We know – it’s been a long time living with this pandemic, and adjusting to the new ways of navigating travel, lifestyle, and potential illness isn’t easy. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate how we’ve collectively handled it so far. On some levels, things are getting better, and still, we have to ride the waves. With the current situation in Hong Kong, there is a heightened need to be careful with our protection against COVID for ourselves and our loved ones. If you’re looking for the best places to get at-home COVID-19 Tests in Hong Kong, look no further. We’ll share important information on the Covid-19 tests available in Hong Kong, the requirements for testing, and where to buy affordable at-home tests.
WANT MORE INFORMATION:
In Hong Kong, there are required conditions for taking a COVID-19 test, as well as recommended circumstances. This may change at any time, so it's important to stay up to date with Hong Kong's policies.
Recommended
Required
The following people must be tested, according to Hong Kong’s epidemic control strategy.
Most health insurance covers pandemics, meaning that COVID-19 related medical costs are often covered in health insurance plans. The following conditions generally need to be met for your health insurance provider to cover the cost of your test:
The main two types of tests that you will encounter when you research at-home testing and in-person medical testing for Covid in Hong Kong are:
The PCR tests are considered the most accurate indicators of the Covid virus, and often combine nasal and throat swabs. They are done in community testing centers, private hospitals, and other medical clinics.
The deep throat saliva tests can be administered by a nurse or health care professional, or by yourself. If you do this text at home, you can get the test packs from different collection points around Hong Kong (including post offices and even specialized vending machines). After you follow the testing instructions, you return your sample to set collection points.
Note: If you are subject to a compulsory testing order or already experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, the Hong Kong Government advises you to not take the deep throat saliva test.
Rapid antigen tests are the most common form of an at-home testing kit in Hong Kong that people will use. They're not as accurate as PCR tests, as they only have an estimated 80% accuracy rate to detect positive Covid-19 cases.
If you have chosen to take an at-home test, you can go down one of two routes (or potentially both, if you decide); you’ll take a self-administered COVID-19 test, or you’ll have a medical professional come to your home to complete the test.
Here are a few of the popular professional bodies that offer at-home professional Covid testing for individuals in Hong Kong.
A nurse will come to your home or office to administer a test with results within 1-2 days, or same-day results for an extra charge.
At-home Covid tests in Hong Kong by registered nurses can be done after you’ve had a doctor’s consultation. Can offer same-day results.
PCR and other tests by trained nurses suitable for travel with certificate included.
In addition to these in-store and online retailers, you can often find rapid antigen at-home testing kits from smaller, local pharmacies around Hong Kong. You can always google a nearby pharmacy and call to ask whether they have a test on-hand for what you need.
Please note that if you require a government-approved RAT, then some of these at-home self-administered RAT tests are not valid. If you are testing for your own knowledge and personal reasons, then the tests will be fine.
If your test returns a positive result with serious symptoms, you are strongly recommended to contact the Accident & Emergency Services to get a professional deep throat saliva test before going to the hospital. If you have mild or no symptoms but a positive result, then contact the Center for Health Protection on 2477 2772, where you will be given further instructions.
Additional Info For Covid-19 Testing In Hong Kong
Helpful Covid-19 Information Hotlines
The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
COVID policy and mandate updates, contact information, and other resources.
HK Quarantine Support Group
For people quarantining in Hong Kong - resources, questions, answers, discussion, and information about current policies).
Coronavirus Hong Kong Updates Facebook Group
Policy updates, discussion, and support for people in Hong Kong navigating Covid-19.
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