【Compulsory Testing】Testing Groups & PCR Testing Routes
2022-02-03
“Compulsory testing” and “lockdown” have become heated topics again amidst the recent 5th wave of pandemic. We have gathered the latest information about the groups that have to undergo compulsory testing and different PCR testing routes that suit your needs.
What is compulsory testing?
Due to the pandemic, Hong Kong government has requested certain persons who had visited several relevant places considered to be relatively high risk to undergo compulsory PCR testing.
Who are subject to compulsory testing?
Considering the 5th wave of pandemic, usual targeted groups that must undergo compulsory testing are as follows:
1. Compulsory Testing Notice – Restricted Areas / Specified Premises
HK government will issue the compulsory testing notice depending on the latest local infection situation. Individuals who had been present at specified have to undergo the multiple tests on time as required.
| Restricted Areas | Specified Premises | |
|---|---|---|
| Restriction Details | Government will delineate restricted areas and make a "restriction-testing declaration". Persons within the areas are required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the arrangement by the Government, and can only leave after the relevant test results are mostly ascertained. | If one or more new confirmed cases are found in the residential buildings (including buildings for both commercial and residential uses), or there are sewage samples tested positive which implied possible infection risks, the buildings will be included in the compulsory testing notice. For testing targeting at workplaces, if one or more confirmed cases are found in a workplace, it will be included in the compulsory testing notice. |
| Targeted Individuals | Any person who had been present in the restricted area for more than two hours in the past 14 days (including but not limited to visitors, residents and workers) have to also undergo compulsory testing. | Any persons who had been present at specified places during the specified date(s) and time period(s) (in any capacity including but not limited to full-time, part-time and relief staff, residents, students and visitors) have to undergo the multiple tests on time as required. |
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- Check the latest compulsory testing notice
2. In respect of Buildings Resided by COVID-19 Cases with the N501Y/L452R variants
Any persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on specified dates in accordance with the announcement by the Department of Health (DH). They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day.
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3. Individuals who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant
Any person who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant in the same residential unit on the date of commencement of quarantine or during the 14 days before that day, and who becomes aware of the quarantine of the person under quarantine when the relevant quarantine has not yet been completed, has to undergo testing within two days after becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine and report to the Government the result of the test by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) within three days of undergoing the test.
When should I complete compulsory testing?
- Restricted Areas / Specified Premises: Undergo the multiple tests on time according to the compulsory testing notice
- Individuals who had live with a person placed under quarantine pursuant: Undergo testing within two days after becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine
What are the recognised routes to undergo compulsory testing?
Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the designated mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen. Recognized testing routes are as follows:
1. Mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups))
2. Community Testing Centers (see the list)
3. Self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list)
4. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the stool sample collected as per relevant guidelines
INDICAID labTM provides government recognised PCR test report
INDICAID labTM is conveniently located in Central and provides a safe and quick PCR testing service, allowing you to quickly obtain a government recognised PCR test report:
- Government recognised, applicable for compulsory testing
- Provide test report as fast as 6 hours1
- Suitable for children aged 3 and under2
- No need for long queues after booking & lower infection risk
- Independent sampling room, comfortable and hygienic testing environment
Comparison of Government Recognised PCR Testing Routes:
| Community Testing Centers | Private Hospitals | Medical Centers | INDICAID labTM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 19 centers across HK | HK Island, Kowloon, New Territories | HK Island, Kowloon, New Territories | Central |
| Booking | Online | Online / Phone | Online / Phone | Online / Phone |
| Report Time | 24 hrs | 2-24 hrs | 8-48 hrs | 24 hrs
Express 6 hrs1 |
| Sampling Method | Nasal and throat swabs | Deep throat saliva
Nasal and throat swabs Nasopharyngeal swab Throat Swab | Deep throat saliva
Nasal and throat swabs Nasopharyngeal swab Throat Swab | Deep throat saliva
Nasal and throat swabs |
| Age Requirement | Travellers aged 3 years or older | Normally > 6 | Normally > 6 | Suitable for all ages2 |
| On-site doctor’s consultation | No | 有 | 有 | 有 |
| Independent Sampling Room | No | 有 | 有 | 有 |
| Testing Price | $240 | $800-2500 | $300-1800 | From $380 |
| Other Charges | No | Need to pay extra consultation fee and report fee | Need to pay extra consultation fee and report fee | Includes consultation fee and report fee |
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1 Test report by 6pm on the same day for samples submitted before noon
2 Toddlers under 3 years old are also suitable for nasal & throat swabs sample collection, eligibility for the test is subject to on-site medical professional judgement
