Volunteer: Mass testing boosts HK's confidence to quell virus

"Many doctors who worked in the public hospitals would have been unable to put aside their work, so as a private doctor, I believed my timetable would be more flexible, so I decided to take the step and sign up for it," Chen said.

Chen said the last thing she would have wanted to see was a lack of medical helpers at testing stations to cater to the needs of residents — a situation that would have forced residents to wait in line for a long time.

Because she didn't want her family members to worry, Chen did not tell them she had signed up for the program at first.

About 6,000 local medical workers have signed up for the testing program, exceeding her expectations. The program also received positive feedback from residents. As of 8 pm on Friday, about 1.62 million people have received the test, and 1.45 million specimens have been tested.

Chen said some doctors at testing centers on Hong Kong Island worked all day for six days a week, as all slots were booked.

Despite being occasionally tired, Chen said she and many other volunteers have "thoroughly enjoyed" the process because it has given them a great sense of satisfaction.

"Most of the residents who come to the centers are very happy that they can have the chance to take the test, and they are all so grateful for it, and this delighted us too," Chen said.