A man delivers anti-epidemic service bags to a distribution center as a banner hung outside the wall of a building reads "United, we fight the virus!" in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Saturday called on all residents to conduct self-tests for COVID-19 and report positive cases within 24 hours as the voluntary program entered its second day.
In a statement, the government said the three-day RAT exercise can help identify infected people early for appropriate follow-up and cut transmission chains in the community as quickly as possible.
“It also facilitates the government's understanding of the epidemic situation in Hong Kong for formulation of further anti-epidemic measures in the future,” the government said.
To better protect elderly people, those aged 70 or above can receive free COVID-19 nucleic acid test services at community testing centers and mobile specimen collection stations until the end of April, without the need for booking in advance
It called on members of the public to continue to show support and be united in fighting the city’s fifth wave of the epidemic.
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"Let us all play a part to contain the virus and cut the COVID-19 transmission chain early for return to normal life, and do the RAT and report results honestly,” the government said.
Residents are encouraged to conduct a test daily from April 8 to 10 with the RAT kits in the anti-epidemic service bag distributed earlier by the government. They are also urged to wear a KN95 mask provided when going out to protect ourselves and others.
The government reminded those who have tested positive to photograph and register their test results within 24 hours on the Centre for Health Protection’s declaration system and avoid going out.
“The CHP will arrange suitable home support, isolation or treatment according to the health conditions and home situations of the infected persons,” the government said. There is no need to declare negative test results.
To better protect elderly people – who are the most vulnerable group under the epidemic – those aged 70 or above can receive free COVID-19 nucleic acid test services at community testing centers and mobile specimen collection stations until the end of April, without the need for booking in advance, the government said.
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The government has distributed anti-epidemic service bags to households in all 18 districts in Hong Kong over the past week.
Those who could not receive the bags or need more RAT kits can collect them at the 89 anti-epidemic service bag distribution points set up across Hong Kong until next Wednesday.