The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 4,076 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,496 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,580 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

Separately, 299 imported cases were reported.

There were also 414 virus cases reported by 335 schools, involving 330 students and 84 staff. Two schools were subsequently advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for specific classes for a week.

The centre added that three more patients passed away, bringing the total number of deaths in the fifth wave of the epidemic to 9,235.

This afternoon, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Lei Moon House of Ap Lei Chau Estate in Aberdeen, requiring people in the restricted area to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

Due to a number of positive cases, 56 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers six premises in Wong Tai Sin and Fanling where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Kwai Estate in Pokfulam and Cheung Wang Estate in Tsing Yi tomorrow.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Sai Kung, Sham Shui Po and Tsuen Wan districts, the Housing Department and 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.

Separately, following the announcement that COVID-19 patients undergoing home quarantine are required to wear a tracking bracelet starting July 15, the Government today said: “People who complete home isolation can cut and dispose of the electronic wristbands and uninstall the StayHomeSafe mobile app on their mobile phones. The Government will not give any separate notice.”

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