The operator of several Covid PCR testing centres said on Thursday morning he expected the long queues at the sites to worsen ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.

Ricky Chiu was commenting after some lawmakers urged authorities to scrap the PCR test requirement for cross-border travellers, claiming it willl be difficult for some returning Hongkongers to find a testing centre open on the mainland during Lunar New Year.

Chiu told RTHK that many people with a booking were having to wait half an hour for their test, while walk-ins had to wait for up to two hours.

"All the testing sites are fully booked, and I think today and tomorrow will be the peak," he said. "We have tried to increase manpower, but there are limitations to the venues in terms of the number of stations and booths that we can use, and also in terms of the computer systems from the government.

Chiu added that for Hong Kong residents returning to the SAR, being allowed to use RAT tests instead of going through PCR screening "is probably feasible."