The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 1,681 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 437 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 1,244 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

Separately, 147 imported cases were reported.

The centre added that two care homes for the elderly and another two for disabled people have identified new COVID-19 cases, involving one staff member and four residents.

Due to a number of positive cases, 54 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice.

It also covers 11 buildings in Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, Quarry Bay, Ngau Chi Wan, Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung, Tai Po and Tin Shui Wai where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

As no testing service could be provided under the recent inclement weather, the mobile specimen collection stations at Hing Man Estate in Chai Wan and Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan will resume or continue service tomorrow.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several residential estates and buildings in Tai Po, Yuen Long and Southern 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.