The Government today said it will closely monitor the overall COVID-19 epidemic situation by stepping up testing arrangements.

The move was made with a view to preventing the epidemic from further rebounding due to the increased people flow and social activities arising from the recent launch of events in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment, the Government explained.

In a bid to help identify COVID-19 cases as early as possible, the distribution of rapid antigen test kits has been extended with respect to frontline property management staff and construction sites, as well as to citizens joining district celebration activities through district offices.

To support and encourage citizens aged 60 or above to undergo voluntary testing regularly, the Government will also continue giving out test kits through elderly service units until the overall epidemic is further contained.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection compiles compulsory testing notices based on epidemiological investigation and risk assessment, requesting relevant people to undergo nucleic acid tests. Since last weekend, the Government has started to issue more compulsory testing notices in the key areas with a view to detecting cases early.

As for restriction-testing declarations, the Government said it will closely monitor the epidemic development and carry out operations when necessary to cut transmission links.

To prevent the spread of the virus in the community, all citizens should undergo virus testing frequently, observe social distancing measures, avoid going out as much as possible and refrain from taking part in crowded gatherings, the Government urged.

While eligible people should get the fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, others should also duly receive their three jabs in order to substantially reduce the risk of severe cases or deaths, thereby protecting themselves and their family members, it reiterated.