Coronavirus: Hong Kong health experts urge authorities to use various testing methods for residents of different age groups
- Public health adviser Professor David Hui says it will be better to use deep throat saliva testing method among the elderly to increase accuracy
- Professor Paul Chan of Chinese University says people should be assisted by a medical professional, or at least some family members, in the testing process
Hong Kong health experts have urged authorities to use various coronavirus testing methods on people from different age groups to maximise the effectiveness of Covid-19 screening, as the city is expecting to test 5 million residents for the disease.
While specific details of the universal testing programme have yet to be finalised, the health minister on Monday said the Innovation and Technology Bureau would set up a registration system to facilitate the process, expected to be carried out in two weeks.
“We are still deciding on the exact process, but those who want to get tested will have to register first,” Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan Siu-Chee said on a radio show.
She also said relevant authorities were studying which method of sample taking – such as nasal swab, deep throat saliva samples or throat swab – would be the most effective. The government will also discuss with medical experts the option of setting up sample taking stations, she said.
They [elderly people] may also feel uncomfortable, just as children, if you put a cotton bud inside their throat
The voluntary testing plan was announced last Friday by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, and three laboratories from mainland China have been selected to help carry out the drive.