The 14-day Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) concluded successfully today (September 14). A total of about 1 783 000 persons have registered at the community testing centres around the territory for COVID-19 testing since the launch of the UCTP on September 1.
      
     As at 8pm of September 14, a total of about 1 719 000 specimens collected under the UCTP had been tested. Specimens tested with positive COVID-19 result will be referred to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Department of Health for confirmatory tests. Confirmed cases will be followed up and announced by the Centre for Health Protection.

     A total of about 1 376 000 persons had made appointments since August 29 when the online booking system opened.

     So far there have been 301 cases of one's personal data being used by others for online booking under the UCTP. After examination, 161 of the cases were found to involve suspected fraudulent use of others' personal data for booking and they have been referred to the Police.

     A spokesman for the Government said that the successful and smooth operation of the UCTP hinged on the full support of the Central Government by establishing quickly a nucleic acid test support team to enhance the testing capability of Hong Kong in a short period of time. More than 570 members of the support team have completed their mission by working zealously days and nights at the temporary air-inflated laboratories. They deserved our deep respect.
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government also expressed sincere gratitude to some 6 000 healthcare personnel and students who were responsible for collecting specimens, as well as some 4 000 serving and retired civil servants undertaking administrative support duty, for their professionalism and dedication, providing high quality and efficient services to members of the public.
      
     The spokesman said although the UCTP had come to an end, the Government would continue to extend and conduct repeated testing for target groups or vulnerable groups, and would not relax its anti-epidemic efforts.
     　
     "Although the epidemic situation in Hong Kong has subsided, there are still asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the community. Members of the public should stay vigilant and comply with the Government's anti-epidemic directives so as to facilitate gradual resumption of our normal daily lives and economic activities," he said.

Ends/Monday, September 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:29

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