The Hospital Authority today announced that the time slots for distribution of specimen collection packs will be increased at 46 general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) for greater convenience in COVID-19 testing.

The authority said the enhanced arrangement is to assist individuals who perceive themselves as having a higher risk of exposure and who experience mild discomfort to undergo a COVID-19 test.

Apart from services on Monday to Friday, people can obtain the specimen collection packs at specific GOPCs from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, starting from November 7.

Regarding the arrangement for specimen submission, the GOPCs will extend the specimen collection hours from November 5. People can submit the specimen bottles from to 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 3pm from Monday to Friday, as well as 9am to 11am on Saturdays.

Submission of specimens will also be available between 9am and 11am on Sundays and public holidays at some GOPCs. 

In addition, Sai Wan Ho General Out-patient Clinic, Ap Lei Chau General Out-patient Clinic and Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre will pilot the use of vending machines to help the public obtain specimen collection packs with greater convenience.

Meanwhile, the authority pointed out that according to the latest scientific evidence and expert opinions, deep throat saliva collected under the principle of no food or drink, no mouth rinsing and no brushing teeth within two hours is equally effective as specimen collection in the early morning for a COVID-19 test.

Patients provided with specimen collection packs after attending accident and emergency departments can submit their specimens on the same day.

The arrangement can help shorten the time lag for confirming patient infection and expedite the removal of invisible transmission links in the community, the authority added.