The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 4,279 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,223 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,056 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 430 imported cases were detected.

One residential care home for the elderly and three for disabled people logged five virus cases involving their residents.

Meanwhile, there were 243 positive cases concerning 180 students and 63 staff filed by 197 schools. As a result, 14 schools each have a class that should suspend face-to-face lessons for seven days.

In addition to reporting that seven patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered five more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 33.

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