A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) on behalf of the government thanked migrant domestic workers (PRT) in Hong Kong and employers for their cooperation in undergoing mandatory testing to fight the virus together Monday (10/5). /2021).
Through a media release, FHB said that during the period from May 1 to May 9, nearly 340,000 migrant domestic workers were tested at 21 community testing centers (CTCs) and mobile specimen collection stations or throat saliva specimens. In addition, it is estimated that around 40,000 other migrant domestic workers have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, thus being excluded from mandatory testing. So it is estimated that a total of 380,000 migrant domestic workers have met the mandatory COVID-19 test.
According to the FBH, the government has taken a new direction to fight the pandemic since mid-April. Targeted border control and infection control measures were introduced to protect Hong Kong from imported cases and prevent local spread of cases.
“For local cases with an unknown source of infection involving mutant strains, the Government should be firm in adopting rapid and rapid testing and quarantine measures, with the aim of breaking the chain of transmission as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the whole society. have to bear significant consequences when there is a major outbreak,” said an FBH spokesman.
Testing has become an integral part of the strategy in preventing and combating viruses. The Government has implemented a Targeted Group Testing Scheme for high-risk and high-exposed groups and critical infrastructure and service critical staff, etc. since mid-2020.
The FBH further said that all migrant domestic workers had previously been offered free voluntary tests at the CTC from mid-December 2020 to the end of February 2021. However, only 34,000 migrant domestic workers, equivalent to less than 10 percent of the total number of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, had done so. voluntary testing at the CTC during the period.
FB said the government continues to encourage people to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their family members.
“Given the threat posed by these mutant strains, it is imperative that we get vaccinated. Although there is still a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines internationally, the two vaccines obtained by the Government are sufficient for all Hong Kong people to get vaccinated. Currently, there are still many unused quotas in 29 community vaccination centers and more than 1000 private clinics. We urge the public to appreciate the vaccine supply in Hong Kong and get vaccinated as soon as possible, said the FBH spokesman.
