The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 4,034 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,387 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,647 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

Separately, 231 imported cases were reported.

Two elderly care homes recorded three positive cases and 15 residents needed to be quarantined.

The centre added that seven more patients passed away, bringing the total number of deaths in the fifth wave of the epidemic to 9,248.

Due to a number of positive cases, 63 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers two specified premises in Tsing Yi and Aberdeen where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection station at Cheung Hang Estate in Tsing Yi tomorrow while the mobile station at Chuk Yuen North Estate in Wong Tai Sin will extend services to July 25.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Wan Chai as well as Eastern and North 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.