The government expressed "extreme disappointment and regret" over what it said was misleading information surrounding the city-wide coronavirus testing scheme, saying some people have deliberately "smeared" the program on social media, RTHK reports..More than 430,000 people have so far made appointments to take a free coronavirus test from Tuesday. In a statement, a government spokesman said "exaggerated and wrong" remarks have been made on social media regarding the scheme’s sampling methods, infection control measures, and its accuracy and efficacy. The spokesman said the program is safe, convenient, and offers adequate protection for people's privacy. He stressed that all personal information and the test results will only be handled within Hong Kong's borders. The government also said that the tests could help identity asymptomatic carriers of the virus, adding that the central government's involvement in the testing is a confidence boost for the SAR.

Source: The Standard August 30, 2020 13:18 UTC