The Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) will provide regular COVID-19 tests for front-line workers at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (KTCTs) starting tomorrow (September 1).
Further to the discussion between the THB and the respective port operators, regular tests will be arranged for four designated groups of workers who need to work onboard cargo vessels or may have contacts with sea crews on the vessels, including stevedores, operational/yard supervisors, ship planners and security and safety officers. Around 1 200 workers are involved in these work groups.
The testing is voluntary. Front-line workers who wish to participate in the tests are required to register their personal details (including names, contact numbers, etc) with their affiliated terminal operators and submit a consent form prior to taking the tests. Terminal staff registered can take the test at a specific time slot every week at the three designated testing points located at Terminals 2, 4 and 9 of KTCTs as arranged by the respective terminal operators. Duty officers of the testing institution will collect the specimens of nasopharyngeal swab tests from the participating employees and deliver them to laboratories for examination. The testing institution will not retain the personal data of the participants. In case of a positive test result, the Centre for Health Protection, the THB and the respective terminal operators will be notified for further follow-up.
In response to the recommendation of the health authorities, the terminal staff may take the tests every seven days during the initial period of the testing arrangement. The arrangement will be reviewed having regard to the epidemic situation and the views of the health authorities afterwards.
The THB appeals to the designated front-line workers to actively participate in the regular testing arrangement with a view to safeguarding public health and minimising the spreading of risk in the community.
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