The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 6,505 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,489 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 5,016 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 634 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, 15 residential care homes for the elderly and three for disabled people logged 34 cases involving their residents and staff.

Meanwhile, there were 1,515 positive cases concerning 1,284 students and 231 staff filed by 741 schools. As a result, 30 classes from 27 schools were advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for seven days.

In addition to reporting that 13 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered 12 more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 52.

Due to a number of positive cases, 49 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another three places in Tai Po and Ma On Shan where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Kwai Estate and Chi Fu Fa Yuen in Pok Fu Lam, and at Wang Tau Hom Estate in Lok Fu will open until Thursday.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Southern, Tai Po and Sha Tin 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.