Taxi Drivers Start Getting Mandatory Covid Tests

Hong Kong's taxi drivers started undergoing mandatory Covid-19 tests on Wednesday at 13 centres across the territory, but not of all them were happy about having to take part.

"I'm doing the test so that I can continue working. We're left with no choice," one driver told RTHK.

Another said he thinks the tests are useless and queuing up for them was, in itself, an infection risk.

The government has given taxi drivers two weeks to get tested, with those that fail to do so risking a fine of HK$5,000.

At one of the testing centres for them at Kwun Tong Ferry Pier, one driver complained that it was a poor choice of location because there was nowhere to park.

Another was happier with the arrangements though, saying he didn't make an appointment but only had to wait about half an hour.

He said he thought it was their duty to get tested and it would help attract more passengers if the entire trade took part in the scheme together.

But that view wasn't shared by everyone, with one driver pointing out that the tests wouldn't protect cabbies from any infected passengers they pick up.

Taxi drivers are being given cards by the Transport Department to show they have taken a test.