November 27, 2020
The Labour Department announced that the free COVID-19 testing service for foreign domestic helpers waiting to join their new employers will continue from December 1 to 24. Eligible foreign domestic helpers may collect and return specimen collection packs at the temporary distribution/collection point located at Wai Chai Sports Ground from 11am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday from next Tuesday to December 24. The last day for distributing specimen collection packs is December 23, and the last day for returning specimens is December 24. When distributing specimen collection packs, duty officers will make simple enquiries regarding the helper's eligibility for the service, such as their Hong Kong identity card or passport number, the reference number and limit of stay as shown on the latest visa issued by the Immigration Department, or the reference number or date of application for a visa or extension of stay as a visitor as shown on documents issued by the Immigration Department. The helpers should bring the relevant documents for verification and sign a consent form. After collecting the specimen collection pack, the helpers are required to register their personal information at a government website and select “Non-Government Staff - Foreign domestic helpers waiting to join new employers' family” to receive an SMS notification of the testing result. If necessary, duty officers can assist them with the registration. The helpers should self-collect the deep throat saliva specimen and return it to the temporary collection point on the same day. The testing agency will deliver the specimens to the laboratory for testing and it will not acquire or retain any of the participants’ personal information. They will be notified of a negative test result via SMS. Positive cases will be referred to the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up. For enquries, call 2157 9537 for enquiries or send an email.