The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 8,316 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,657 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 6,659 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 562 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, nine residential care homes for the elderly and six for disabled people logged 19 cases involving their residents.

Meanwhile, there were 984 positive cases concerning 795 students and 189 staff filed by 605 schools. As a result, five classes from five schools were advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for seven days.

In addition to reporting that 14 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered nine more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 50.

Due to a number of positive cases, 53 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another three places in Ma On Shan and Tseung Kwan O where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

Apart from the community testing centres/stations that have been set up across the city, there is also an ad-hoc mobile specimen collection station in Kwai Tsing to facilitate people subject to compulsory testing.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Kwun Tong, Tuen Mun and Southern 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.