【Rapid Antigen Test】Elderly Testing Recommendation & Latest Visiting Arrangement For Residential Care Homes
2022-05-12
Despite the continued subsidence of the local epidemic wave, epidemic preventive measures should be maintained especially for the elderly. Check out this article on how elderly persons should undergo an rapid antigen test (RAT) regularly and the latest restricted visiting arrangement for residential care homes (RCHs).
REGULAR RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR THE ELDERLY
According to the Food and Health Bureau (FHB), elderly persons are suggested to conduct regular rapid antigen testing so that timely and appropriate treatment can be provided, especially when they are prone to higher COVID-19 infection risks. The testing suggestions by the FHB are as follows:
| Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine | Testing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Elderly persons received at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine | At least once per week |
| Elderly persons not fully vaccinated | At least 3 times per week |
LATEST RESTRICTED VISITING ARRANGEMENT FOR RCHS
In light of the latest epidemic situation, a restricted visiting arrangement will be implemented starting from May 13 in the RCHs for the elderly and persons with disabilities:
| Visitors | The residents concerned |
|---|---|
| Must have completed at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and obtained negative results fromRAT conducted at the designated area of the RCHs prior to visiting | Must have completed at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine , or have not taken COVID-19 vaccine due to health reasons with written proofs provided by doctors |
| Residents concerned who are recovered patients of COVID-19 within three months(starting from the 14th day after receiving confirmation of infection) are exempted from the above requirements | Residents concerned who are recovered patients of COVID-19 within three months(starting from the 14th day after receiving confirmation of infection) are exempted from the above requirements |
| If either the visitor/resident concerned has not taken COVID-19 vaccine due to health reasons with written proofs provided by doctors, the visitor must have obtained negative PCR test results within 48 hours & negative RAT results conducted at the designated area in the RCHs prior to the visit |
Besides, for persons who need to conduct emergency visits based on compassionate grounds but have not completed the COVID-19 vaccination or have not obtained negative results from PCR tests within 48 hours, they must obtain negative RAT test results conducted in the designated area of the RCHs before the visit. They are also required to submit negative PCR test results to the RCHs within two days after the visit.。
Remarks
- Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination course in general refers to having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the visit
- For persons previously infected with COVID-19, completion of a vaccination course means having received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the visit
