Doubts Cast Over Usefulness Of Covid Testing Data

A medical union has questioned claims by the government that data collected from the ongoing universal Covid-19 testing scheme would be useful in determining infection-control measures on the way forward.

"If we have to be scientific or to be accurate, you might have to do the test twice in a short period of time with a stay-at-home order, and that is more scientific if you want to get the data that you use for reference," said Ivan Law, the vice-chairman of the HA Employees’ Alliance.

Law cited the example of Taiwan where coronavirus infections were kept to a minimum and economic activities have largely resumed.

"I think it's not necessary to do a universal screening programme for you to (ease) those restrictions," he said.

Law told RTHK’s Maggie Ho that their calls for a boycott of the testing scheme is based on the belief that resources should be used more effectively.

The alliance and a number of medical experts have voiced their opposition to the exercises, and the Chief Executive Carrie Lam said their views were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Beijing.

Law hit back, saying the government should focus on reviewing and improving the scheme, instead of taking aim at its critics.