Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan assures Hong Kong residents that public transport will “definitely run” during the city’s mass COVID-19 testing program.
Speaking on a radio show on Monday, he noted that there are services that are essential, including medical and financial services.
“A lot of residents still have to go to work [during the mass testing period]. They need to take public transport,” said Chan.
But he added the capacity and frequency of public transport will be reduced during this period.
The transport chief’s comments came as speculations and fears mount over a possible lockdown for the city to go along with a mandatory universal testing program this month.
Mixed messages from officials have led to panic buying across the city.
Chan added that public transport will also be used during the mass testing period to transport positive cases to isolation facilities, as well as bring resources to those in need, such as elderly who live alone.
He also said that the government is considering allowing one person from each household to go out to buy necessities during the universal testing period.
Chan noted similar arrangements overseas, adding authorities will ensure that the public can get their necessities while under “limited movement”.
