Just 30% Take Compulsory Covid Test On First Day

The government says just under 30% of people ordered to take Covid-19 tests - because of outbreaks at 43 premises across Hong Kong - had done so by the end of Thursday, the first day of testing. It said so far 14,600 samples had been received.

Anyone who has been to the buildings between December 17 and last Wednesday must take the test by Monday. Non-compliance means a fine of HK$5,000 which, if ignored, rises to HK$25,000 and six months in prison.

On Wednesday, the government said a building must test if there were just two unrelated Covid cases, in separate units. Mobile test collection stations have now been set up across Hong Kong.

The government also said it would follow-up to ensure compliance. It said it was now checking records for Ming Lai House and Fung Chak House at Choi Wan public housing estate in Wong Tai Sin.