The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 4,770 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,256 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,514 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 336 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, two residential care homes for the elderly and four for disabled people logged 13 cases involving their residents and staff.

There were also 633 positive cases concerning 527 students and 106 staff filed by 457 schools.

In addition to reporting that seven more patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered three more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 20.

Regarding the virus’ mutant strains, the centre noted that the Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch has identified 32 XBB, two BA.2.75.2, one BA.4.6 and one BQ.1.1 cases among imported infections so far.

Due to a number of positive cases, 54 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another six places in Tung Chung, Cheung Sha Wan, Fanling and Tai Po where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will set up additional ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations at Ap Lei Chau Wind Tower Park, Rhine Garden in Sham Tseng, Hung Fuk Estate in Hung Shui Kiu and Peng Chau Waterfront Playground tomorrow.

Since there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Southern and Eastern districts, 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.