Tens of Thousands Get Tested, Zero Local Cases

Domestic helpers wait in long lines to get tested this weekend

It's been a very hot and humid weekend and all domestic helpers in Hong Kong have sacrificed their day off these past two days lining up to get a Covid-19 test after the government demanded they do so by May 9.

That's because two domestic helpers, one in Tung Chung was tested positive with a mutant virus and everyone living in the same residential block as her and her employer were forced to take a test and quarantine for 21 days.

There were no local infections reported

While everyone else tested negative, they still have to quarantine.

The other domestic helper was tested positive during hotel quarantine.

As a result, over 370,000 domestic helpers have had to get the mandatory test, and there are pictures of massive lines everywhere of them waiting for hours in the heat.

The move was slammed by Philippine Consul General Raly Tejada, who said the government should not force all the domestic helpers in the city to get vaccinated, or that all non-resident foreign workers should get the jab too.

"If vaccination becomes a provision to work in Hong Kong, then its application should be non-discriminatory and therefore must not only include [foreign domestic workers], but other non-resident workers who are similarly situated so that there is no feeling of being singled out," Tejada said.

Tejada says all foreign workers should be tested

It's a good point, but is the Hong Kong government listening?

So far as of 6pm this evening, 167,000 tests were taken this weekend and none were positive so far.

While it's a relief to know the results so far are negative, they include some 52,000 domestic helpers. Another 54,000 tests were collected today.

When will this all end?! I know the answer, but does everyone else?