'MTR Facing Enormous Challenge To Keep Things Going'

MTR bosses warned on Tuesday that scores of Covid infections among staff were leading to fewer trains running and the sporadic closure of some customer service centres, with the corporation facing an "enormous challenge" to keep things going.

The company said 270 staff members and contractors who provide train and maintenance services had been found to have the virus in the past 24 hours, and it warned that if the situation worsens, it might even have to temporarily close some stations.

The rail operator said waiting times on the Island and Tuen Ma lines were up to half a minute longer than usual during Tuesday morning's rush hour and the Tuen Ma Line would also see service adjustments during the evening peak period.

"All preliminary positive individuals are currently staying at home, and awaiting further instructions and arrangements from the Department of Health. The company hopes they will get well soon. As a precaution, the company is tracing close contacts of each of the cases, and will take relevant follow-up actions," a statement said.

It added that stations where infected staff had worked will be thoroughly disinfected.

The company said there have been more than 1,100 confirmed Covid infections among employees since the fifth wave began, while other staff had been left unable to work because they were considered to be close contacts of patients or were subject to overnight testing lockdowns.