The Government announced today (August 21) that in order to fight the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Department and the Drainage Services Department have been collecting sewage samples for virus testing in all districts, and had detected positive results in some areas, indicating that there may be hidden cases in the premises within these areas.

Rapid test

     As regards positive sewage testing results with relatively high viral loads in the following areas, the Housing Department and the respective District Offices will commence distributing about 260 000 sets of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to residents, cleaning workers and property management staff working in the following areas for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identify infected persons:
 

• Islands District – Ying Tung Estate, Caribbean Coast (Monterey Cove, Albany Cove, Carmel Cove, Crystal Cove and La Mer), The Visionary, Century Link, Century Link II, Seaview Crescent and Coastal Skyline (Le Bleu Deux, Coastal Skyline, La Rossa, Le Bleu)
• Kwai Tsing District – Tai Wo Hau Estate, Wang Wah Mansion, Sheung Man Court, Yen Ya Building, 23-25 Texaco Road, 45-55 Texaco Road, Tak Tai Court, Tak Tai Building, Yau Cheung Building, Wing Wo Building, Kwai Yin Court, Regency Park, Wah Yuen Chuen, Wonderland Villas, Cheung Hang Village, Tsui Yiu Court, Tai Wong Ha Resite Village, San Uk Resite Village and Fung Shue Wo Resite Village
• Central and Western District – Hillsborough Court, The Belcher's, Kam Ling Court and residential buildings around Po Tuck Street and Clarence Terrace (See Annex)

     Members of the public may refer to (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/rat/eng/rat.html) for enquiries relating to the use of the RAT kits.

     When using an RAT kit, please pay attention to and follow the instructions from the manufacturer to perform the test and read the result properly. It is advisable to record the displayed result by taking a photo immediately after reading. Users should wash their hands before and after performing the tests, and avoid placing non-essential items within the specimen collection area. After completing the test, wrap and seal all components of the test kit carefully and dispose of them properly. If the household environment is contaminated during the specimen collecting process, disinfection should be conducted with 1 in 49 diluted bleach solution or 70 per cent alcohol.

     People who obtained a positive result through an RAT for the first time can report via the online platform "Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test" (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp). If individuals encounter difficulties using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health will contact the relevant person later to finish the report procedure.

Ends/Sunday, August 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30

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