The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 7,418 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 2,139 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 5,279 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 161 imported cases were found and 10 more patients passed away.

Eight residential care homes for the elderly or disabled people logged 13 virus cases.

The centre also received notifications of 1,625 cases from 785 schools, involving 1,414 students and 211 staff.

Thirty-eight schools with infection cases were advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for specific classes temporarily.

While noting that daily confirmed cases have stabilised recently, the centre said the Omicron mutant strain sub-lineage BA.5 still accounts for about 70% of overall cases, adding that whether its transmission has peaked remains to be seen.

Due to a number of positive cases, 55 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers five specified premises in Shau Kei Wan and Ma On Shan where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Fu (II) Estate in Pok Fu Lam and Cheung Hang Estate in Tsing Yi tomorrow.

The mobile station at Wing Shue House of Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan will be relocated to the open area outside Fung Shue House tomorrow with the service extended to September 16.

The service of the mobile stations at Chuk Yuen North Estate in Wong Tai Sin and Wang Tau Hom Estate in Lok Fu will also be extended to September 16.

Since there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas in Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Sai Kung and Yau Tsim Mong districts, the Housing Department and 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.