The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 8,365 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,614 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 6,751 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 509 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, 10 residential care homes for the elderly and three for disabled people logged 20 cases involving their residents and two for their staff.

In addition to reporting that nine patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered 10 more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 57.

Due to a number of positive cases, 45 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another six places Tai Wai, Sha Tin, Ma On Shan and Tseung Kwan O where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection stations at Chi Fu Fa Yuen in Southern District, Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan and Hong Kong Garden in Tsing Lung Tau tomorrow. 

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Sha Tin, Yuen Long and North 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.