Government calls on public to do rapid antigen testing today and tomorrow

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government called on all members of the public to continue to show support and be united in fighting the epidemic by conducting a rapid antigen test (RAT) today and tomorrow (April 9 and 10) and reporting positive cases within 24 hours. This three-day RAT exercise can help identify infected persons early for appropriate follow-up and cut transmission chains in the community as quickly as possible. It also facilitates the Government's understanding of the epidemic situation in Hong Kong for formulation of further anti-epidemic measures in the future.

     A Government spokesman said, "Let us all play a part to contain the virus and cut the COVID-19 transmission chain early for return to normal life, and do the RAT and report results honestly. From April 8 to 10 for three consecutive days, each of us should conduct a test daily with the RAT kits in the anti-epidemic service bag distributed earlier by the Government, and wear a KN95 mask when going out to protect ourselves and others."

     The Government reminds members of the public who have tested positive to photograph and register their test results within 24 hours on the Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test online platform (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, and avoid going out. The CHP will arrange suitable home support, isolation or treatment according to the health conditions and home situations of the infected persons. There is no need to declare negative test results. For the procedures of conducting the RAT, please view the demonstration video produced by the CHP (www.chp.gov.hk/en/r/1347).

     In addition, elderly people are the most vulnerable group under the epidemic. In order to enable infected elderly persons to seek timely medical advice and be prescribed with treatment drugs, those aged 70 or above can receive free COVID-19 nucleic acid test services at community testing centres and mobile specimen collection stations until the end of April, without the need for booking in advance.

     The Government started distributing anti-epidemic service bags to all 18 districts in Hong Kong since April 2. The 18 District Offices have also set up 89 anti-epidemic service bag distribution points to operate from April 7 to 13 for collection of anti-epidemic service bags by members of the public who cannot receive the bags.