The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 4,024 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,024 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,000 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 245 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, two residential care homes for the elderly and one for disabled people logged five virus cases involving their residents and staff.

There were also 498 positive cases, concerning 426 students and 72 staff, filed by 373 schools.

In addition to reporting that four more patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus disease, the Hospital Authority registered six more critical patients, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 39.

Due to a number of positive cases, 59 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers seven specified premises in Tai Kok Tsui, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun and Ho Man Tin where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The service period of the mobile specimen collection stations at Wang Tau Hom Estate in Lok Fu and Cheung Hang Estate in Tsing Yi will be extended to October 1.

Since there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Islands, Kwun Tong, Sha Tin, Tai Po and Central & Western districts, 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.