Government performs Covid test spot checks on helpers

The Labour Department on Sunday said it had performed spot-checks on more than 3,500 domestic helpers to see whether they had complied with a compulsory Covid-19 testing order. Officers approached the helpers at their popular gathering spots in Causeway Bay, Central, Admiralty, Tsuen Wan and Mong Kok over the weekend.

Last month the government ordered all foreign domestic helpers to get tested by May 9, following the discovery of an untraceable mutant strain in the community.

The department said all but five had complied with the order, while 20 others needed further verification. Those who didn’t comply have been ordered to get tested.

The government had earlier ordered a second round of testing for helpers between May 15 and May 30. This second order again doesn’t apply to those who have been fully vaccinated.

The government said it thanked helpers sincerely for their understanding and cooperation.