(Fighting New Coronary Pneumonia) Hong Kong sets up 141 community testing centers to implement universal community testing program
China News Service, Hong Kong, August 28 (Reporter Zeng Ping) With the strong support of the central government, Hong Kong will implement a universal community testing program on September 1. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced on the 28th that 141 community testing centers will be set up in 18 districts in Hong Kong to implement the plan, and the public is urged to participate actively.
The Director of the Civil Service Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Nie Dequan, said at a press conference held that day that the universal community testing program lasts for 7 days and can be extended for no more than 7 days depending on the progress. For the convenience of the public, the SAR government has set up 141 community testing centers in all districts of Hong Kong. When the plan is launched, these venues will implement appropriate infection control and social distancing measures.
According to reports, citizens who voluntarily participate in the universal community testing program can make an appointment on the website from August 29, fill in simple personal information, and select the testing center, date and time. If the result is negative, the public will receive an SMS notification within about 3 days; if the result is positive, the Department of Health will call to inform and arrange isolation treatment.
Nie Dequan said that the third wave of the epidemic has lasted for 8 weeks, and the daily number of confirmed diagnoses is still double-digit. The universal community testing program provides an opportunity to find invisible patients with new coronary pneumonia in the community as soon as possible.
The Secretary for Food and Health of the Special Administrative Region Government, Chen Zhaoshi, said that the response of the Hong Kong medical profession to the universal community testing program has been very positive. More than 6000 medical staff or students studying medical-related subjects in tertiary institutions have signed up. "We most need everyone to fight the epidemic with one heart." She said that Hong Kong hopes that Hong Kong will control the epidemic to a low level as soon as possible, so that society will gradually resume social and economic activities. (Finish)