The Government today published a compulsory testing notice requiring people who had been present at seven specified premises from November 1 to 23 to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test by November 26.

It had earlier published a notice requiring people who had been to 14 specified dance premises to undergo compulsory testing due to the significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases related to group gathering activities in indoor premises.

As further contact tracing by the Centre for Health Protection revealed large group gathering activities in other premises were involved for some recent cases, another notice was published to require people who had been to seven other premises to undergo testing, the Government said.

According to the latest notice, all those who are subject to compulsory testing may choose to get tested by obtaining a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the Hospital Authority’s 47 designated general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) and return the specimen to designated specimen collection points.

They can arrange testing provided by private laboratories recognised by the Department of Health, attend any of the four Community Testing Centres, or visit any of the six mobile specimen collection stations and the specimen bottle distribution point.

They can also undergo testing at any of the Hospital Authority’s healthcare facilities, including GOPCs and accident and emergency departments as instructed by a medical professional of the authority.

Individuals who are subject to compulsory testing are encouraged to obtain deep throat saliva specimen collection packs from designated GOPCs.

If those who are subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional and not attend Community Testing Centres.

Results of the tests must be submitted to the Government by calling 6275 6901, faxing 2530 5872 or emailing ct@csb.gov.hk by November 29.

Those who are subject to compulsory testing who got tested between November 20 and 23 would be taken to have complied with the requirements in the compulsory testing notice.

Call 6275 6901 from 9am to 6pm daily for enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements. Individuals subject to compulsory testing can check the appointment status of the Community Testing Centres by calling their hotlines if they plan to conduct testing at these centres.

The Government emphasised that it will seriously verify whether the people concerned have complied with the testing notice, adding that failing to comply with the notice may carry a fixed penalty of $2,000.

Those who are issued with a compulsory testing order must undergo testing within a specified timeframe. People who fail to comply would be liable to a $25,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.