Community Testing Centres Draw Crowds On Opening Day

Long queues were seen outside the Yuen Long Covid-19 testing centre on Sunday - the first day of operations for the government's four community testing stations.

Some people told RTHK that it was convenient for them to get tested before going to the mainland, but they hoped the HK$240 fee could be further reduced.

Others said while the testing process had generally been smooth, it was a hassle having to go back the next day to collect their reports.

Anthony Wu, chairman of Sunrise Diagnostic Centre, which is responsible for running the Yuen Long testing centre, said hundreds of people took the tests on Sunday morning and he was happy with the turnout.

He said people’s views will be considered carefully and he will discuss with the government over whether digital reports can be issued to those who do not require paper documentation.

The centres - also in Yau Ma Tei, Sha Tin and Quarry Bay - will remain open until February, with the government saying they may operate beyond that depending on the coronavirus situation.

Meanwhile, development secretary Michael Wong said construction of a temporary hospital next to the AsiaWorld-Expo is well on the way.

Wong said in his blog that the project is expected to be completed by January, adding that it will provide more than 800 negative pressure beds.

The SAR reported five local cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, one of which had no clear source.

Health officials said the 49-year-old male patient lives in Sun Tin Wai Estate in Sha Tin and last went to work at the Jockey Club's Happy Valley clubhouse on Monday.

There were also nine imported cases involving people coming from Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Hungary, Germany, Poland and Russia.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in the city now stands at 5,458.

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