Government follows up on positive results of sewage surveillance and appeals to residents to undergo virus testing

     The Government announced today (March 14) 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 with relatively high viral loads in the following areas, the respective District Offices will distribute over 80 000 sets of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to a total of about 80 000 residents, cleaning workers and property management staff working in the following areas starting from tomorrow (March 15) for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identify infected persons:
 

• Sham Shui Po District – Phase 1 to Phase 8 of Mei Foo Sun Chuen
• Wong Tai Sin District – Tin Ma Court, Tin Wang Court and Upper Wong Tai Sin Estate
• Yuen Long District – Tin Yat Estate and Tin Yuet Estate

     Members of the public may refer to (www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk) for enquiries relating to the use of the RAT kits.

     When using an RAT 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.

     People who obtained a positive result through an RAT for the first time can report via the online platform "Declaration System for individuals tested positive for COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Test" (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp/). If individuals encounter difficulties using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 1836 119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The Centre for Health Protection will contact the relevant person later to finish the report procedure.