A voluntary weekly testing scheme for certain airport staff target groups will commence on March 5, while the ongoing free testing services for all other airport staff will continue.

The one-off compulsory testing scheme for airport staff implemented by the Airport Authority following appointment by the Government was completed on February 25.

During the period from February 4 to 25, over 87,000 airport staff members underwent polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid testing for COVID-19. No positive cases were recorded among those tested.

The Government and the authority will roll out a voluntary weekly testing scheme, starting on March 5, targeting certain groups of airport staff, such as those carrying out quarantine procedures at the airport, handling cold chain logistics and cleaning aircraft cabins, who may have a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 from outside Hong Kong.

Free tests will be provided to these staff.

The authority will set up a dedicated testing centre at the airport and hopes that employers can facilitate the participation of their staff in the scheme.

As for other airport staff, the Government will continue to provide deep throat saliva specimen bottles at Terminal 1 to meet their testing needs as far as possible.