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Amid the severe COVID-19 outbreak, it’s essential to have Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Kits at the ready. With so many brands on the market, how should you choose? The Consumer Council has prepared 10 rapid fire questions addressing your queries. You may also use our certified Search Tool for Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Kits Approved for Use by Various Regions, which combines approved RAT lists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Macau, Singapore, Australia, EU, and USA.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Kits Search Tool: https://ccchoice.org/RATsearch
View our Usage Guide video for tips on interpreting the Search Tool contents: https://ccchoice.org/v-RATsearch
It has been almost a year since the COVID-19 became a global pandemic. Citizens of Hong Kong experienced face mask shortage at the beginning of the pandemic. Later, the situation improved, and there was also no lack of face mask supply in the market. For a while, some members of the public instead turned to the aesthetics of masks. Later, when the fourth wave hit, everyone continued to stay vigilant in the fight against the pandemic and again focussed on the protective and preventive efficacies of face masks. Properly wearing surgical masks is effective in preventing diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets. After our last test in 2017, the Council again collected 30 face mask models for testing, examining the quality of disposable masks in the market. The results showed that in terms of two very important prevention indicators, Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE), most specimens reached 95% or above. Performance was in general satisfactory. However, about one-third of the specimens did not perform well in the harness (earloop) tension test.
If your washing machine stops working, repairing it may cost you a great deal of money! Sometimes, the problems may not relate to the type of washing machine. The Consumer Council (or the ‘Council’) did a consumer survey previously and found that the differences in defective rate among front-loading, European top-loading and impeller-type washing machines were not significant. Do you know that if you use the washing machine properly, the chance of mechanical damage can be reduced?
To stay away from viruses, many people will frequently disinfect the objects they often use in their daily lives, and some of them would use portable UV disinfection devices claiming to be able to kill bacteria and viruses instantly. It is important to know how to choose the right disinfection product. Apart from the quality of disinfection ability, we must also be aware of the risks of use!
Nowadays, people tend to spend long hours at work, and therefore may want to install home surveillance cameras to monitor the conditions of the elderlies, children and even pets at home. However, there are many models available on the market, so how can consumers make a smart choice? This article will tell you the various features of home surveillance cameras and factors to consider when choosing the right product.
You may want to watch this video first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w4nSKjmVuw
The use of inverter type air conditioners has become the current trend, while fixed capacity type air conditioners are being gradually phased out. Are there any tips for buying an inverter type air conditioner?
Accidents of falling aluminum windows hitting passers-by appear in the news from time to time. To prevent such accidents from happening, regular window inspection is the key. The Buildings Department (BD), in a bid to prevent hazards caused by windows that have fallen into disrepair, has fully implemented the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS) in 2012, stipulating that owners of buildings aged 10 years or above (except domestic buildings not exceeding 3 storeys) and served with statutory notices are required to appoint a Qualified Person (QP) to carry out the prescribed inspection and supervise the prescribed repair works found necessary of all windows of the building. There are many companies in the market that provide window inspection services; but there are often many pitfalls, such as doubtful qualifications of inspectors, or customers being asked to add inspection items that are not mandatory. If consumers want to avoid falling into these traps, they should choose a reliable service provider by following the steps below!
Emergency alarm system (EAS) service (commonly known as ‘ping on bell’) is very important to senior citizens who live alone. When elderly people encounter an emergency, they can simply press a button and a phone call for help will be placed. The call will be forwarded to a 24-hour support centre and immediate action will be taken once the person seeking assistance has been identified. Appropriate assistance can be provided promptly which may save a life. EAS service is provided by different organisations on the market. What should consumers pay attention to when choosing and using this service?