Hong Kong to Implement Rapid Antigen Testing for All 7.4 Million Residents Against COVID-19

Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Hong Kong government will conduct rapid antigen testing for all 7.4 million citizens over three days from the 8th to the 10th.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 2nd, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, announced at a COVID-19 briefing that a rapid antigen testing project will be implemented. The testing will be voluntary, and starting from that day, the Hong Kong government will distribute quarantine supplies including rapid antigen test kits and masks to each household. Citizens are required to take three rapid antigen tests, and if they test positive, they must report to health authorities.

Chief Executive Lam emphasized that participation in the testing is voluntary, stating, "We only appeal for cooperation and support based on the citizens' desire to restore normal life, and we do not rely on legal measures."

Previously, the Hong Kong government faced backlash after announcing a mandatory universal testing plan. In February, the government announced plans to conduct three rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) universal testing in March, but postponed the plan due to worsening COVID-19 conditions and unpreparedness for large-scale testing.

Lam clarified that the voluntary rapid antigen testing does not replace the universal testing plan. She said she still believes universal testing is necessary but has not decided on the timing, and that the government is consulting experts both inside and outside the government on when universal testing would be most effective.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Hong Kong reported 4,475 new COVID-19 infections, dropping below 5,000 for the first time in over a month since mid-February. The number of COVID-19 deaths reported that day was 116, bringing the cumulative death toll to over 8,000.