The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 9,614 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,917 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 7,697 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 497 imported cases were detected.

Twelve residential care homes for the elderly and seven for disabled people logged 24 cases involving their residents and five cases of the staff.

In addition to reporting that 13 patients passed away in public hospitals due to the coronavirus, the Hospital Authority registered 11 more critical patients, bringing the number in critical condition to 52.

Due to a number of positive cases, 30 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers another five places in Shau Kei Wan, Kowloon City, Ma On Shan, Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

As there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas of Sai Kung, Kwai Tsing and Yau Tsim Mong 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.