The five testing sites about to cease operation will revert to their original community and recreational uses as soon as possible, the government said in a statement. Eighty community and recreational sites released earlier have been returned to the venue managers.

The move came as authorities said the demand for local testing services has dropped to a very low level recently due to the lifting of the pre-departure Covid-19 nucleic acid testing requirement, and for better utilization of resources.

The government spokesman said Covid-19 is now being managed as an upper respiratory tract illness, adding that the government will continue to closely monitor the latest situation with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, making every effort to safeguard public health.

Citizens who need to conduct nucleic acid testing may make their arrangements at local nucleic acid testing institutions in these locations here.