Various means for public to undergo virus testing
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     The Government reminds the public that all persons who had been to any of the 14 specified dance premises during the period from November 1 to 21 can undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test through various means below by November 24. Designated general outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA) will continue to increase the number of deep throat saliva specimen collection packs for distribution today and tomorrow to facilitate persons subject to compulsory testing.
      
     Various means for conducting a COVID-19 nucleic acid test include the following:
      
     * Collect a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the 47 designated general outpatient clinics of the HA (time slots for distribution of specimen collection packs and specimen collection, see www.ha.org.hk/haho/ho/covid-19/GOPC_extend_EN.pdf);
      
     * Self-arranged testing provided by private laboratories recognised by the Department of Health (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories.pdf);
      
     * Attend any of the four Community Testing Centres (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en); or attend any of the mobile specimen collection stations and the specimen bottle distribution point in Tsuen Wan, Sai Kung and Tai Po (see Annex);
      
     * Undergo testing at any healthcare facilities of the HA (including general outpatient clinics and accident and emergency departments) as instructed by a medical professional of the HA.
      
     A Government spokesman said, "Persons who are subject to compulsory testing may visit any of the designated general outpatient clinics of the HA to obtain specimen collection packs. As long as their specimens are submitted on or before November 24, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the Compulsory Testing Notice.
      
     "The community testing centres will increase the test quota and extend operation hours when necessary, and reserve a certain test quota for persons who are subject to compulsory testing. If members of the public plan to conduct testing at any of the testing centres, they can check the centre's appointment status online or through the hotline in advance. Furthermore, persons who are subject to compulsory testing and undergo testing at the mobile specimen collection stations or through the services provided at specimen bottle distribution point in Tsuen Wan, Sai Kung and Tai Po will be deemed to have undergone a test at a community testing centre.
      
     "If persons who are subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately instead of going to the community testing centres. To reduce the risk of transmission, persons who underwent testing are advised to stay at home and avoid going out when waiting for test results."
      
     If persons who are subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone the above mentioned test between November 18 and 21, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the Compulsory Testing Notice.
      
     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901 which operates daily from 9am to 6pm. The hotlines of the community testing centres are as follows:
   
Quarry Bay Community Hall, Eastern District (Prenetics) 3008 8325
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre (Kingmed Diagnostics (Hong Kong) Limited) 9869 3603
Lek Yuen Community Hall, Sha Tin (Hong Kong Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Centre Limited) 2986 1272
2986 1270
Yuen Long Town East Community Hall (BGI) 2818 9690
 
     Persons who are subject to compulsory testing must report the result of the test or submit the test report to the Government by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) on or before November 27.

Ends/Monday, November 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:47

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