Private Doctors Wary Of Risks Ahead Of Mass Tests

The government is urging 2,000 private doctors, nurses and dentists to help collect samples during the citywide Covid-19 tests, which may start as early as next week, but a union of doctors said they are concerned about the lack of personal protection for those volunteering.

The government had announced a free coronavirus tests to anyone who wants it as Hong Kong is battling a third wave of coronavirus outbreaks and is asking health professional to help in the effort.

The president of the Hong Kong Doctors Union, Henry Yeung, said he received an email from the government on Saturday.

He said medical workers from the private sector are invited to work at booths to be set up as early as next Monday in all 18 districts to take swabs from people who want to get tested, but have difficulties taking the throat and nasal swabs themselves, such as children and the elderly.

He said the booths would be set up at community centres, playgrounds, or some outdoor areas with good ventilation.

However, he told RTHK’s Frances Sit he is concerned about a lack of personal protective equipment as the government’s email only said gloves and surgical masks would be provided.

“We’re afraid that they are not going to provide other personal protective equipment such as the goggles, the clothes or the caps. These are all essential elements of the personal protective equipment that we have to wear before we do the swapping exercise,” he said.

He questioned if the government would buy insurance for the medical staff in view of the infection risks they face.

He also urged elderly medical workers especially those with chronic illnesses to “think twice” before they take up the jobs. The union represents around 2,000 members.

“Hong Kong climate is very hot. For elderly doctors and nursing staff, they may get heat stroke. If they contract the covid, they would be at very high risk of having complications or even mortality,” he said.

He said the medical staff who work at the sample collection stations would get HK$300 per hour.