HK to provide free virus testing service to construction site workers

Hong Kong's Food and Health Bureau announced that the government will provide a one-off free COVID-19 testing service to all construction site workers from Friday (Jan. 15) to Jan. 31. Online booking for the service can be made starting from today (Jan. 14).

According to the health authorities, HK has seen a number of cases related to construction site recently. In order to reduce the risk of virus transmission in relevant communities, the government will offer a one-off free COVID-19 testing service to all construction site workers at community testing centers.

Construction site workers should make advance booking for the free testing service via the community testing center booking system. Those who do not have an appointment will need to pay HK$240 for the test.

Upon arrival at the community testing center, construction site workers must present identity documents used at the time of booking (such as HK identity card or passport), their construction worker registration card issued by the Construction Industry Council and the SMS booking confirmation for verification.

Participants will be notified of a negative test result via SMS. If any specimen is tested with a preliminarily positive result, it will be referred to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Department of Health (DH) for a confirmatory test. Confirmed cases will be followed up and announced by the DH.