What to do if your Rapid Antigen Test result is positive?

A new variant has caused a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, leading to the widespread use of rapid antigen test kits among the public. But what should you do after testing positive? Here are some answers.

Since it first appeared in 2019, the COVID-19 virus has spread throughout the world and gone through a number of mutations. How long it will take to run its course remains to be seen, but the significant increase in new cases has led to an upsurge in the demand for medical services. It has therefore become especially important for us to stay clam in spite of worries and seek help if necessary by following established protocols. We’ve collected the information below¹ to help answer the questions you might have.

1. How to choose rapid antigen test (RAT) kits?

There is wide range of RAT kits on the market. Most kits require the use of a cotton swab to collect nasal or nasopharyngeal samples or deep throat saliva samples. The list of approved RAT products can be accessed by clicking the link below to facilitate selection.

• Listed Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19 under the Medical Device Administrative Control System, Department of Health of the HKSAR

You can also use the Consumer Council’s Approved Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Kits Search Tool to find out if a RAT product has been approved.

For the correct way to use RAT kits and read results, please refer to the short video through the link below and read the user guides of individual RAT products. After checking the test result, take a photo of it immediately for record-keeping.

For more on Rapid Antigen Tests, please visit: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/rat/eng/rat.html

2. What should you do if your rapid antigen test result is positive?

Guidelines for individuals who have tested positive using a RAT kit and are waiting at home to be hospitalised/quarantined.

^Those who are unable to use the online declaration platform can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register.

*Including ID card photo and photo of the RAT result.

#The first day is counted as the day after the test is taken or the sample is collected; if no record exists, the day on which the test result is received will be counted as the first day.

Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test: https://www.chp.gov.hk/ratp

If necessary, call the Hospital Authority hotline at 183 6115 for enquiry or medical advice.

Those who have mild symptoms and self-care ability can also contact the Fire Services Department (FSD) if admission to a community isolation facility is needed, via Email (fsd_cif@hkfsd.gov.hk), WhatsApp (5233 1833) or WeChat account (fsd_cif). Applicants should provide the following information: Name (Chinese and English), age, gender, ID number (e.g. A1234xxx), phone number, residential address, test method, and date of positive test result.

3. Which are the designated clinics under the Hospital Authority? How can you go to these clinics?

As of 14 March 2022, the Hospital Authority has designated 23 clinics for providing diagnostic services and treating patients with mild symptoms. If necessary, patients will be transferred to a hospital for further treatment. Patients are required to call a designated clinic for an appointment. For details, please visit: https://www.ha.org.hk/haho/ho/covid-19/designated_clinic_en.pdf

Patients who need to go to a designated clinic can book a designated taxi by using the dedicated online platform (www.designatedtaxihk.com) starting from 7am daily or by calling 3693 4770 between 8am and 10pm. A designated taxi will take them to a designated clinic directly, and the taxi fare will be paid by the HKSAR government. Look for blue and white labels affixed to the taxi body with the words ‘RESERVED FOR COVID PATIENTS, ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED’. These taxis can only be used by people who have made advance bookings to go to designated clinics. If severe symptoms appear, call 999 for an ambulance to take you to a hospital and state your status as awaiting hospitalisation.

4. What medical services are available if you are unable to go to a designated clinic?

Video consultation service is available from the following medical providers:

5. What medicines can be taken for relief of mild symptoms?

Please refer to the below list of medicines for the relief of mild symptoms including exceptions and restrictions.

The above drugs may not be suitable for all individuals. If you have a drug allergy or chronic health condition or are taking medications on a long-term basis, you are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist first.

6. If someone in your family is confirmed to have been infected, what precautions should other members of the household take?

Other members should maintain household and personal hygiene by doing the following:

If an individual is confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19, their household members are considered to be close contacts and subject to home quarantine and medical surveillance requirements.

• If their family members have received at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine: they are required to take a rapid antigen test on the 6^th and 7^th day of the home quarantine period or on 2 consecutive days after those days. If a family member receives a negative RAT result on 2 consecutive days, they are free to leave home after receiving the second negative result. If at least one of the results on 2 consecutive days is positive, they are required to continue their home quarantine.
• If their family members have not been vaccinated or have received only 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine: a 14-day home quarantine and medical surveillance are required.

There are many other opinions and schools of thought on testing procedures and vaccination that can be taken as reference. Whatever the circumstances, though, appropriate protection planning will always be the key to keeping you and your family prepared for the unexpected.

More detailed health, wealth management and insurance information is available on the LIFE Talk webpage to help keep you informed and up-to-date at this critical juncture in the fight against the virus. To learn more, please visit https://retailbank.hsbc.com.hk/ins/en/lifetalk/blog/

Sources:

1. COVID-19 website: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html (The information contained is as of 14 March 2022)