In recent weeks, Hong Kong has faced a fifth wave of the Omicron variant, placing immense pressure on the city’s already overburdened healthcare system. In response, MGI rapidly deployed its high-efficiency lab automation systems, including the MGISTP-7000 high-throughput automated sample transfer processing system, MGISP-NE384 high-throughput automated nucleic acid extractor, and MGISP-960 high-throughput automated sample preparation system, to support local COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.
MGI engineers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the equipment. To bring the systems online as quickly as possible, MGI’s engineering and after-sales service teams operated around the clock, completing installation, debugging and commissioning of over 50 units in just six days, scaling Hong Kong’s testing capacity to more than 300,000 samples per day. “Despite the heavy workload and pressure, we are honoured to contribute to Hong Kong’s fight against the virus. We hope the pandemic ends soon so families can be reunited,” said MGI engineers.
MGI Engineers
MGI engineers spared no effort in supporting COVID-19 pandemic response. “We completed installation of over 50 automated systems for the first Huo-Yan Lab in six days. Sometimes, we had to work nonstop for 20 hours,” said Zhao Chi, a young engineer who has previously supported pandemic responses in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Xiao Wang, a newer member of MGI, has experience supporting outbreak responses in Anhui, Guangxi and Shenzhen. He told Hong Kong Wen Wei Po that he and his team were assigned to Hong Kong during the Spring Festival. “We are responsible for equipment installation, debugging and troubleshooting, and we work closely to ensure 24-hour nucleic acid testing for COVID-19,” Wang said.
Wei Sheng, a local MGI Hong Kong employee who joined two years ago, has previously participated in COVID-19 response at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Gymnasium. “The work is demanding; we had to complete debugging of over 50 automated systems. I barely spent any time with my girlfriend on Valentine’s Day,” he said with a shy smile. “Coordinating with on-site personnel and multiple departments was the most difficult part, but everyone has been supportive, and we worked hard together to overcome the challenges.”
