Delivery Firms To Pick Up Covid-19 Test Samples

The government is trying to make it easier for people to hand in their saliva samples for coronavirus testing – at a price.

For the past week, all travellers coming in from overseas have had to give saliva samples, either at a testing centre at AsiaWorld-Expo right after they land, or by getting a friend or family member to deliver the samples to designated collection points while people are quarantined at home.

But the government said starting on Friday, two delivery companies, Gogovan and Pickupp, can deliver the samples door-to-door for HK$100.

A health department spokesman said this service will help ensure the early identification of coronavirus cases and better protect public health.

Users of the service have to register with either of the two companies online. They will be asked to put the sample bottle in a sealed bag and place it in a container provided by the courier at their doorstep.