A free COVID-19 testing program will be launched in Hong Kong on September 1.  The program is scheduled to run for seven days and may be extended for no more than seven days, if needed. All Hong Kong citizens, except for children under 6 years old and people not suitable for the test, may join on a voluntary basis.  The objective is to identify infected persons early, particularly those who are asymptomatic.  Early identification, early isolation and early treatment will help cut the community transmission chain.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will set up community testing centers across the territory.  Appropriate infection control and social distancing measures will be put in place at the testing centers in accordance with the recommendations of the Department of Health. The relevant process will be conducted electronically as far as possible with specimen bottle duly tracked, in order to ensure that each submitted specimen will be arranged for testing.

The collection and use of any personal data shall comply with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486).  Relevant data will only be available to the Department of Health or relevant departments for the purpose of disease control.  All testing will be conducted in Hong Kong.