The government said late on Sunday that it was offering a one-off free Covid-19 test to delivery workers, including those who deliver food, as fears mount about the spread of the disease.

Those who work in the industry can make an online booking at www.communitytest.gov.hk.

The Food and Health Bureau said delivery workers were the third group be offered free tests, after foreign domestic helpers and construction workers.

"We encourage couriers to actively participate in the free testing to safeguard their health and that of their families and co-workers. The free testing service will be available until January 31," the bureau said in a statement.

It said workers can also get free tests by picking up a kit at public clinics, post offices or MTR stations. However, this will mean taking a saliva sample themselves and returning it to one of the designated collection points.

If they opt to use community testing centres, tests will only be free if a booking is made - otherwise the charge is HK$240.