More Than 1.6mn Take Voluntary Covid Testing

The government said on Saturday that more than 1.6 million people have had their specimens taken under the universal Covid-19 test scheme.

With just two more days left of the scheme before it ends on Monday, a government spokesman reiterated calls for people to sign up for the scheme so that they can detect any silent transmissions of the virus.

"We urge all citizens to participate in the testing programme, for the sake of themselves as well as that of other people, and work together to cut the virus transmission chain, so as to facilitate gradual resumption of our normal daily lives and economic activities," the spokesman said.

Earlier on Saturday, some members of the 600-strong team of mainland medical personnel helping with the scheme met reporters to talk about their work on the test scheme.

One of the members of the team, Deng Yanqin of the Fujian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters that the team have gone to great lengths to boost testing.

Deng said they work up to 12 hours per day, and the heavy workload even caused hand and shoulder injuries to some.

Deng said some have even been working eight hours straight without a break, and have even resorted to wearing adult nappies to avoid going to the toilet.

She said Hong Kong people have shown great support to the scheme, with the team receiving thank you cards and fruit baskets.