Secretary for Development Michael Wong today visited a construction site at Muk Yuen Street in Kai Tak to learn about the testing arrangement for construction workers under the Construction Industry COVID-19 Testing Service Scheme.

He also inspected the preventive measures against the virus used at the site.

Mr Wong thanked the construction industry for its relentless effort in fighting the epidemic by taking the initiative to launch the industry-led testing scheme.

He said: "As the industry is familiar with the surroundings and operations at sites, the implementation of the scheme has taken full account of the actual operational needs at the sites.

"When a worker preliminarily tests positive for the virus, the main contractor can quickly arrange site disinfection and follow-up work. This helps prevent an outbreak."

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) jointly launched the scheme on December 22 last year with the support of the Development Bureau to arrange for a professional testing service provider to visit public and private construction sites and provide voluntary COVID-19 testing for construction workers and site personnel.

With a subsidy provided by the CIC and the HKCA, developers and main contractors only need to pay part of the testing fee.

The scheme has so far provided testing services to more than 22,000 workers at 93 sites, and 99.98% of their test results were negative.

Four confirmed COVID-19 cases have been identified and were handled by the Centre for Health Protection. The contractors concerned were also notified promptly and arranged follow-up work.

The HKCA also established inspection teams to review preventive measures adopted at various construction sites, such as management of site entrances, provision of ventilation facilities and resting area arrangement, and offer recommendations for improvement.

Main contractors interested in participating in the scheme are required to submit completed application forms by January 31.

Meanwhile, the Government has provided a one-off free COVID-19 voluntary testing service to all registered construction workers at community testing centres until January 31.