The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) appeals to government staff to use rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to conduct self-tests in the mornings of three consecutive days starting from tomorrow (April 8) for early identification of infected COVID-19 cases and cutting silent transmission chains as early as possible.
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said, "Being the backbone of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the civil service plays an important role in anti-epidemic work and is at the forefront in the fight against the virus. As the Government has been gradually resuming public services from early this month, with a view to largely resuming normal public services from April 21, the people flow at government buildings will likely increase. Although the situation of the fifth wave of the epidemic has been subsiding, we must not let our guard down. Government staff should conduct tests with the RAT kits in the anti-epidemic service bags distributed earlier by the Government to members of the public."
In order to identify infected persons early for appropriate follow-ups for the protection of colleagues and the public, the CSB has sent an email to heads of bureaux and departments to appeal to departmental staff for their co-operation in the RAT exercise and reporting of positive cases, thereby cutting the silent transmission chains and reducing the transmission of the virus in offices, the community and families. Suitable isolation arrangements or treatment will also be provided for confirmed patients.
Mr Nip said, "I also appeal to all members of the public to unite with one heart to fight the epidemic by conducting RATs in tandem and getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others."
To beat the epidemic, persons aged 3 or above should receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Members of the public who have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccination should get vaccinated immediately, and for those who have received their first or second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, they should receive their second or third doses on time so as to maintain the protection conferred by the vaccination. Persons aged 18 or above who have already received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine can receive their third dose three months after their second dose.
The designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme) provides the latest information including details on vaccination venues, reservations and enquiry hotlines.
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