Hong Kong’s coronavirus testing drive tests negative for popularity

HONG KONG — Borrowing from mainland China's pandemic playbook, Hong Kong officials began a drive Tuesday to mass-test residents for the novel coronavirus, hoping for near-universal participation to flaunt the city's civic sensibilities and patriotism.

Authorities readied more than 100 sample collection centers and thousands of volunteer medical staff to work them. State media ran stories praising the city's government while touting the ability of officials in mainland China to run millions of tests a day. Fliers distributed to households publicized the seven-day exercise that could be extended for up to two weeks.

But there were few takers.

By 4 p.m. on Tuesday, eight hours after the program began, 82,000 people had come forward — slightly over 1 percent of the population and far below the daily average required to reach the government’s target of 5 million. Most testing centers were quiet; health workers in protective gear and face shields sat around idle.

Although it was just the first day of the campaign, the outcome highlighted the yawning trust deficit between Hong Kong leaders and residents, rather than showcasing...