Compulsory Covid tests, isolation rules raise staff anxiety in Hong Kong; how employers can help

As the wait for results of Covid tests grows longer, and fear of what happens if you test positive rises, a mental health support group has advice for employers

With ever-changing rules feeding staff uncertainty, bosses may not have all the answers, but they can take steps to help employees feel safer, and support them

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In Hong Kong, changing Covid-19 rules and restrictions, compulsory tests and isolation are fuelling employee anxiety. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:15am, 21 Feb 2022Updated: 12:51pm, 1 Mar 2022

Four months into a new job at Hong Kong property management and investment firm JLL, Susan Ly was looking forward to getting back to the office after Lunar New Year when someone in her building tested positive for coronavirus.

She complied with the compulsory testing order – three PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests at a community centre – and had just received her third negative test when someone else in the building tested positive. That triggered another round of tests and continued self-isolation while she waited for the result.

When she finally got the all-clear, she celebrated by visiting friends in Discovery Bay, Lantau – and got pinged.

Ly is a veteran of the community testing system, but waiting for the most recent test result – her seventh this month – is proving challenging. The result of the earlier tests usually came within 24 hours, but this time she has heard nothing after five days.

Susan Ly has had seven Covid tests in a month. Luckily, her employers are understanding and supportive.

Hannah McLeod is managing director of City Mental Health Alliance Hong Kong, an organisation that provides mental health support for businesses.

“Waiting for the result is the most anxiety provoking. If I test positive, apparently, they call you to tell you the next steps. I’m concerned about being sent to AsiaWorld-Expo,” Ly says.