Mass testing for the novel coronavirus has proved to be an effective strategy to cut off the transmission chains of COVID-19 by tracing the asymptomatic patients and thus containing the spread of the virus. This has been unambiguously evidenced in many places including some cities on the Chinese mainland, particularly in Beijing when it was threatened by a reemergence of the pandemic earlier this year.

Yet, the universal nucleic acid testing plan proposed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has been pounded on and even vilified since the moment it was announced. First, it was described as a plot to steal personal information of Hong Kong residents for the mainland authorities. Now objection is being raised, citing suspicion of its effectiveness, after the SAR government repeatedly assured the public that the universal community testing program would only do testing on the COVID-19 virus, that all testing would be conducted in Hong Kong, and that specimens would be destroyed after testing and would not be transported outside the city.

It took many aback when an expert who is in charge of the center for infection in one of the city’s key universities said he would not participate in the plan because he was too busy to spare the time for it. It also puzzled many when the head of the Hong Kong Public Doctors Association said she would not participate in the program and would not encourage residents to take the test because of many uncertainties surrounding the program. Obviously, there are no more cogent arguments against the plan. 

The universal community testing plan will be conducted on a voluntary basis; everyone has the freedom to accept or reject it. But it is irresponsible for experts and doctors who work for public health or in the public health system to try to influence residents’ decisions by making negative remarks on the plan — deliberately on radio or TV programs in a high-profile manner, knowing that their remarks are influential because of their professional status.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Tuesday accused some quarters of Hong Kong society of trying to vilify the universal community testing program, with the aim of driving a wedge between Hong Kong people and the central government. One will know she is definitely not the only person who holds such a view if he or she bothers to read the numerous comments on media and social media outlets.