{"id":2597,"date":"2020-08-31T15:33:17","date_gmt":"2020-08-31T07:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/?p=2597"},"modified":"2020-08-31T15:42:28","modified_gmt":"2020-08-31T07:42:28","slug":"hong-kongs-universal-covid-19-testing-9-things-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/hong-kongs-universal-covid-19-testing-9-things-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Hong Kong’s universal COVID-19 testing: 9 things you should know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hong Kong announced<\/a> earlier this month that the city-state will introduce a universal community testing program for COVID-19<\/a>, aimed at Hong Kong ID card holders, largely prompted by the escalating number of cases in the SAR. For those of you who\u2019d like the low-down on this, then this Pacific Prime Hong Kong<\/a> article is for you.<\/p>\n

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\"Individual<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n

1. COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong have been rising<\/h2>\n

Until recently, Hong Kong was hailed as an exemplary case in its handling of COVID-19. Many wondered how the city-state beat coronavirus and avoided lockdown<\/a>, especially since it\u2019s only a stone\u2019s throw away from mainland China. Nevertheless, cases in Hong Kong have been rising and a third wave of infections has officially arrived<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Mass testing aims to break the chain of transmission<\/h2>\n

Due to the rising number of cases in the city-state, the authorities have launched the universal community testing program. It\u2019s a free testing program, for members of the public to undertake on a voluntary basis. The aim is to find asymptomatic patients and to break the chain of transmission.<\/p>\n

3. Testing will last one week starting next month, but could be extended depending on the situation<\/h2>\n

The universal community testing program will begin from 1st September 2020. It will last for an initial seven days. However, depending on the situation, it could be extended for another seven days. All those suitable to get tested are strongly urged to do so. As Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said in a press conference<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the day, it is the conscientiousness and the civic responsibility of every Hong Kong citizen that count, so again I repeated my appeal to the people of Hong Kong that please come forward to do this universal community testing.\u201d – Chief Executive Carrie Lam, press conference on 21st August 2020<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. But, not everyone is suitable and\/or eligible to get tested<\/h2>\n

The COVID-19 test procedure involves taking samples from the nasal cavity and throat. This makes it unsuitable for the following groups:<\/p>\n