The Government announced today (May 13) that in order to fight the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Department and the Drainage Services Department have been collecting sewage samples for virus testing in all districts, and had detected positive results in some 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 Housing Department and the respective District Offices will commence distributing about 200 000 sets of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to residents, cleaning workers and property management staff working in the following areas for them to take the test on their own, in order to help identify infected persons:
- Southern District – Baguio Villa, Residence Bel-Air, South Tower Residence Bel-Air, Bel-Air Rise, Bel-Air On The Peak, Villa Bel-Air and Bel-Air No. 8
- Kwun Tong District – Shun Chi Court, Kung Lok Building, Nam Hong Building, Hong Lee Court, Hamden Court, Connie Towers, King Hing Court, Woodview Court, Joyful Villas, The Verandah Garden, Belleve Garden, Panorama Court, Cambria Court, Golden Dragon Garden, Louisa Tower, Lotus Tower of Kwun Tong Garden Estate, Shun Lee Estate and Shun On Estate
- Central and Western District – Residential premises around Sai Ning Street, Cadogan Street, Davis Street and Smithfield (see Annex)
Members of the public may refer to (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/rat/eng/rat.html) 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 of them 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 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health will contact the relevant person later to finish the report procedure.
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