The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 4,223 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,422 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,801 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

Separately, 205 imported cases were reported.

There were also 321 cases reported by 255 schools. Two schools have been advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for specific classes for one week.

Furthermore, three elderly care homes reported infection cases involving residents.

The centre added that four more patients passed away, bringing the total number of deaths in the fifth wave of the epidemic to 9,318.

Meanwhile, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Yat Mei House of Yau Chui Court in Yau Tong, requiring people in the restricted area to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline.

Due to a number of positive cases, 50 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers five specified premises in Ho Man Tin where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will set up or reopen mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Fu (II) Estate in Pok Fu Lam, Ka Keung Court in Wang Tau Hom and Shek Yam East Estate in Kwai Chung tomorrow.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Yau Tsim Mong, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin 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.