Government launches new Covid-reporting hotline

Security Secretary Chris Tang said a new hotline for people who have just tested positive for Covid-19 would be launched on Sunday night, so isolation facilities can be arranged for them.

Anyone who tests positive can send a WhatsApp message to 5233-1833, as long as they have no symptoms – or their symptoms are mild.

Tang said priority would be given to those whose living conditions are unsuitable for self-isolation.

“We will try to arrange the admittance into these isolation facilities as soon as possible,” Tang told reporters after inspecting the makeshift isolation facility in Tsing Yi on Sunday.

“Basically it all depends on the availability of the rooms and the situation of the individuals.”

“We’re going to launch the hotline later this evening (Sunday) and we expect the first batch of people being sent here will be tomorrow morning,” Tang said.

He said people can also email or send a message via WeChat.

He said so far 40 percent of the government’s isolation centres are occupied, and that officials will keep improving these facilities.

“Of course we have heard about some of the complaints.”

“We’re going to enhance the cleaning,”Tang said, adding that all measures to enhance hygiene – such as hand washers – are ready.