The Government announced today (May 17) 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 300 000 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:
 

• Tuen Mun District – Terrace Concerto, Tai Hing Gardens Phase 1 and 2, Hong Tak Gardens, Greenland Garden, Chelsea Heights, Wu King Estate, Butterfly Estate, Nerine Cove, Glorious Garden and The Sea Crest
• North District – Tin Ping Estate, Hop Fung Building, Wo Fung House, The Cornwall, Ho King House, Fu Ho Mansion, Fu Yin Building, Po Hon Lau, Po Cheung Building, Po Luen Building, Kin Fung Building, San Wah Bank Building, Cheong Wah Building, Lok Fung Building, Tai Cheong House, Pun Yuen Building, May Lun Building, Luen Wo Centre, Luen Cheong Building, Louver Mansion, Fung King Building, Kam Loi House, Comfort Court, Yau Hing Building, 41-53 Wo Tai Street, 53-55 Wo Fung Street, 53-55 Luen Wo Road, 2-4, 14-16 and 17-35B Luen Cheong Street and 18-36B Luen Shing Street
• Islands District – Caribbean Coast (Albany Cove, Carmel Cove, La Mer, Monterey Cove and Crystal Cove), Coastal Skyline ((i) Coastal Skyline, (ii) Le Bleu, (iii) La Rossa and (iv) Le Bleu Deux) and Seaview Crescent

     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.

Ends/Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30

NNNN