The Government is very concerned about a number of COVID-19 confirmed cases reported at Block 8 of Kwai Shing West Estate recently. Starting from today (December 7), the Government has arranged the testing agency, BGI, to set up a mobile specimen collection station at the Kwai Shing Community Hall. Operating hours will be daily from 10am to 8pm. Tentatively, the mobile specimen collection station will operate until December 9 (Wednesday). 
 
     The Government will decide whether it is necessary to extend the operation period of the mobile specimen collection station after reviewing the usage of the station and the public's demand for the testing service.

     Through mobile specimen collection stations set up earlier in Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and Tung Chung, the Government has been providing free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services for members of the public. The opening dates and operating hours of the existing mobile specimen collection stations in various districts providing services for the general public are at the Annex.
 
     A Government spokesman said, "The testing agency will provide specimen collection services by combined nasal and throat swabs at the existing mobile specimen collection station for testing free of charge."
      
     Persons who are subject to compulsory testing and undergo testing at the mobile specimen collection stations will be deemed to have undergone a test at a community testing centre. People whose test results are negative will be informed by SMS through their mobile phones. If any specimen tested shows a positive COVID-19 result, the specimen will be referred to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Department of Health (DH) for a confirmatory test. Confirmed cases will be followed up and announced by the Centre for Health Protection of the DH.

     The spokesman urged all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with exposure to infection risk (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or contacted confirmed cases), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons.

Ends/Monday, December 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:02

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