told reporters as she sat in front of a largescreen digital backdrop which read ‘Fight the virus with the central government’s full support’.

Lam said she had asked Beijing in late July to help increase Hong Kong’s virus testing capabilities and facilities. She also sought to dispel fears among some people that China may use it as an opportunity to collect DNA samples for surveillance purposes.

“It is a false accusation and smear to say DNA samples of Hong Kong citizens would be sent to the mainland,” Lam said, adding that all samples would be destroyed after testing.