'Universal Virus Tests To Kick Off On September 1'

Medical Association president Choi Kin said on Wednesday that a universal coronavirus testing planned by the government will kick off on September 1.

Choi said during a meeting with officials on Tuesday, he was told specimen collection will start on that day and the process will last around one to two weeks.

The government had earlier announced plans to offer voluntary tests for all with the help of a team of mainland experts as the city battles a third wave of coronavirus cases, but no date had been announced officially.

Choi said he understands that testing booths will be set up at places like playgrounds and schools.

He also said if there is an appointment system to collect specimens – through which people are assigned different time slots – it will reduce the risk of cross-infection.

But the doctor said these tests alone won't help stop the virus, and they have to come with strict quarantine measures.

The mass tests will only provide a figure, a sort of a picture, of how many infections we have. That also will depend on how many people take part in the exercise, he said.

"It depends on the citizens as well, depends on the citizens want to be tested or not, as well as the number of participants of medical personnel who will be doing the swabbing. So there will be an uncertain factor involved," he said.

"We need to see this when the time comes, we cannot predict this right now."

The association head also said he’s learned that around 2,000 medical staff have already signed up to help and the government has agreed to provide more protective equipment.

Some private health workers had raised concerns after the government initially said only surgical masks and gloves would be provided.

Choi said N95 masks, face shields, disposable protective gowns and caps will now be provided. But he said there’s no word on whether boots would also be provided.

They have also asked the government to allow them to use their own gears and masks, but there has been no response from the authorities on this, he said.