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

     The Government announced today (March 20) 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 about 140 000 sets of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to a total of over 140 000 residents, cleaning workers and property management staff working in the following areas starting from tomorrow (March 21) for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identify infected persons:
 

  • Wong Tai Sin District – Tsz Ching Estate, Tsz Lok Estate, Tsz Oi Court, Lok Fu Estate, Tak Keung Court, Hong Keung Court and Ka Keung Court
  • Tai Po District – Tai Yuen Estate, Fortune Plaza, Jade Plaza, Eightland Gardens, Ting Nga Court, Treasure Garden, Wing Fai Garden, Mei Sun Building, Mei Lee Building, Yuet Fat Mansion, Shun King Building, Wing Ming Garden, Winnye Tower, Sing Kung Building and On Lok Building
  • Kowloon City District – Ka Wai Chuen, Hung Hom Estate, Hunghom Bay Centre, United Building, Whampoa Building and Lux Theatre Building
  • Sham Shui Po District – Un Chau Estate, Po Hei Court, Po Lai Court and Wing Loong Building
  • Yau Tsim Mong District – Buildings around Cheung Wong Road, Canton Road and Reclamation Street, Mong Kok (See Annex)

 
     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.