Officials To Test Care Workers, Helpers For Virus

"); jQuery("#212 h3").html("

Related News Programmes

"); });

2020-08-09 HKT 11:14

Share this story

facebook

  • Law Chi-kwong says officials will implement a new round of testing for nursing home staff. File photo: RTHK

    Law Chi-kwong says officials will implement a new round of testing for nursing home staff. File photo: RTHK

The Social Welfare Department says it plans to conduct Covid-19 tests on thousands of workers at nursing homes, homes for the elderly and rehabilitation centres for the second time in less than a month.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong made the announcement on his blog on Sunday after a series of virus cases at various homes across the SAR.

The department previously offered tests to more than 32,000 workers between July 14 and August 4. Of these, 86 per cent sent a sample back. Although only one person tested positive, Law said this did not reflect the full story, as two other care workers had been diagnosed earlier.

"Although the staff of the institutions themselves are not considered to be a high-risk group, if they bring the virus into the institutions and the frail residents are infected, the consequences will be serious," he wrote.

Officials also plan to send doctors to homes to give staff advice on infection control and would look at ways to improve ventilation.

Law also said he was drafting legislative amendments with a view to improving supervision of private care homes.

Meanwhile the Labour Department said it would begin offering free testing for foreign domestic helpers who are staying at boarding facilities provided by employment agencies from Sunday.

Two helpers staying at boarding houses were diagnosed with the virus last week.

RECENT NEWS

Is Hong Kongs Financial Hub Status At Risk?

Globally, Hong Kong has made its mark as a financial hub alongside Singapore and Dubai. These city-states, while rivals... Read more

Project Aurum Phase Two Focuses On Privacy For Retail CBDCs

The BIS Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), has initiated t... Read more

Cyberport Welcomes New Directors, Retains Key Leaders For 2024-2026

Hong Kong Cyberport has announced the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s appointment of th... Read more

Redefining Resilience For Banks In The Digital Era With The Four Zeros

The banking industry stands at the brink of a major transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and chan... Read more

GSBN Partners Ant To Digitise Shipping Processes In Hong Kongs WCBDC Project

The Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), in partnership with Ant Group, has developed a prototype electronic bill o... Read more

HKMA Alerts Public To Fraudulent Claims Regarding E-HKD Pilot Programme

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) advises the public to exercise caution following reports of entities falsely cl... Read more