2-tier pricing for testing service set
The Government announced today that self-paid COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services will be provided at two-tier pricing with an express service from tomorrow.
The self-paid testing services currently provided at the 19 community testing centres (CTCs) will also be extended to all 85 CTCs and community testing stations (CTSs).
Under the two-tier pricing with a reduction in fees and quicker testing services, people who need to obtain a test result report for community or private purposes such as for travelling or work can choose nucleic acid test services at a more affordable price or with a quicker turnaround time according to their needs.
The pricing arrangements include the "standard self-paid service” whereby the test result report is to be delivered within 24 hours of specimen collection with the price cap reduced from the current $240 to $150, and the "express self-paid service" where the test result report is to be delivered within 12 hours of specimen collection with the price capped at $240.
Separately, CTC/CTSs will continue to provide free testing services for specific people subject to compulsory testing, targeted groups such as residential care home, airport and cold store staff, visitors to public hospitals or residential care homes and seniors undergoing voluntary testing.
From November 8, those who wish to undergo a free test only need to book online or use the Testing Registration QR code in the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app for registration.
Starting tomorrow, all 85 CTC/CTSs will provide self-paid testing services offered in the aforesaid two options. Users of self-paid testing services can pay by cash or contactless payments such as Octopus, mobile payment or credit card. Owing to security considerations, CTSs located outdoors will not accept cash.
The Government is progressively expanding the online booking arrangement for testing services to all 85 CTC/CTSs. Starting November 8, people eligible for free testing can continue to receive free tests by making advance bookings at a testing site and time slot suitable for them online.
Alternately, they can use the Testing Registration QR code in the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app for registration on-site at CTC/CTSs.
People who are exempted from using the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app such as children aged 15 or below, seniors aged 65 or above and people with disabilities can receive a free test at CTC/CTSs without the need to make a booking or use the Testing Registration QR code.