The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 4,019 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,486 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,533 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

Separately, 235 imported cases were reported.

An elderly care home in Sha Tin reported one virus case involving a resident.

There were also 940 cases reported by 558 schools. Nine schools have been advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for specific classes temporarily.

The centre added that six more patients passed away, bringing the total number of deaths in the fifth wave of the epidemic to 9,296.

The Hospital Authority also urged parents and guardians to get children vaccinated following the death of a girl and the hospitalisation of a boy - both patients had COVID-19.

The 22-month-old girl tested positive for the virus via a rapid antigen test on July 27. In a critical condition, she was admitted to an intensive care unit, but her condition worsened and she passed away this afternoon.

The 35-month-old boy developed a fever last Friday and subsequently had spasms. He is in a stable condition and under observation.

Meanwhile, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Kwan Ming House of Yuk Ming Court in Tseung Kwan O, requiring people in the restricted area to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

Due to a number of positive cases, 61 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers five specified premises in Tai Wai and Kowloon City where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection station at Wang Tau Hom Estate in Lok Fu tomorrow.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Eastern District, Yau Tsim Mong and Yuen Long, the respective district offices will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to relevant residents as well as cleaning workers and property management staff working there.

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