In a notice to all government employees, the bureau said starting September 1, unvaccinated employees will have to take the Covid tests at their own expense. Those who failed to get vaccinated or get tested every fortnight without a valid reason may risk disciplinary actions.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Federation of Civil Service Unions, Leung Chau-ting said the news came out of the blue and caught them by surprise, adding that the government had not reached out to them before making the decision.

“The government should allow employees who are not fit for the jab to continue to undergo free Covid tests every fortnight, after obtaining medical proof from doctors at public hospitals,” said Leung.

He also said the new measure would burden the grassroots employees, if they are to pay for their Covid tests.