Poor, digitally illiterate elderly Hongkongers to face difficulties using new health code system for identifying coronavirus cases: concern groups


By Jess MaFiona Sun

Concern groups say elderly residents will struggle to navigate new dual-colour coded system to be introduced as upgrade to ‘Leave Home Safe’ app. Many older residents do not own smartphones, according to Sze Lai-shan, deputy director of the Society for Community Organisation. — SCMP

Elderly Hongkongers who are poor and digitally illiterate will face difficulties using a new health code system for identifying coronavirus-positive patients, concern groups have warned, as more than one in four such residents still do not own smartphones.

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau on Monday revealed the government would adopt the system, a new feature to be added to the city’s “Leave Home Safe” Covid-19 risk-exposure app, under which infected residents quarantining at home will be issued a red health code.

Subscribe now and get 30% off The Star Yearly Plan

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.


Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a subscriber? Log In