No need to panic and stockpile: govt

The government has urged people not to be misled by rumours and “engage in irrational behaviour”, saying officials are still trying to iron out the details of the upcoming territory-wide Covid-19 testing programme, which may involve a lockdown.

Many supermarket shelves have been stripped of food and daily essentials over the past couple of days amid growing speculation of an imminent citywide lockdown.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the government said officials need to plan carefully for the mass testing scheme because of its sheer scale, adding that once the details are finalised, they will be publicised as soon as possible.

“The fifth wave has come hard and strong … people’s concerns and worries are understandable. But this is precisely the time that people need to stay on the alert and take note of information disseminated by the administration”, a government spokesperson said.

“Do not be misled by rumours that have been spread by people with ulterior motives…and do not panic and engage in irrational behaviour.”

Authorities also noted that they will carefully assess the impact of the mass testing scheme on the local economy and people lives, saying whatever arrangement comes into force will take into account the need to safeguard Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub.

The spokesperson added that officials are also well aware of the need for people to buy food and daily necessities, or seek medical treatment, saying people need not panic and stockpile those items.