Regular rapid testing measures at residential and community care institutions extended until Feb 28, 2023


On January 30, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the government-funded regular rapid testing measures in all residential and community-based care institutions will be extended until February 28, 2023. The frequency of rapid tests will remain the same: twice every week for care recipients (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, while individuals under two years of age will receive a PCR test if symptoms develop. Individuals who test positive should seek telemedicine consultations with designated healthcare facilities which then should assist these individuals in following the instructions on isolation or treatment pursuant to relevant guidelines. Staff at such institutions need to take at least one rapid test every week; they must take rapid tests 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 should offer government-funded rapid tests to their staff. 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.
 
PublishTime 2023/1/30