In view of a number of confirmed COVID-19 cases relating to residents in Tai Po recently, in order to identify cases in the community as early as possible to help cut the transmission chains, the Government will arrange a testing agency to provide free specimen collection and testing services through mobile specimen collection stations in Tai Po for three consecutive days starting tomorrow (November 9), with a view to facilitating and encouraging residents of the district or individuals who perceive themselves as having a higher risk of exposure to undergo free COVID-19 testing.
The testing agency (Hong Kong Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Centre Limited) will set up mobile stations at the following three locations: volleyball court next to Kwong Wai House of Kwong Fuk Estate; open space outside Fu Shin Community Hall; open space between the Pai Lau and the Pavilion of Wai Tau Tsuen. The mobile stations will operate from 10am to 5pm between November 9 and November 11. Members of the public may visit the mobile stations direct for on-site registration and specimen collections.
A government spokesman said, "The testing agency will provide specimen collection services by combined nasal and throat swab and testing services free of charge. 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."
At the same time, the mobile van run by testing agency (Prenetics Limited) will be parked near to the taxi station in front of Hang Seng Bank at 41 Kwong Fuk Road from 10am to 5pm on November 9 and 10 and will continue to distribute and collect deep throat saliva specimen bottles.
The spokesman urged all individuals who are doubtful about their own health conditions to undergo the testing for the protection of themselves and others and to fight the epidemic together.
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