(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 1,014 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 379 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 635 via rapid antigen tests which were verified by authorities.

Separately, 131 additional imported cases were reported.

The centre received 145 reports of positive cases from schools. Four schools reported infection clusters.

At a press briefing this afternoon, the centre's Principal Medical & Health Officer Dr Albert Au noted that the increase of new infected cases is within expectations.

“There are obvious increases in the disease transmission of COVD-19 in the local community in the past two weeks. This is expected as we have relaxed some of the social distancing measures so there will be more social gatherings and also social activities in the community, especially some with higher risk of transmission such as mask-off activities including attending restaurants and also bars.”

Dr Au said the local medical burden caused by rising virus cases has been closely monitored.

“We need to observe whether this will have a major impact on our healthcare system and also on the medical burden posed to Hong Kong.

“Currently, there are no or obvious increases in the hospitalisation rate, cases requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and also the death rate. Our conclusion is that, although the number of cases has increased, the impact still remains at a stable level.”

Due to a number of positive cases, 39 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice.

The Government will set up or reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Hing Wah (II) Estate in Chai Wan, Lok Fu Estate, Cheung Ching Estate in Tsing Yi and the open area next to Discovery Bay Fire Station while the mobile specimen collection station at Tai Po Sports Centre will be relocated to Tai Po Central Town Square tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Ching Chung House of Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. People in the restricted area are required to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Tuen Mun, Southern and Kwai Tsing 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.