Special pre-departure testing arrangement for outbound travellers to Mainland or Macao changes to nasopharyngeal swab for sampling

     The Government announced today (April 12) that starting from tomorrow (April 13), the sampling method for additional rapid nucleic acid test passengers required to undergo under the special COVID-19 testing arrangement when departing via land boundary control points or the Hong Kong International Airport for the Mainland or Macao will be changed to taking nasopharyngeal swabs (originally by combined nasal and throat swabs).
 
     "The new arrangement aims to further prevent the exportation of local cases to the Mainland or Macao so as to support the nation's anti-epidemic efforts," a Government spokesman said.
 
     To ensure that relevant outbound travellers will have sufficient time to complete the clearance and check-in procedures after obtaining a negative test result, they should allow ample time for travelling and arrive early at the boundary control points or the airport, and follow the instructions by the staff on site to undergo testing.