Where to get a Covid test in Hong Kong this December

The fourth wave is real and it is here.

The government has announced new social distancing measures as cases continue to climb up, with the need for more widespread testing also increasing. If you have had contact with any confirmed cases, been to any high-risk areas or show any minor symptoms, you are encouraged to get tested as soon as possible. Here are some places to get a Covid test this December.

Free specimen collection packs

The government has launched a series of initiatives to distribute free saliva collection packs for citizens to take home. The packs are then returned back to designated collection points to be sent to the authorities for testing.

Please remember to submit your saliva samples to the designated collection points on day it is collected. More details on how to accurately collect your own saliva samples can be found here.

You can collect free saliva sample collection packs at these designated locations, do note that supplies will vary:

1. 47 general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority

2. 121 post offices around Hong Kong

3. 10 MTR stations across all lines.

After collecting the saliva sample, citizens can return them to these designated collection points, please do not send samples by postal mail:

1. 47 designated clinics of the Hospital Authority

2. 13 designated clinics of the Department of Health

3. 7 mobile specimen collection stations across Hong Kong

If the test results are positive, the Department of Health will arrange for admission at a public hospital for treatment. Any close contacts and household members will have to stay in a quarantine centre while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts.

Covid-19 Community Testing Centers

Source: GovHK

The government has set up multiple community testing centers to provide self-paid testing services for citizens. It will use combined nasal and throat swabs as the specimen collection method before sending it off to be tested. Medically trained staff will be collecting specimens and the centers will be open from 8am to 1:30pm and from 2:30pm to 8pm.

Citizens are recommended to make appointments in advance on its 24-hour online booking system. Each test is priced at $240 and aimed for people without symptoms to test themselves. All you need is an identity document to make an online appointment, and be sure to show your SMS confirmation upon arrival. Walk-in services are also available. There are now 14 community centres set up across Hong Kong, you can see the details here.

If you belong to high-risk groups or high exposure groups, you will have to undergo compulsory covid testing that will be free-of-charge. More details on what specified premises or groups are listed can be found here.

Covid-19 tests in private hospitals

If you need your covid testing results sooner than expected or prefer going to a private hospital, here are some available choices. These private hospitals will charge a much higher price, whichusually includes a consultation fee and a detailed report.

Private hospitals

• Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital ($1,000)

• Union Hospital ($1,000)

• Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong ($1,200)

• Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital ($1,210)

• Canossa Hospital (Caritas) ($1,300)

• Hong Kong Baptist Hospital ($1,500)

• Precious Blood Hospital ($1,700)

• Matilda International Hospital ($2,000)

Click here to see the full list of articles by Ching Yuen on hongkongliving.com.