Effective May 1, regular rapid testing measures to be removed for residential long-term care facilities, residential psychiatric rehabilitation centers, psychiatric service institutions, and veterans homes; weekly rapid tests remain mandatory for care recipients and regular testing extended until May 31 in nursing homes and senior welfare institutions


PublishTime:2023-04-27
On April 27, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the government-funded regular COVID-19 rapid testing measures for all residential care institutions will be adjusted. The CECC will end rapid test measures for residential long-term care facilities, residential psychiatric rehabilitation centers, psychiatric service institutions, and veterans homes as of May 1, 2023. Rapid tests will be performed if people develop symptoms in these institutions. However, care recipients in nursing homes and senior welfare institutions still need to receive one rapid test every week. Those under 2 years of age are exempted from rapid testing. This regular testing measure will be implemented from today to May 31. Rapid tests will be given to care recipients if they develop symptoms. Those under 2 years of age will be given PCR tests. People testing positive for COVID-19 and requiring oral antiviral medication should seek video consultations and relevant instructions on isolation or medical help from designated healthcare facilities. If any staff members develop symptoms, they should be given rapid tests. If the health care facility deems it necessary (due to exposure history or cluster information) to perform rapid tests, government-funded tests may be provided. Residents or 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.