Coronavirus: PCR tests available for online bookings from Thursday for those crossing into mainland China from Hong Kong at Shenzhen Bay Port; 3,154 new Covid cases logged
- Free testing service at the control point will start half an hour earlier, lasting from 7.30am to 6.30pm, from Friday
- City reports 3,154 new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, 211 of which were imported, and two virus-related deaths
Hong Kong authorities have created a Covid-19 test booking platform online for travellers bound for mainland China to ease overcrowding at the Shenzhen border, but have done little so far to plug a loophole that allows those being turned away after testing positive to simply return home without any immediate restrictions on their movements or follow-up isolation orders.
Only those with proof of a reservation will be allowed to undergo testing from Friday at the port, one of two land crossings in operation between the mainland and Hong Kong.
Users can log on to book time slots for tests over the next seven days, after reserving places at isolation facilities in Shenzhen.
“The arrangement will help ensure the orderly operation of the special nucleic acid testing service at the Shenzhen Bay Port, alleviate the long waiting time at the control point and improve crowd-control arrangements,” a government spokesman said on Wednesday.
“Departing passengers will be able to avoid unnecessary waiting by scheduling their trips based on the reserved time slots.”
The development came as Hong Kong reported 3,154 new Covid-19 infections, 211 of which were imported, and two virus-related deaths.
Shenzhen Bay Port has been packed with crowds on weekend mornings after the neighbouring city boosted the number of quarantine hotel rooms by 700 to 2,000 daily and added extra spots for those in need, anticipating more people will cross the border from Hong Kong, including students returning from overseas for the summer holiday.