The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at 44 specified places during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.
 
     In view of a number of cases testing positive, 44 specified places are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo testing on time as required. Mobile specimen collection stations have been set up by the Government in different districts to facilitate testing to be conducted in compliance with the compulsory testing notice. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.
 
     Persons who have tested positive in the past three months (including positive cases tested either by nucleic acid tests recorded by the Department of Health (DH) or by rapid antigen tests (RATs) that have been self-declared to the DH) do not need to undergo compulsory testing. For those who are subject to compulsory testing (save for those who have declared their positive RAT results as mentioned above), they must undergo nucleic acid tests in accordance with relevant compulsory testing notices and cannot use RATs to fulfil the requirement of such notices. In other words, a negative RAT result cannot be deemed as fulfilling the compulsory testing requirement. Furthermore, unless a person subject to compulsory testing has obtained a medical certificate proving that he or she is unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons, the person cannot provide a deep throat saliva sample to fulfil the compulsory testing requirement.
 
     Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)'s website via the following link: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20220521.pdf.
 
     If any persons test positive under compulsory testing, such positive cases will be handled in the same manner as in those identified through other nucleic acid tests or self-declared through RATs. Their isolation arrangements (as well as the quarantine arrangements of their household members) are no different from other positive cases.
 
     Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen. For details on obtaining stool specimen bottles, please refer to the COVID-19 thematic website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/Stool_bottle_collection_points.pdf.
 
     If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon "extreme conditions" announcement by the Government is in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be extended for one day.
 
     The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated without delay. The Government is working towards the goal of boosting the vaccination rates of children, teenagers and the elderly so that they can be protected by the vaccines as early as possible. Furthermore, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the CHP of the DH has earlier updated the consensus interim recommendations, and persons aged 60 or above who have taken three doses of vaccine are recommended to receive an additional dose (i.e. fourth dose) of either Comirnaty vaccine or CoronaVac vaccine at least three months after their last dose. Members of the public who are eligible should get the fourth dose as early as possible for better protection.
 
    CTCs provide testing services for the public. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming two weeks to facilitate the public's planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm today (May 21), there was around 97 per cent availability for booking places for the coming two weeks. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
 
    The Government will set up or reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Hing Wah (II) Estate in Chai Wan, Wah Fu (II) Estate in Pok Fu Lam, Lok Fu Estate, Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan and On Yam Estate in Kwai Chung tomorrow (May 22). The service period of the mobile specimen collection station at Richland Gardens in Kowloon Bay will be extended to May 23 (Monday). Separately, ticketing machines have been installed in a number of service points for on-site ticket arrangement. Members of the public who have obtained a ticket can visit the CTC website (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to check the real-time queueing ticket status. Booking service is also provided for some large-scale mobile specimen collection stations, and members of the public may use the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to reserve a suitable time slot for testing.
 
     Other than persons subject to compulsory testing, all members of the public may conduct free testing at CTCs or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable). The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations are stated in the Annex.
 
     Outdoor mobile specimen collection stations will be closed if the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 or Red Rainstorm Warning Signal has been issued, while all mobile specimen collection stations together with all CTCs will be closed when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force.
 
     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:
 
(a) For tests which require using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs
1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;
2. To attend any of the CTCs (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en);
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf), and the relevant sample must be taken through combined nasal and throat swabs; or
4. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the stool sample collected as per relevant guidelines.
 
(b) For persons holding a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner proving that they are unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons
1. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from post offices, vending machines set up at MTR stations or designated general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
2. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority; or
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results.
 
     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.
 
     "If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the CTCs."
 
     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing the result of the test and the relevant medical certificate (if applicable) for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.
 
     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.
 
     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. The fixed penalty for discharging the liability is $10,000. The person may also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Any person in breach of the compulsory testing order would be liable to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.
 
     The spokesman said, "The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons."

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, spoke at a discussion session entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 21).
      
     Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has all along been a staunch supporter of free and open trade and investment, adding that only with a stable and predictable rules-based multilateral trading system, international trade could be effectively conducted, global resources could be put to gainful use, and the livelihood of our people could be collectively improved.
      
     "APEC member economies should collectively serve as a powerful and running engine behind the multilateral trading system in searching for common ground to bridge differences and forge consensus," he said.
      
     Meanwhile, Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong considers it vital for the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to be held three weeks later in Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver a WTO response to the pandemic, so that the world can address the immediate challenges and prepare for any future global health crisis. A successful MC12 is not only important for the WTO itself, but also for the global economy in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
      
     In the morning, Mr Yau participated in a public-private dialogue between MRT and the APEC Business Advisory Council during which he reaffirmed Hong Kong's support for APEC's long-term efforts in advancing towards the realisation of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
      
     "2022 is a milestone year for FTAAP, not only because of the sweeping transformation of our global trade landscape, but also thanks to the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on January 1 which has provided a fertile ground for the Asia-Pacific region to pursue broader and deeper integration," Mr Yau said.
      
     He reiterated that Hong Kong is ready to join and contribute to the RCEP in the soonest future, getting a step closer to the construction of the FTAAP.
      
     On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Yau held bilateral meetings with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato' Lim Jock Hoi; and the Minister for Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand, Hon Damien O'Connor, to exchange views on issues of mutual concerns. He also met with the Vice Minister of Trade and Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of Chile, Mr Jose Miguel Ahumada Franco; the Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Mr Gan Kim Yong; and the Minister of Trade of Indonesia, H.E. Muhammad Lutfi, to discuss various trade and economic issues.
      
