The government announced today that the 22nd round of compulsory testing for staff members of residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities and nursing homes will commence next Wednesday.

The workers must complete the testing by August 10.

The Secretary for Food and Health issued a compulsory testing notice yesterday, which requires people who will be working at these residential care homes and nursing homes from August 11 to 17, to undergo compulsory testing from August 4 to 10, 2021.

According to the government, the sample must be non-self-collected swabs combined nasal and throat. Those who completed a Covid-19 vaccination course or recommended doses of a Covid-19 vaccine outside Hong Kong are not required to undergo the test again.

The government reminds that any individual who fails to comply with the compulsory testing notice commits an offense and is liable to a fixed penalty of HK$5,000 and will be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring the person to undergo testing within the specified period.

Failure to comply with the order is an offense and would be liable to a fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment for six months.