The Government will publish in the gazette a compulsory testing notice requiring people who had been to seven specified premises from November 1 to 26 to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test by November 29.

The Food & Health Bureau said the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases related to group gathering activities in indoor premises continues to rise significantly.

As further contact tracing by the Centre for Health Protection revealed that large group gathering activities in a number of premises were involved for some recent cases, the Government decided to exercise the power under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation again to publish a compulsory testing notice to require people who had been to the seven specified premises to undergo testing, the bureau added.

People subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing through a number of ways.

Those who have symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional and not attend the Community Testing Centres.

To reduce transmission risk, people who underwent testing are advised to stay at home and avoid going out when waiting for test results.

Test results must be submitted to the Government by calling 6275 6901, faxing 2530 5872 or sending an email by December 2.

Those who got tested between November 21 and 26 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 bureau stressed that the Government will seriously verify whether the people concerned have complied with the testing notice, adding that people who fail to comply with the notice may be fined $2,000 and issued with a compulsory testing order requiring them to undergo testing within a specified timeframe.

People who fail to comply with the order would be liable to a $25,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.