ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Coronavirus

Hong Kong's voluntary COVID test plan faces risk of low turnout

Citizens worry how DNA data will be handled in Beijing-backed scheme

A medical worker in a protective suit collects a swab from a man in Hong Kong to test for COVID-19.   © Reuters

HONG KONG -- With Hong Kong set to embark on a groundbreaking citywide coronavirus test to eradicate COVID-19 transmission in the city, medical experts say turnout will be key to the effectiveness of the scheme, which has raised concerns over the handling of citizens' DNA data.

The seven-day testing plan, scheduled to start on Tuesday, will allow the city of 7.5 million residents to conduct up to half a million coronavirus tests a day. Over a hundred testing centers will temporarily be set up across the territory, with the help of hundreds of medical and lab professionals from mainland China.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more