The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 9,359 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,939 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 7,420 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 637 imported cases were detected.

Eleven residential care homes for the elderly and four for disabled people logged 21 cases involving their residents.

Meanwhile, there were 1,192 positive cases concerning 988 students and 204 staff filed by 696 schools. As a result, 11 classes from 11 schools were advised to suspend face-to-face lessons for seven days.

In addition to reporting that 11 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered seven more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 53.

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

The Government will reopen the ad-hoc mobile specimen collection station at Sea Crest Villa Phase 1 in Sham Tseng tomorrow, and set up a new regular community testing station at the basketball court next to Wang Lai House of Wang Tau Hom Estate in Lok Fu (near Lung Cheung Road and Tin Ma Court) from December 5.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Southern and Kowloon City districts, 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.