The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 7,530 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,571 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 5,959 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 503 imported cases were detected.

Furthermore, 11 residential care homes for the elderly and one for disabled people logged 15 cases involving their residents and a staff member.

In addition to reporting that 20 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered 14 more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 61.

Due to a number of positive cases, 52 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another two places in 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 station at Rhine Garden in Sham Tseng tomorrow. 

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Sai Kung 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.