No News On Coronavirus Tests Yet: Maid Agencies

Several major foreign domestic helper agencies say they have yet to receive any sample bottles for Covid-19 tests, after the government announced on Thursday night that it would test all helpers living in boarding facilities.

The latest move was made after two helpers from Indonesia living in boarding houses were diagnosed with the coronavirus, which gave rise to concerns of possible cluster outbreaks among those who resided with them.

RTHK contacted seven employment agencies on Saturday.

One of them said it had been informed that samples bottles would be distributed by Monday, another said it also didn’t receive any bottles yet, and more than 20 helpers are still living in its boarding house.

The rest of the companies said they had yet to hear from the government.

At present, the government is providing free tests for what it says are high-risk groups, including foreign helpers living in boarding houses, taxi drivers and restaurant staff.