The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 613 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 13 are imported and the rest are locally infected.

Among the new cases, 316 were detected by nucleic acid tests while 297 were identified via rapid antigen tests.

Since the onset of the fifth wave of the epidemic, 1,185,807 people have contracted the virus, involving 8,946 deaths.

Additionally, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Ching Chak House of Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. People in the restricted area must undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

Given that there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Eastern and Kwai Ching districts, the Home Affairs Department will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to relevant residents as well as cleansing workers and property management staff working in such areas.

Furthermore, due to a number of positive cases, 40 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection station at the volleyball court next to Yiu Yam House of On Yam Estate in Kwai Chung tomorrow.

As Turkish Airlines flight TK083 from Istanbul, Turkey had four passengers and Malaysia Airlines flight MH072 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia had one on board who tested positive upon arrival, the Department of Health has prohibited the landing of the carriers’ passenger aircraft in Hong Kong from Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur from tomorrow until April 25.

The prohibition was also made against Malaysia Airlines because three passengers on board flight MH072 had failed to comply with the requirements specified under the relevant regulation on prevention and control of disease.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage.