A government staff member collects samples from a resident through combined nasal and throat swabs during a targeted testing operation in Tuen Mun on Feb 6, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Nearly 500 residents were tested for COVID-19 during the targeted testing operations in Tuen Mun and To Kwa Wan, according to statements issued by the Hong Kong government on Sunday.

The government set up restricted areas at Tower 9, Hong Kong Gold Coast Phase 2, 1 Castle Peak Road in Tuen Mun and Wah Fat Building, 4-6 Ma Hang Chung Road in To Kwa Wan to conduct the compulsory testing.

The government set up restricted areas at Tower 9, Hong Kong Gold Coast Phase 2, 1 Castle Peak Road in Tuen Mun and Wah Fat Building, 4-6 Ma Hang Chung Road in To Kwa Wan to conduct the compulsory testing

The restrictions in Tuen Mun took effect from 8:30pm, while To Kwa Wan’s took effect at 8 pm.

Health personnel tested 307 residents in To Kwa Wan while 175 were tested in Tuen Mun. No confirmed cases were found, the government said.

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The government finished the compulsory testing exercise at 7 am on Sunday but reminded individuals who had been present in the restricted area for more than two hours from January 24 to February 6, 2021, even if they were not there on Saturday night, to undergo compulsory testing before February 8.

The government added that no one answered when government personnel knocked on the door of 17 households in Tuen Mun and 14 households in To Kwa Wan.

“Those include some households with confirmed cases or undergoing quarantine. Some units are possibly vacant as well. The government does not have detailed information in this respect and will take measures to follow up,” a government statement reads.

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