Officials Defend Covid Subsidy After Online Mockery

Government officials on Sunday defended a plan to give HK$5,000 to people infected with Covid-19, after the Health Secretary Sophia Chan outlined the scheme. The government believes many people don't get tested because they fear losing their income. It is hoped the subsidy will provide some incentive.

The Labour and Welfare Under Secretary, Ho Kai-ming, said he didn't think the handout would cost the government too much, judging from the number of infections so far.

"I can't see anyone who would abuse this scheme because this virus could be mild or serious," Ho told reporters, after some criticised the subsidy in online forums, saying it would give people an incentive to get infected.

"Thank you. We will quickly go and get infected on purpose for that HK$5,000," read one social media comment.

"Only a genius would come up with this," wrote another.

"Two infections are enough for an iPhone," another commented.

But Ho rejected the criticisms.

"It's a priority for everyone in Hong Kong to end the spread of the virus, and people should not make jokes," he said. "I hope everyone can combat this virus seriously."

The Centre for Health Protection's Chuang Shuk-kwan also dismissed suggestions that people would be encouraged to contract the coronavius.

"This is not logical and not everyone infected will be asymptomatic or mild," said Chuang.

She warned that many patients had symptoms that were quite severe and that they could threaten the health of close contacts, who might be in high risk groups.