The Government announced today (March 2) that in order to fight the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Department 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 the following districts, the respective District Offices will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to residents and all cleansing workers and property management staff working in the following areas starting from tomorrow (March 3) for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identifying infected persons –
- Sham Shui Po District – So Uk Estate and Hoi Ying Estate
- Islands District – Mun Tung Estate and Yu Tai Court, Tung Chung
- North District – Ching Ho Estate, Sheung Shui
- Yuen Long District – Ping Yan Court
- Kwai Tsing District – Cheung Hang Estate and Cheung Wang Estate, Tsing Yi
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 using a rapid test 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 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.
If people living or working in the areas with positive sewage testing results are tested positive with the rapid test kits, they may also call 2280 4772, the Government's 24-hour hotline for "persons tested positive with rapid antigen tests in areas with positive sewage testing results" for assistance. Should these persons begin to develop symptoms before results are available, they may consult their family doctors for advice according to their needs. When severe symptoms (e.g. prolonged fever at 38 degrees Celsius or above, or signs such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain) are developed, members of the public are urged to call the 999 hotline for arranging ambulance transfer to hospital as early as possible.
Follow this news feed: East Asia