The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 4,773 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,708 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,065 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

Separately, 247 imported cases were reported.

Four elderly care homes and two residential care homes for people with disabilities reported infection cases involving residents or workers.

There were also 367 cases reported by 286 schools. Three schools have been advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for specific classes temporarily.

The centre added that three more patients passed away, bringing the total number of deaths in the fifth wave of the epidemic to 9,314.

Meanwhile, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Kui On House of Wo Lok Estate in Kwun Tong, requiring people in the restricted area to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

Due to a number of positive cases, 58 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers seven specified premises in Tai Po where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection station at Tin Ma Court in Wong Tai Sin tomorrow, while the mobile station at Cheung Shan Estate in Tsuen Wan will extend its service to August 6.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Kowloon City and Central & Western 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.

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