     This year, APEC has adopted the theme "Open. Connect. Balance.", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely open trade and investment to all opportunities; restoring connectivity in all dimensions; and promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects. Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 22).

                

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at the discussion session entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 21):
      
     Thank you Chair (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr Jurin Laksanawisit), and I thank the Director-General of the WTO (World Trade Organization)(Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala) for her remarks, giving us very clear pointers and also the imminence on the way forward if MC12 (12th Ministerial Conference) outcomes are within reach.
      
     As a small but open economy, Hong Kong, China (HKC), has always been a staunch supporter of open trade and open investment. For we believe that only with a stable and predictable rules-based multilateral trading system, international trade could be effectively conducted, global resources could be put to gainful use, and the livelihood of our people could be collectively improved.
      
     We echo the remarks made by the DG/WTO, which I quote – "what the world needs right now is a responsive WTO, one that helps us meet the many challenges of our time and delivers on the aspirations of the people we serve". I heard her saying also that it is also our joint responsibility among the WTO members. With MC12 just three weeks away, much work needs to be done. In this regard, I would join previous speakers in calling upon our colleagues for full commitment to the negotiations, and to give our negotiators in Geneva the mandate to exercise the flexibility needed to conclude the negotiations.
      
     HKC considers it vital for MC12 to deliver a WTO Response to the Pandemic, so that the world can address the immediate challenges and prepare for any future global health crisis. We also call for the conclusion of the fisheries subsidies negotiations – we are only moments away from the finishing line. In addition, there should be sound outcomes at MC12 in addressing the food crisis and the WTO Reform, including in particular the return to a fully functional dispute settlement system which is badly needed for all.  
      
     Mr Chair, a successful MC12 is not only important for the WTO itself, but also for the global economy in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's not forget our commitments made in the Aotearoa Plan of Action, as endorsed by our leaders last year, to play a leading role in driving important changes for the necessary reform of the WTO.
      
     While economies may not fully agree on every single issue, we do share some common goals for the common good and we also see this is a joint responsibility in making the WTO both functional and relevant. As a group, APEC member economies should collectively serve as a powerful and running engine behind the multilateral trading system in searching for a common ground to bridge differences and forge consensus. It remains HKC's wish that this consensus can also be manifested in a joint statement to be made at this MRT, that I understand the Chair and many member representatives are still working very hard on it. Such a statement should demonstrate APEC's continued commitment and support of the multilateral trading system. To conclude, HKC will continue to work constructively with fellow APEC member economies in making our contributions to MC12.
      
     Thank you.

     In light of positive test results for the COVID-19 virus from sewage samples collected in Tai Po, Sha Tin and Central and Western Districts, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (May 21) that the Tai Po District Office (TPDO), the Sha Tin District Office (STDO) and the Central and Western District Office (C&WDO) have distributed a total of about 251 000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in the Districts.

     The TPDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po Garden, Tai Po Tau Shui Wai, Parc Versailles and Po Nga Court for voluntary testing through the property management companies, the owners' corporations and the Village Representatives.

     The STDO also distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Villa Oceania, Bayshore Towers, The Tolo Place, Ma On Shan Centre, Sunshine City, Fok On Garden and Yiu On Estate for voluntary testing through the property management companies and the owners' corporations.
 
     In addition, the C&WDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Poksmith Villa, Pokfield Garden, Sun Fat Building, Wai Wah Court, University Heights; residential premises around Sands Street, North Street and Smithfield for voluntary testing through the property management companies and the owners' corporations. The C&WDO also arranged to distribute rapid test kits to households living in "three-nil" buildings in the district of which the sewage samples were tested positive.

     The HAD made the above arrangements in the hope of identifying infected persons early.

     Members of the public may refer to the demonstration video produced by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health (DH) via www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk to learn how to use the rapid antigen test (RAT) kit.

     Persons testing positive through an RAT should take a photo of the test result and declare the result within 24 hours via the Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp). If members of the public encounter difficulties in using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The CHP under the DH will contact the relevant person later to complete the report procedure. There is no need to declare negative test results.

     The Government appeals for the co-operation of members of the public to safeguard the health of themselves and their families by undergoing testing on a voluntary basis and fighting the virus together. The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who have visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases that tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons to reduce the transmission risks of COVID-19.

      

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 0.00am today (May 21), a total of 533 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 65 new patients. Among the patients staying in isolation facilities, 90 patients are in isolation wards, 22 patients are in second-tier isolation wards and 47 patients are in the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, of which 29 in total are new patients. The rest of the confirmed patients are hospitalised or readmitted due to other medical reasons. Those patients have recovered and are non-infectious, and therefore do not need to be treated in isolation facilities. Among the hospitalised patients, 10 of them are in critical condition and 10 are in serious condition, of which three critical patients are receiving intensive care. There were 84 patients who have recovered, including 68 patients who have been discharged. In addition, no confirmed patient passed away in public hospitals yesterday (May 20).

     In the fifth wave of the epidemic, there are 49 781 patients who have recovered so far, including 49 462 patients who have been discharged. And since early 2020, there are 62 161 patients who have recovered, including 61 842 patients who have been discharged.

     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.