Explainer | How to get help if you test positive for coronavirus in Hong Kong

University of Hong Kong estimates outbreak will eventually infect 4.5 million people, or almost two-thirds of city’s population

The Hospital Authority on Tuesday introduced a care system to support infected residents undergoing quarantine at home or at isolation facilities

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University of Hong Kong estimates the outbreak will eventually infect 4.8 million people, or almost two-thirds of the population. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 8:38pm, 15 Mar 2022Updated: 7:57pm, 17 Mar 2022

The fifth wave of the coronavirus pandemic has swept through Hong Kong like a tsunami and many more cases are expected in the months ahead. The University of Hong Kong has estimated the outbreak will eventually infect 4.5 million people, or almost two-thirds of the population, and push the death toll as high as 5,100.

Health authorities have scrambled to launch hotlines and registration platforms for residents who have contracted Covid-19. The Post has gathered information on how you can seek help from the government and other organisations if you catch the virus.

1. How can you confirm your Covid-19 diagnosis?

Hong Kong health authorities now accept two broad types of Covid-19 tests: the antigen tests or antibody tests.

While the rapid antigen test (RAT) detects pieces of protein that make up the coronavirus in your body, the antibody test confirms your past exposure to the disease.

People who suspect they have caught the virus should undergo a rapid antigen test. These self-test kits are widely available on the market, including at pharmacies and supermarkets.

The Department of Health’s medical device division has approved 10 types of RAT kits for use in the local medical field, out of which four are suitable for use at home.

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