The Government today published in the gazette the specifications under the relevant regulation, which during a 14-day period from December 12 to 25, continue to empower registered medical practitioners to require symptomatic patients to undergo COVID-19 testing.

The Prevention & Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap 599J) allows registered medical practitioners to, by a written direction, require a person whom they clinically suspect has contracted COVID-19 to undergo a virus test.

People who receive the written direction should undergo a test within two days after its issue date.

If the specimen test result is preliminary positive, the specimen will be referred to the Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch for a confirmatory test, while confirmed cases will be followed up and announced by the Centre for Health Protection.

People who are subject to testing are suspected to be infected and should not attend the Community Testing Centres for testing. Those who have been tested are advised to stay at home and avoid going out when waiting for test results.

Those who fail to comply with the direction are liable to a fine of $5,000 and would be served with a compulsory testing order. If they fail to comply with the order, they will be liable to a $25,000 fine and six-months' imprisonment.

The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition or individuals with infection risks, such as those who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical consultation and undergo testing promptly for early and effective identification of possible infection.