The Government announced today (February 13) that in order to fight the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Drainage Services Department in collaboration with the cross-disciplinary team of the University of Hong Kong had strengthened the sampling of sewage for virus testing in all districts, and had detected positive results in many areas, indicating that there may be hidden cases in the premises within these areas.
Rapid test
As regards positive sewage testing results in Islands, Sha Tin, Sham Shui Po and Kwai Tsing Districts, the Home Affairs Department (including Islands, Sha Tin, Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po District Offices) will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to residents and all cleansing workers and property management staff working in the following areas (see Annex) starting from tomorrow (February 14) for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identifying infected persons –
- Sewage Testing Area Tung Chung Yat Tung Estate Site 04 (YTE-04) – Ching Yat House, Hong Yat House and Yung Yat House of Yat Tung (I) Estate
- Sewage Testing Area Sha Tin Site 10A (Sha Tin Site 10A) – Pok Chi House, Pok Yat House and Pok Tai House of Pok Hong Estate
- Sewage Testing Area Sham Shui Po Site 2-4 (Sham Shui Po Site 2-4) – Lai Chi Kok Bay Garden
- Sewage Testing Area Sham Shui Po Site 2-5 (Sham Shui Po Site 2-5) (Part) – Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre Staff Quarters
Members of the public may refer to (www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk) for enquiries relating to the use of the rapid test kits.
When positive result (including vaguely positive with a faint band showing on the test kit) is obtained, one should immediately seek medical attention for follow up management. Residents tested positive should stay home as far as possible to avoid spreading the virus in the community. The Government stresses that rapid test kit testing is not a substitute for the compulsory testing requirement. Individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, who have visited places with epidemic outbreaks or have had contact with persons tested positive, etc., should undergo testing promptly at testing centres.
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