Tracing App To Launch This Month, Says CE

The Chief Executive Carrie Lam says a Covid-19 contact tracing app will be launched in the middle of this month. Lam made the comment shortly after an infectious disease expert said more incentives were needed for the app to be effective.

The "Leave Home Safe" app by the government will allow people to scan QR codes at hundreds of locations, such as government markets, sports centres and swimming pools. They'll be alerted if coronavirus cases appear at these places.

But infectious disease expert, Leung Chi-chiu, says the voluntary system won't work if only a few people use it. He says the government should provide incentives, or make the location-recording automatic, so the app is easier to use.

Simon Wong from the Institution of Dining Art says usually, only a-fifth of the city's restaurants participate in government voluntary schemes.

He says authorities should allow restaurants to stay open for longer or at a higher capacity if they're willing to promote the QR codes.

Lam was speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting.