The Government announced today (February 14) 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 Yuen Long, Eastern, Islands, North and Sham Shui Po Districts, the Home Affairs Department (Yuen Long District Office) 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 15) for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identifying infected persons –
- Sewage Testing Area Yuen Long Site 7A (Part) – Hung Foon House of Hung Fuk Estate
In addition, the Home Affairs Department (including Eastern, Islands, North and Sham Shui Po District Offices) will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to all cleansing workers and property management staff working in the following areas (see Annex) starting from tomorrow (February 15) for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identifying infected persons. The Government appeals to residents and those working in these areas who have been exposed to infection risks to undergo testing on a voluntary basis to achieve "early identification, early isolation and early treatment".
- Sewage Testing Area Eastern Site 6A (Part) – Hing Wah (I) Estate and Hing Wah (II) Estate
- Sewage Testing Area Island Site 1A (Part) – Yat Tung (II) Estate
- Sewage Testing Area Northern Site 3A (Part) – Ching Ho Estate
- Sewage Testing Area Sham Shui Po Site 3-3 – Hoi Ying Estate and Hoi Lok Court
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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