Registration for FEHD's free COVID-19 testing services for targeted groups to end on December 24
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People in high-exposure groups who have already registered and undergone testing may register again. The testing agency (Health Hope International Medical Laboratory Limited) will be responsible for the provision of one-stop services covering specimen taking and testing. For details of the testing programme, please call the hotline of the testing agency at 5722 3847 or visit the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/covid19_test/info_20200926.html). The free deep throat saliva testing services provided by the FEHD is not applicable to the compulsory testing notice. No SMS notification of the testing results will be issued.
The spokesman said, "To complement the dynamic 'zero infection' strategy, the Government has taken a more stringent anti-epidemic measure since October and has fully implemented by phases the enhanced testing arrangement for high-risk and high-exposure groups. The testing of all targeted group persons (whether they have completed a vaccination course or not) must be done by using combined nasal and throat swabs collected by professionals. Free COVID-19 testing services will continue to be provided for eligible persons of targeted groups at community testing centres (CTCs). They have to make bookings online (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) for receiving the free testing service at the CTCs upon presentation of relevant document proof."
The Government has earlier on stipulated that cold store practitioners (including full-time, part-time, casual and relief staff, and staff under a hire-of-service contract with cold stores) who would enter the warehouse inside the cold store in which articles of food are stored under refrigeration; or come into contact with or be involved in loading/unloading articles of food which require refrigeration, are required to undergo testing once every three days if they have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course, while those who have not yet completed a vaccination course (including staff who are unfit to receive vaccination at the moment because of health reasons) are required to get tested on a daily basis. They are required to present a relevant vaccination record or medical certificate, and valid identity document stamped by the cold store operator for the CTCs' staff to receive the free tests.
After December 31, eligible staff and personnel working in public markets, and licensed hawkers within the targeted group can continue, upon presentation of relevant identification documents, to receive a free test every 28 days at a CTC on a voluntary basis to safeguard their health and that of their families and co-workers.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the spokesman appealed to the groups concerned to continue to comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner, and to maintain personal and environmental hygiene continuously and take adequate personal protection measures at all times.
Ends/Friday, December 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 14:30
Issued at HKT 14:30
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