Sophia Chan Is Like A Broken Record: Junius Ho

The Secretary for Health, Sophia Chan, on Wednesday faced a barrage of criticism from pro-Beijing lawmakers over the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, with one legislator describing her as a "broken record player" for repeating her answers during a Legislative Council meeting.

The remark was made by Junius Ho, who was among those most critical of the health chief at the meeting.

He asked whether Chan would consider early retirement if she couldn't make a decision on whether to implement mandatory citywide Covid-19 testing - a suggestion already dismissed by Chief Executive Carrie Lam due to difficulties in imposing an accompanying lockdown of the city.

"When would you decide on having mandatory testing for all? Do you have the guts to make this decision? Is it a decision to be made by you, [Secretary for Civil Service] Patrick Nip or the Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung? If you cannot do that, would you consider early retirement?" Ho asked.

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien also said it would be hard for him to continue supporting Chan as a minister if she refuses to promise to send family members of confirmed patients into quarantine within 24 hours.

In response, the health chief stressed that the government has already stepped up its testing, contact-tracing and social distancing measures.

Chan added that health authorities will send family members of confirmed patients into quarantine facilities within 24 hours of getting their contact information.

She also pointed out that the government is still studying whether to regulate gatherings on private premises to prevent household mixing, as there may be enforcement challenges.