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Written by: Chen Shuxia
2020-11-05 10:48
Last update date: 2020-11-05 10:49
The Hong Kong government announced earlier the establishment of 4 long-term community testing centers to facilitate citizens' cross-border travel. The price of each test has been fixed at 240 yuan, including test fees and test results, and it is expected to be launched in the middle of the month.
Huang Libao, one of the contractors and director of the Hong Kong Center for Molecular Pathology, said in an interview with Hong Kong and Taiwan "Millennium" today (5th) that unlike Macau, the government does not provide subsidies, so it is difficult to reduce the test fee to Macau 100 yuan, he also estimated that at the current price, if the daily flow of people is less than 300 to 400 people, I believe it will lose money.
He pointed out that the entire test can be completed in 10 minutes, and the report is expected to be available the next afternoon.
However, he believes that community testing does not have an absolute advantage over other market service providers, "because it has to go to a designated testing center."
After tendering, the authorities have selected 4 private laboratories, each of which operates testing centers in Quarry Bay, Yau Ma Tei, Sha Tin and Yuen Long, and is expected to be operational as soon as this month.
(Profile picture)
Huang Libao, the contractor of the Lek Yuen Community Hall Testing Center in Sha Tin and the director of the Hong Kong Molecular Pathology Laboratory, said that he has not yet visited the site. He admitted that time is tight and challenging. He expects to be present next week to prepare.
He pointed out that because the company has previous experience in testing operations for the entire population, and the materials and manpower are also available, "the main reason is to inspect the site and arrange the flow of people at the site."
He also said that the contractor needs to provide sampling manpower and coordinate computer systems. The government provides venues and arranges water and electricity. He thinks that the 240 yuan inspection fee is "really worthy". He also said that when his company entered the bid, it was not paid at this price. "In fact, it is not calculated." He continued to explain , Because some successful bidders use this as a quotation, other contractors also need to follow the "lowest price" to provide services.
If the daily flow of people is less than 300 to 400, I believe it will lose money
He pointed out that unlike Macau, the government does not provide subsidies, so it is difficult to reduce the test fee in Macau to 100 yuan. He also estimated that at current pricing, if the flow of people is less than 300 to 400 per day, I believe it will lose money. If you don’t have 500 a day, don’t stick to making money.”
In terms of testing procedures, he said that citizens will be present at the venue and pay after registration. It is expected that the whole process will be completed in 10 minutes, and the report will be available the next afternoon.
Sampling methods are throat swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs. In addition, since deep throat saliva is unique to Hong Kong, it may not be recognized overseas, so the authorities are still discussing it.
Self-funded community testing is only 240 yuan. He believes that it is difficult for small and medium-sized laboratories to lower their prices because of their low testing volume and it is difficult to save costs on reagents. However, he believes that community testing services do not have absolute advantages. "The location is always inconvenient. Go to the designated testing center."
Four community testing centers are located in Quarry Bay Community Hall, Henry Leong Yau Ma Tei Community Center, Sha Tin Lek Yuen Community Hall and Yuen Long City East Community Hall.
The testing center will be open from 8 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 8 pm every day. The first phase will operate for 3 months, and it can be extended for another 3 months depending on the situation.
Huang Libao, Director of the Hong Kong Center for Molecular Pathology (Photo)
▼You must check at your own expense to check the appointment time, location and service objects of the testing center▼
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