According to the compulsory testing notices published on December 30 and 31, 2020, as well as the latest information from the Centre for Health Protection yesterday (January 4), the Government has arranged mobile specimen collection stations, Community Testing Centres or other testing avenues to provide testing for persons of the 42 specified premises (see Annex 1) covered by the compulsory testing notices. The period specified in the relevant compulsory testing notices expired yesterday.

     According to the preliminary records of the Food and Health Bureau and the Home Affairs Department (HAD), as at yesterday, a cumulative total of about 55 000 persons who were required to undergo compulsory testing had taken the test at the 27 relevant specimen collection stations (see Annex 2) or Community Testing Centres in various districts, which accounted for nearly 85 per cent of the estimated number of residents of corresponding buildings covered by the testing notices. 16 positive cases were detected through the abovementioned compulsory testing. In addition, the HAD understands that some people had taken the tests through other means as specified in the testing notices.

     The HAD thanks the many residents who had complied with the compulsory testing notices for their co-operation to fight against the virus together. The HAD is also grateful for the efforts and support by the relevant government departments and colleagues, as well as the testing contractors and their staff, to carry out the testing for the public.

     The HAD reminds the public again that the Government will take resolute follow-up action to ensure compliance to all testing notices.

     The COVID-19 virus is high in transmissibility. Although many patients are asymptomatic, they still infect people around them. Participation in testing is a responsible act for oneself, family members as well as the community. The Government appeals to the public to undergo testing in compliance with the notice. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notice commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him/her to undergo testing within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.

Ends/Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Issued at HKT 20:15

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