The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 1,043 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 23 are imported and the rest are locally infected.

Among the new cases, 579 were detected by nucleic acid tests while 464 were identified via rapid antigen tests.

More than 1.18 million people have contracted the virus since the onset of the fifth wave of the epidemic, involving 8,789 deaths.

This afternoon, the Government made restriction-testing declarations to cover Sheung Man Court in Tai Wo Hau and Woo Shui House of Shui Pin Wai Estate in Yuen Long, citing the viral load in sewage, information of relevant positive cases and other circumstantial factors.

People in the restricted areas must undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

As there were positive sewage test results in several areas of Kwun Tong and Sha Tin, 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.

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

The Government will reopen mobile specimen collection stations at the podium of the Wah Fu (II) Commercial Complex in Pok Fu Lam and the covered basketball court outside Ming Lai House of Choi Wan (II) Estate tomorrow. The service period of the mobile specimen collection station at the volleyball court next to Yiu Yam House of On Yam Estate in Kwai Chung will be extended to April 16.

The mobile specimen collection station in the open area outside King Pik House of King Shan Court in Ngau Chi Wan will cease operation tomorrow.

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