CECC eases rules for how often rapid tests are performed in residential, community care institutions; regular rapid testing measures at these institutions extended until December 31


PublishTime:2022-11-23
On November 23, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the government-funded regular rapid testing measures in all residential and community-based care institutions have been extended by another month until December 31, 2022. Regarding how often rapid tests are performed, from November 28 to December 31, the rules will be eased. Care recipients will need to undergo only one rapid test every week (one test each week for persons with mental or physical disabilities, persons with dementia, and people aged 2-18, and no tests for children under 2 years of age). They need to take a rapid test if symptoms develop. Individuals under two years of age will receive a PCR test if symptoms develop. The weekly rapid testing for staff at such institutions will be discontinued. Staff will need to take a rapid test if they experience symptoms. Furthermore, if institutions deem it necessary to give staff a COVID-19 test (due to their history of contact or cluster), they can offer government-funded rapid tests to their staff. Residents, care recipients, and staff who have recovered from COVID-19 are exempted from testing within three months. The rules for how often rapid tests are performed will be adjusted in due course based on the pandemic situation.